Teams

The Baker's Men

Garage Headquarters: Collingdale, PA

Driver: Patrick McCann

Mechanics: Arthur Chapis, Charles Scala, Ryan Foster, Matt Skalish

Nuts and Bolts:

“When I think of Philadelphia, I don’t think of the things people usually mention, like cheesesteaks or the Eagles,” says Patrick McCann. “No, I think of home-grown Tastykakes!” If you’re from Philly, or even from nearby Collingdale like Patrick, Tastykakes need no introduction. They’re the individually wrapped snack cakes you grew up with, smashed under the apple in your lunchbox or stolen by that really mean kid who ate everybody’s desserts. If you squint, they also resemble soapbox cars.

On September 6, Patrick will be joined by his friends Ryan Foster, Arthur Chapis, Charles Scala, and Matt Skalish (“The Baker’s Men”) in an attempt to conquer “The Wall” with a Tastykake – specifically, a Butterscotch Krimpet. The five college students (Temple, Stockton University, and Delaware County Community College), who also work jobs in retail, transportation, and food service (i.e., pizza delivery), have absolutely no experience building a soapbox racer. And they’re not particularly good bakers, either. But they’re working on a remix version of “Patty Cake, Patty Cake, Baker’s Man” for their pre-race presentation, and they’re sure that with hard work, enthusiasm, and the willingness to make fools of themselves in front of thousands of people, they’ll get their just desserts. Patrick, the team’s driver, says confidently, “Our costuming, routine, music, and car itself will definitely get the crowd feeling the Baker’s Men,” and adds, “We’re going to smear the competition…with icing.”