Red Bull racers – soapboxes including a Beatles-inspired yellow submarine, a police car and a black cab have been taken for a test drive ahead of the Red Bull Soapbox race at Alexandra Palace, London on 14 July.
The vehicles, which each took three weeks to make, are made from BMX bicycle wheels and a steel axel steering mechanism. They were customized using plywood, polystyrene and cardboard tubing, and are covered in coloured plastazote foam with details such as number plates and other branding created using vinyl.
After a nine year hiatus, the world’s wackiest road race returns as 70 human-powered soapboxes compete for glory as part of a festival of music and fun. Judges Rob Marshall (Chief Designer at Red Bull Racing), Danny MacAskill (street trials pro-rider) and Gee Atherton (multi-award winning mountain biker) will be assessing entries on their speed, creativity and crowd-pleasing antics.
Entrants include a loaf of bread baked to soapbox size, Elvis’ blue suede shoe and a Royal baby carriage.
Off the racetrack, there will be plenty of action to keep the crowds entertained including face painting, ‘people pit-stops’ and live music from DJs.
Chief Designer at Red Bull Racing, Rob Marshall; street trials pro-rider, Danny MacAskill and multi-award winning mountain biker, Gee Atherton; will be the judges on the day.
The course opens to the public at 10.30am, racing commences at 12pm and the winner is crowned at 4pm.
Red Bull Soapbox Race 2013 is at Alexandra Palace on Sunday 14th July
