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Annnd they're off
Soapbox race hits Ohio

Have you ever seen a pot of chili dance with the devil? Us either. But you might see a pot of chili race at top speed and even defy gravity when Red Bull Soapbox Race arrives in Cincinnati on Oct. 4. This is the only race scheduled for Ohio.

 

Teams of four will race at velocities topping 30 mph around the treacherous turns of Mount Adams in home-made, human-powered crafts. It’s not just about speed though; creativity and showmanship play an important role in deciding who will don the fiercely sought-after crown.

Visit www.redbullsoapboxusa.com for details and apply online through June 30.

Past carts have resembled everything from bars of soap to Jerry Springer and James Brown. The wilder the cart, the better.

Judges base their decisions on speed, creativity, and showmanship. Tires, aerodynamics and velocity will transport you to the finish line, but only a unique, ingenious touch will propel you onto the podium.

All driving machines must be entirely human-powered – no stored power or external energy sources allowed. Secondly, all vehicles must be less than six feet wide, less than 20 feet in length and no more than seven feet from the ground. And finally, all crafts must weigh no more than 176 lbs (not including the driver).

First prize includes an unforgettable NASCAR experience for all members of the winning team - you’ll get to be in the pit, meet Red Bull Racing drivers and enjoy the action up close and personal. The second place team will get to experience a high-performance race clinic and learn how to drive a high-speed race car around an actual track. Third-prize winners will get a hometown Red Bull Soapbox Race viewing party at their favorite local hangout. There will also be a People’s Choice award, the winners of which will be chosen by audience SMS voting day of the race.

The first Red Bull Soapbox Race took place in Belgium in 2000, and has since visited almost 30 countries including Austria, England, Sweden, Czech Republic and Australia, to name a few. It first touched down on U.S. soil in 2006 in St. Louis, MO.

To apply, visit www.redbullsoapboxusa.com.