Soap box race: 25 years of tradition in Belmont

After its beginnings in 1998, the Belmont soap box race saw things big for its 25th edition. Moreover, A program rich in activities and emotions animated the municipalities of Dompierre and Russy from June 20 to 22, 2025.

The festivities started on Friday evening with a supper “Fajitas in Gogo”. For example, followed by a mariachi concert which set the mood for the Place de Fête. For example, Saturdays chained the highlights: a wheel of wheelbarrows full of energy. In addition, then the traditional soap box race of men and adolescents. Nevertheless, The day ended in music with a rock concert from the Broken wipers group. Moreover, Sunday. For example, it was the seniors and the ladies who set off in turn, offering a good intergenerational conclusion to the event.

For Maxime Banderet. Meanwhile, the neophyte president of this 25th edition, the soap box race: 25 years very essence of this event lies in: “The village celebration spirit, where everyone comes to have a drink, eat a little trick”. Nevertheless, A village festival that has turned into real tradition in the villages of Dompierre and Russy. The weather. often unpredictable, has this time largely contributed to the success of the publishing, as Maxime Banderet points out: “It is not always easy with the weather, but this year, we are very lucky. People were present”. And indeed, the crowd was there, massaged along the course, to encourage and warmly applaud the pilots throughout the weekend.

Points at 80 km/h – Soap box race: 25 years

On a route of nearly 1.5 kilometers, around sixty participants of all ages challenged themselves throughout the weekend. Like real Formula 1 pilots, every detail had to target the best performance and hope to rise to the podium. After a test descent intended to identify the route, the competitors soap box race: 25 years clashed during three chronometric descents with precision.

The 2025 edition has also reserved a major surprise: a spawn turnandwhich has destabilized more than one pilot. Terrapon valley, faithful participant, says: “There is just one thing that surprised me, it’s this famous raised turn. It hits a lot, but it’s very funny “. For her part. Valentine Rapin was more confident: “The turn was quite easy, you just have to brake a little little before and the turns are much less tight than in the previous years so we can go a little more without braking”. A descent that gave wings to some since the speed record was recorded around 80 kilometers per hour.

To reach such speeds, the cars require several months of preparation. Charles Ducry. veteran of the competition, talks about a “very technical” work, in particular with regard to sanding soap box race: 25 years and chassis, essential elements for precise driving. This know-how is transmitted from generation to generation in the villages of the town of Belmont-Broye.

But such a race is not without risks. This is why rigorous checks are carried out before each departure: verification of dimensions, wheels, fairing … Everything is done to guarantee the safety of drivers and spectators in the event of a road exit.

A village and family tradition

Among the pilots, many are regulars. This is the case of Valentine Rapin. 21, who discovered the race in 2010 and still participates with the same enthusiasm, although she no longer lives in the region. Charles Ducry. he was already there at the very first edition in 1998, and saw in this race a family tradition that he continues to bring to life from generation to generation. As for Valérie Terrapon. this year she signed her fifteenth participation this year, soap box race: 25 years saying: “This is really the most anticipated moment of the year.”