Adrenaline-loving soapbox racers are down to the last minute to submit designs for the Red Bull Soapbox Race.
Applications need to be postmarked no later than Friday for the downhill contest. So if you haven't entered yet, you may want to crack a Red Bull and start filling out that application.
Forty to 50 teams are expected for the Sept. 26 race, which runs through downtown via Grand Avenue with a razor sharp turn onto 5th Street, according to redbullsoapboxusa.com:
But make no mistake; this isn't some Boy Scout derby! Only men and women daring enough to brave steep drops, hairpin turns and scary speeds in pursuit of achieving raceway glory will be competing. Judging is based on three criteria: speed, creativity and showmanship, so plan to add a healthy slice of style to your soapbox's blur-inducing speed. All driving machines must be entirely human-powered -- no stored power or external energy sources allowed -- though they must have a braking system.
All vehicles must be less than 6 feet wide and 20 feet in length, no more than 7 feet high and cannot weigh more than 176 pounds (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, according to the event's website.
This non-motorized racing event is free to the public.
