The Red Bull Soapbox Race is the greatest motorsport that doesn’t use a motor — and it’s coming to the streets of Downtown Los Angeles. On May 16th, DTLA will get loud as 40 teams from across the country will build the most creative, gravity-powered carts imaginable and send them flying down a custom course on 1st Street, packed with turns, jumps, and obstacles designed to test both their courage and their engineering.
What is the Red Bull Soapbox Race?
The Red Bull Soapbox Race is a global phenomenon that celebrates DIY engineering and pure adrenaline. Teams of up to four people build completely non-motorized racing machines from scratch.
Instead of engines, these carts rely on gravity and a lot of luck to make it down a custom-built downhill track. Before the push-off, each team performs a 30-second skit to hype up the crowd. From there, the driver navigates the course, with the objective of reaching the finish line — hopefully in one piece!
How are the winners chosen?
Winning takes more than just crossing the finish line. The 40 teams are judged on three different categories:
- Cart Creativity: How creative, unique, and impressive is the vehicle design?
- Showmanship: How entertaining was their 30-second performance?
- Race Time: How fast did they drive through the course obstacles?
The top three teams will take home trophies and exclusive prizes. Keep an eye out for the special bonus awards, including the “Fastest Time Award” and the “People’s Choice Award“, which gives you a chance to vote for your favorite
Event details
The event is 100% free to attend, making it a perfect family-friendly activity in Los Angeles. No tickets are required, though you can RSVP online.
- Main Hub: Gloria Molina Grand Park
- Address: 200 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Race Course: Starts at N. Grand Ave, runs down 1st Street, and finishes at N. Broadway.
Race Day Schedule:
- Gates Open: 11:00 AM
- Opening Ceremony: 12:00 PM
- Racing Begins: 12:15 PM
- Show Closes: 4:00 PM
🏎️ If you’re curious about the teams participating in the race, you can check them out at Red Bull’s website!
