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What: Red Bull Soapbox Derby
Where: Down 10th Street near Piedmont Park
When: Pits open at 11 am, the first race is at 1 pm
Cost: Free
The Red Bull Soapbox Derby is making it’s southeastern debut on Saturday in Atlanta. Just because this is the first event in the deep south, don’t think all the entries are hometown novices. Soapbox racing is serious business, just look at the get-ups on those cars and drivers. There are even some Yankees from Wisconsin and New Jersey who dared to cross the Mason Dixon for a shot at the title.
If you go, you’ll probably want to know the finer points of the race, so here are the rules: Each soapbox must be powered by gravity and imagination, which means no stored power or external energy sources allowed. And size does matter! All vehicles must be less than six feet wide and 20 feet in length, no more than seven feet high and cannot weigh more than 176 lbs (not including the driver). Drivers must be at least 18 years old, but engineers and grease monkeys of all ages are welcome to be part of the five person team. It’s not just about speed. Although finishing the course is a must, there are also points for creativity based on the votes of a distinguished panel of judges.
I can see my boys trying to replicate this race down the hill on our street. Anyone have some old jog stroller wheels?
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I took my oldest and youngest to this. We were late to the start, but with 30 some teams, there were plenty of teams left to go when we got there. My husband went earlier and said it was crowded on the 10th Street track. We opted to view it on a big screen in the park. It was HOT in the sun, but the atmosphere was fun. I think you could probably get near the track later in the race judging from the shots on screen. It was a beautiful day to be outside and the cars were crazy. Some of the skits were a bit much, but all in all it was an enjoyable festival type afternoon of fun.