Teams

ESCARGO

Garage Headquarters: Antioch, TN

Driver: Patrick Parker

Mechanics: Sam Atwell, Brandon Douphit, Randy Douphit, Ryan McCray

Nuts and Bolts:

Patrick Parker and Ryan McCray work together at a graphic design firm in Tennessee. "At work, we tend to have crazy ideas," Parker states. "Just last month, we held our first pirate luau." When they saw a television commercial about Red Bull Soapbox Race, they thought it would be a great outlet for some of their more outlandish instincts. All they needed were a few equally outlandish recruits to complete the team. "Having our friends Sam Atwell and Brandon Douphit – and Brandon's son Randy – join our team was a no-brainer, because I have always thought of them as some of the funniest, most creative people I know," Parker comments. "Not to mention," he adds with a wink, "the fact that Brandon can weld."

The Escargo team are as serious about racing as they are fanciful about the visual aesthetics of their design. Under his breath, Parker notes that it's taking all the self-discipline he and McCray have to stay focused at the office. It would be so easy to start brainstorming aerodynamic concepts... The Antioch resident glazes over for a moment before snapping to, then acknowledges with a sheepish smile, "We are extremely excited to get the chance to race!"