Red Bull Soapbox Race October 18, 2008

San Francisco, a city known for cinematic car chases on its hilly terrain, will achieve a new vehicular milestone as Red Bull Soapbox Race rolls into town on October 18. The event will feature a field of 40 hand-made racers, driven by men and women daring enough to brave steep drops, hairpin turns and scary speeds in pursuit of achieving raceway glory. But these are no ordinary vehicles - keep their eyes peeled for a burrito truck, a giant baseball, a cable car, and more zooming down Dolores Street in the Mission District. Even the San Francisco Illegal Soapbox Society is getting in on the action with a soapbox racer of its own. Gates at 11am, First race at 1pm. Free

After reviewing over 100 strong applications, the 40 most creative teams were selected to race their human-powered vehicles down the course. While these teams definitely feel the need for speed — they will reach speeds over 30mph in their racers — they will need more than just velocity to win. Judging is based on three criteria: speed, creativity and showmanship, so expect to see a healthy slice of style added to soapboxes’ blur-inducing speed.

Red Bull Soapbox Race is a FREE event. Gates open at 11am, first race at 1pm.

Details taken from: http://sf.funcheap.com/2008/08/21/red-bull-soapbox-race-30-teams-race-down-dolores-street-mission-dist/

Official Website: http://www.redbullsoapboxusa.com/SanFrancisco-2008/default.aspx