Teams

Dumb Mutts

Garage Headquarters: Providence, RI

Driver: Ole Rodernick

Mechanics: Mike Mariomo, Theresa Thompson, Jacklyn Currier

Nuts and Bolts:

“Public humiliation is better at 30 miles per hour,” says Ole Rodrick, driver for Team Dumb Mutts. “That’s what Soapbox means to us.” Rodrick, Jackie Currier, Mike Mariano, and Theresa Thompson are used to seeing each other in silly situations – after all, several of them have known each other since grade school, and the rest became friends through the circus. Mariano highlights their collective resume: “Jackie is a girl mechanic and toured in the Big Apple Circus, and Ole can kick himself in the head,” he begins. “Speaking of kicking, Theresa was once kicked in the back by Roddy Bottom, keyboardist of Faith No More, when he was rushing the stage, and she’s the only un-tattooed member of the team.” He finishes, “Oh, and I’ve appeared on the ‘Ricki Lake Show’ and MTV, and I’m bigger than the average human.”

So how are they putting this, uh, skillset to use? By employing recycled materials to create a soapbox vehicle in the shape of an oversized dog. The teammates figure that if they can keep focused and refrain from having too much fun, they might have a chance at winning. “’Almost’ only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades,” Mariano winks, “and ‘runner-up’ just means first-place loser!”