Crewe’s young people have been put in the driving seat to create their very own soapbox kart, thanks to an exciting collaboration between AO, the UK’s most trusted electricals retailer, and our new local charity The Dome Youth Zone for the upcoming Krazy Races event on 24 May 2026.
AO – a Founder Patron of The Dome – invited the charity’s Young People’s Development Group (a team of local young people who are helping develop the new Youth Zone) to design a kart inspired by our brand.
The young people then visited AO’s logistics headquarters in the heart of Crewe to present their idea to the company’s Director of Operations, Tony Chrystal, as well as AO mechanics and engineers, who are now helping refine the technical elements and bring the kart to life. The group then returned to AO to get hands-on with the build and apply their custom paintwork ahead of race day.
At the event, the kart will be supported by a joint The Dome/AO pit crew, led by AO driver Nick Cooper.
Krazy Races is the UK’s leading, award-winning soapbox derby, bringing together teams from businesses, schools and families to design, build and race handmade soapboxes. AO is also the event’s track and mascot sponsor for the second year running.
Chloe, who sits on the Young People’s Development Group, said: “We’re proud to be participating in the race in partnership with AO, a company that shares our passion of teamwork, and doing things a little differently. Together, we will be putting our creativity to the test as we design and build a krazy cart that we hope will stand out on race day.”
The Dome’s CEO, Stuart Manifould, said: “It’s fantastic to see our Founder Patron AO engaging with young people before our Youth Zone’s doors have even opened. Youth work is all about opportunity – and what a brilliant opportunity for our YPDG to learn about engineering, design and mechanics in such a hands-on way. We can’t wait to finish our kart and take part in the Krazy Race later this year!”
Lynne Wood, Director of Service Delivery at AO Logistics, said: “As Founder Patrons of The Dome, we’re really looking forward to seeing it make a real difference to the lives of so many young people in Crewe.
“These young people have done an absolutely brilliant job designing the soapbox car and it’s been a pleasure to help bring their vision to life. I can’t wait to see it race our own AO kart around the Krazy Races track on Sunday 24th May.”
Danny Scoffin, from Krazy Races, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see young people from The Dome Youth Zone getting fully involved in Krazy Races, this is exactly what the event is all about. It’s not just about race day, it’s about the creativity, teamwork and hands-on experience that goes into building something from scratch. Seeing AO support and mentor the group in bringing their ideas to life is fantastic, and we can’t wait to see their kart take on the course in Crewe this May.”
Our Youth ZOne is being delivered in partnership with OnSide and Cheshire East Council, and is supported by local businesses and philanthropists who share the Youth Zone’s vision of bringing first-class youth provision to Crewe and Cheshire East. The Founder Patron campaign aims to achieve long-term sustainability, to ensure The Dome Youth Zone will be an asset to the community, transforming young people’s lives for generations to come.
As the building progresses, we continue to seek support for its annual running costs and build momentum towards its opening. To find out more about being part of The Dome, contact kate.butler@thedomeyouthzone.org