Unusual Sports: Soapbox Racing
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
At least once a year, Red Bull of Formula One fame, organises a soapbox race, the first event being held in Brussels on 30 April 2003.
The race involves amateur pilots who race in hand-made motorless vehicles, which must have steering and braking ability, and they are judged on their speed, their road-holding ability and also their aesthetics.
Originality play an important part and the soapboxes take their inspiration from folk-lore and pop culture. Notable examples include Pokemon-based karts and reproductions of the Popemobile and Mr Bean’s mini.
More than 100 races have been held in many countries around the world, covering every Continent, except Antarctica, at least once. In fact, the first race outside Europe was held in Auckland, New Zealand. The first race in the United States of America was held in 2006 in St. Louis, Missouri. Since then, seventeen races have been held throughout the country.
On 16 May 2015, the Dutch motor racing driver, Max Verstappen, the Formula One driver for the Red Bull Racing Team, opened the race in Valkenburg, the Netherlands, driving a soapbox resembling his own STR10 racing car.
The winners of the events receive a trophy and some other special prizes.
Soapbox racing provides fun and entertainment for participants and spectators alike!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
