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Karting fun at the Castle Douglas Soapbox Derby

News imageLynne Smith Photography A silver Cybertruck running through colourful smokeLynne Smith Photography
2025 Soapbox winners - fake Musk and Trump - didn't escape the obstacles on the way down

Colourful homemade karts rolled into a south Scotland town at the weekend for an annual challenge.

The Castle Douglas Soapbox Derby was launched in 2019 by a group of local friends.

The self-funded event involves gravity-powered homemade cars rolling down a ramp before facing a range of ramps and obstacles.

Organiser Matt McKerlie said he hoped the event brought fun to the town while supporting local businesses.

News imageStuart White A wooly brown car, centre, with ears and a nose resembling a dog rushing down a street. The background is blurred showing its speed. There is a bike wheel at the bottom. The car is dodging blue and red balls swinging from a frame above it.Stuart White
The famous Mutt Cuts car from Dumb & Dumber dodged obstacles on the town's main street
News imageStuart White A car resembling a plan rolling down the ramp. It has red barriers and blue flags on top. It is beside a large tree, and is nearly half the height of it.Stuart White
Daredevils made sure to wear helmets as they rode their karts off the large ramp
News imageKeith Kirk Photographer A winding track looking down the street towards a large red and blue blow-up finsih line.Keith Kirk Photographer
The track runs down the town's King Street with large obstacles
News imageStuart White Crowds look at a merman on a tricyle. He has a large grey beard and seahorse balloon on front of the kart.Stuart White
A merman was among the competitors on King Street
News imageRachel Wield A large black boblsed with yellow and green stripes down the side. On the front, vertical text reads JAMAICA. Theres two riders inside wearing yellow helmets.Rachel Wield
The famous Cool Runnings bobsleigh team made an appearance
News imageRachel Wield A close up of a small green and black camoflague tank rolling down the ramp. At either side there are checkered and Scotland flags.Rachel Wield
Even tanks rolled down the ramp
News imageRachel Wield A close up of an angry shark face on the side of a metal pointy bike.Rachel Wield
All karts in the event are homemade