Rules & Judging

Your Soapbox Vehicle

1) Regular cars use horsepower, but Red Bull soapbox cars use people power. Up to five of them, in fact. One or two drivers (drivers may be 18 years of age or older) and up to four “mechanics” who make up your pit crew. They’ll give you the push you need to get you off the starting ramp. But no engines, gas, batteries, electrical cords or catapults are allowed. And nothing can be mounted, screwed into or glued to the pavement in any way, shape or form. The vehicle definitely should have brakes, however, because we can’t be held responsible for stopping you.

2) No more than 176 lbs., not including the driver. - You don’t want your three mechanics pulling a hammy. Plus, and not to get all Johnnie Cochran on you, it must be less than 6' wide and 20' long, and it should sit no more than 7" from the ground, and be no taller than 7' high. Also, no prefabricated vehicles allowed. Which is just a fancy way of saying that you have to come up with the design yourself.

Race Format

The race is open to anyone who not only thinks they can build the greatest thing on four wheels, but is actually willing to drive their creation downhill. One car will race on a closed track. You will actually be racing against the clock. Not literally, of course. Clocks don't know how to drive soapbox cars. But winners will be selected, in part, based on their course times.

Judging Criteria

1) Creativity - It’s not enough that it actually moves. Outrageous is what we want. The preposterous. The ostentatious. Your soapbox should be an extension of you, so have fun when you design it. Be wild. Be crazy. Be anything you want. Just not ordinary.

2) Speed - Not to state the obvious, but this event is, first and foremost, a race. So the fastest one across the finish line is definitely going to be looked favorably upon. And you actually have to cross the finish line with the vehicle.

3) Showmanship - We said the first one to cross the finish line will be looked favorably upon. We didn’t say they’d win. Speed is nothing without a little personality. OK, a lot of personality. So wow us with your stage routine, impress us with your charisma and of course, dazzle us with your showmanship.