Good Clean Fun – Redbull Soap Box Derby LA

Red Bull Soapbox has been taken on by many brave souls; this ain’t no boy scout race. An event of this magnitude is only meant for real men and women that have the courage to try and conquer the intricate course at the latest pit stop in LA. The first Red Bull Soapbox Race took place in Belgium in 2000 and has since visited over 30 countries including Austria, England and Jamaica just to name a few.

With an estimated 111,000 people, the L.A traffic, and the rising temperatures, Angelinos still came out in droves to watch the 40 home made soapboxes from all across the US race through the streets of Downtown LA. The downhill course was mayhem, navigating the jumps, a banked 90-degree turn, and tight chicanes; only a few teams that managed to complete the course with their Soapboxes intact. Even more surprising was a record –setting speed of over 45mph.

Team Ironheade from San Francisco claimed the top podium spot and a V.I.P. NASCAR experience with their soapbox modeled after the soon-to-be-released video game Brütal Legend. Their blistering speed and heavy metal rock theme tore the course to shreds, and with it, the competition LA hometown favorite, Team Ludicrous Speed!!! The Spaceballs themed Winnebago warped into second place. We have to salute their memorable costumes and skit based on the movie. The third place team also won the People’s Choice Award, and they aren’t even from LA! Denver’s Team Speed Racer won the hearts of Southern California and a day of high-speed go-kart racing with their gorgeous recreation Speed Racer’s famous Mach 5.

A very brief look from the outside would have most people thinking that the Redbull Soapbox Derby competes in a vacuum of rules and regulations. In actuality, there are a few. All driving machines must be entirely human-powered, no stored power or external energy sources allowed. Thankfully, they must have a braking system. To maintain ground clearance, soapboxes must sit at least 7 inches from the ground, and be no taller than 7 feet high. Finally, all soapboxes can have one or two drivers, but must weigh no more than 176 lbs (without the drivers).

Teams were judged on three criteria; speed, creativity and showmanship. Judging was carried out by a panel of semi-celebrity judges. First, the acting legend and recent sunglass mavin; Erik Estrada, “American Idol” contestant Kimberly Caldwell, motocross star and World Record holder Ronnie Renner, ESPN Sports Center Host Stan Verrett and X Games host Sal Masekela.

That sure is one hell of a Saturday with thrills, spills and soap boxes. Cant wait too see it next year.