Cape Town - Over 60 teams are expected to take part in the outrageously entertaining Red Bull Box Cart Race in Cape Town on Sunday.
Red Bull Box Cart Races (they are called soapbox races elsewhere) are held on a variety of courses in cities around the world.
The first Red Bull Box Cart Race was held in Belgium in 2000 and since then it has spread around the world with more than 100 events taking place from France and Germany to Norway and New Zealand (where the Kiwis call it “Red Bull Trolley Grand Prix”).
The name may vary around the world but the courses are always in iconic locations (featuring a steep hill) with various obstacles included adding to the thrills and inevitable spills.
The teams are all local amateur entrants and the vehicles are powered by nothing more than gravity, leg muscles and perhaps a drop of Red Bull.
There’s a panel of expert judges and points on offer for the craziness of your creation.
Along with speed, each team will also be judged on creativity and showmanship: How spectacular is their racer? How flamboyant was their performance? And to win the team will need to channel the aerodynamic know-how of aeronautical engineers with the artistic flair of a street artist and the stage presence of a rock band.
The Red Bull Box Cart Race was expected to draw 12 000 spectators and will get under way in true Cape Town fashion, with a replica of the noon gun being used to set racers off on the route.
Over the nearly 600m of twists and turns, the race is expected to offer participants and visitors a thrilling event.
Alongside the City of Cape Town, the community of the Bo-Kaap is proud to support the event with services to ensure a successful and exciting day for everyone.
The event starts at 11am and is free to the public. Get there early to get a good spot along the course to witness the action.