Monteverdi Marittimo Soapbox Derby

The Monteverdi Marittimo Soapbox Derby

The Soapbox Derby is one of the most vibrant and original events of the summer in Monteverdi Marittimo, a small village in the Province of Pisa perched on the hills of the Val di Cornia, in Tuscany. Promoted by the Pro Loco of Monteverdi Marittimo in collaboration with Speeddown Italia, the race revives an ancient street game: racing engine-less carts powered solely by gravity.

A downhill course

The track winds through the village streets for approximately 700 meters, with an average gradient of 7%: a short but technical descent that tests the driving skills, balance, and courage of the pilots. The course runs through the town center and finishes near the Info Center, offering the public a close-up view of the most spectacular heats.

The vehicles

You will see everything on the track: ball-bearing carts, engine-less go-karts, mini-karts, single-bobs, drift trikes, gravity bikes, and traditional folkloric carts, often handmade and decorated with great imagination. The race includes multiple timed heats divided into various official categories, from ball-bearing vehicles to those with rubber tires.

A popular festival

Beyond the competition, the Soapbox Derby is above all a moment of celebration for the entire community: families, enthusiasts, and curious onlookers gather along the village streets, while pilots arrive from various parts of Tuscany — from the Pisa and Lucca areas to the Versilia, Casentino, and Florence regions. The event is part of the rich summer calendar of Monteverdi Marittimo and the hamlet of Canneto, filled with food festivals, patron saint feasts, and historical re-enactments.

In the hills of Val di Cornia

Participating in the Soapbox Derby is also an opportunity to discover Monteverdi Marittimo, a village of medieval origin nestled in the greenery of the metalliferous hills, and to savor the specialties of Tuscan cuisine offered at the numerous summer festivals in the area.