Teams

The Zach Attacks!

Garage Headquarters: Gilroy, CA

Driver: Jordan Griesshaber

Mechanics: Zach Matthews, Zach Tibbits, Judd Kincaid, Brian Schrock

Nuts and Bolts:

While many Red Bull Soapbox Race contenders pump themselves up with good-natured bluster and trash talk, the members of the Zach Attacks! crew are refreshingly realistic. “Since we’re new to this kind of thing, it’s hard to imagine that we’ll win,” states team captain Jordan Griesshaber, “but we’re hoping to at least make the finish line in one piece.” The group’s name was inspired by the two Zachs (Matthews and Tibbits) in its lineup, and the entry’s theme stems from Zach T.’s profession. The 32-year-old is a San Francisco Fire Department paramedic; so their soapbox racer will contend in the guise of an SFFD ambulance.

Despite their professed lack of experience in soapbox contests, this bunch possesses some valuable skills for designing a viable racer. Jordan and Brian work in construction and contracting (and Jordan also wrenches on a local friend’s race motorcycle); Zach M. helps to run a metal shop in Gilroy, California; and Judd, the metal shop’s director of quality control, also used to own a bicycle shop. Plus, as avid travelers (Zach M. has been to all seven continents!), they’re used to making friends wherever they go, so they won’t be shy about meeting fans on race day. Nonetheless, Jordan remains self-effacing. “Steering and braking are going to be a challenge, but we’re giving it our best shot,” he says. “Everyone loves the SFFD, and hopefully we can represent them well.”