Great Mosbach Soapbox Derby 1200 Years

1200 Years of Mosbach — The Celebration Year 2026

Mosbach is celebrating its 1200th anniversary in 2026: The town was first mentioned in 826 in a deed of gift to the Lorsch Abbey. Twelve centuries of history will be celebrated throughout the year with over 100 events — and the Great Mosbach Soapbox Derby is one of the most playful and simultaneously most popular anniversary dates. The town is setting a signal: tradition and fun in harmony.

The Course — Through the Medieval Townscape

The race course is part of the charm: it uses the topography of the old town. Start at the Schmelzgärten near the Mosbach tax office — where the town area slopes into the first valley. The course leads through the Zwingerstraße, a characteristic Mosbach old town street with a half-timbered backdrop. Finish area Alte Bergsteige — the uphill gradient acts as a natural braking zone, increasing safety for the youngest drivers. A total of around 600 meters of track length with gradients and curves.

Who's Racing

The town has invited all tinkerers, families, school classes, clubs, and creative minds — and around 80 teams have registered. Two age groups: 8–16 years (youth) and 17–99 years (adults), plus three performance classes, which differentiate by car type and speed. Registration via email to [email protected] with registration form and race specifications. Starting fee €5 per soapbox on race day.

Safety and Regulations

Full helmet required on the entire course (no half-helmets, no bicycle helmets). Protective clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended. The town refers to the official construction guidelines of the German soapbox associations, which are widely available online, for building instructions. Safety check of the cars on race day before the first run.

Judging — Time, Creativity, Team Spirit

Not only the fastest time is judged, but also special prizes for creativity, originality, and team spirit. The special prizes are judged by a jury of city representatives and sponsors. This also encourages participants who can't build the fastest car but focus on wit and costumes — witch cars, pirates, dragons, cake slices, banana boxes, all have been seen before.

Folk Festival Atmosphere Around the Course

Spectator areas with grandstands, snack stands, drinks, live moderation, and loudspeakers will be set up along the course. Families with picnic blankets will occupy the free meadow areas. Bratwurst, cake, drinks right on site. Live music during the breaks between runs.

Mosbach — Half-Timbered Gem on the Neckar

The Große Kreisstadt (major district town) of Mosbach (AGS 08225, capital of the Neckar-Odenwald district) is located in the picturesque valley of the Elzbach, shortly before its mouth into the Neckar. The old town with over 100 preserved half-timbered houses, the famous Palmschen Haus (1610), and the market square with the town hall is one of the best-preserved half-timbered town centres in Southern Germany. The soapbox derby runs right through this heritage — a rare backdrop for family motorsport without an engine.

Why Go

A must-attend event for families with children: exciting action, free spectator areas, many hands-on activities around the event, bratwurst stand all within reach. For Mosbach lovers, an extraordinary view of the old town — the Zwingerstraße as a race stage is not seen every day. For local history enthusiasts, an opportunity to experience the anniversary year in an unusual facet.