Act fast, deadline nearing to apply for Utah’s Red Bull Soapbox race

March 30 is the application deadline for the Salt Lake City Red Bull Soapbox race in July. Photo: courtesy of the Utah Sports Commission

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — For the first time in Utah, the world famous Red Bull Soapbox race is coming to town, however the March 30 deadline to apply to participate is rapidly approaching.

For more than 20 years, the Red Bull Soapbox Race has been challenging the public to push the boundaries of creativity, engineering, and driving skills. Since its inception in 2000, this global phenomenon has hosted over a hundred races worldwide, featuring an eclectic mix of wacky motor-less crafts, colorful pilots, and a sea of cheering fans.

Governor Cox helped launch the event’s application-opening at the Capital Building in Salt Lake City, directly adjacent to where the starting line will be for the race.

“It’s amazing to see the engineering and creativity of the teams who spend weeks designing and building their soapbox cars,” A Red Bull athlete told the crowd gathered along with the Governor. “Some make it to the finish line, while others don’t, and that’s how exciting this race is for the audience!” 

Every year, only three U.S. cities are designated as tour stops, and Salt Lake City has now made it on to this short list.

“Utah is thrilled to welcome Red Bull Soapbox Race to downtown Salt Lake City. We can’t wait to see how Utahns showcase their creativity and skill in their soapbox designs – it’s a great family-friendly participatory event for the state,” said Jeff Robbins, president and CEO of the Utah Sports Commission to the crowd. 

Among other similar events have been Downtown Slip-N-Slide and Downtown Skijoring.

If you’re thinking that performing a dance or skit, while in costume, in front of the thousands of assembled fans isn’t normally what the vehicle race participants would do, now you’re thinking on the same level as the Red Bull Air Force Team who are putting this event on. It’s a mash-up moment just waiting to go viral.

The debut Utah event will take place on Saturday, June 14. In early April, the announcement will be made naming the teams accepted to participate. Up to 40 of them will make the cut and up to five people need to fit into each soapbox.

The course, which will be free for the public to watch, will feature steep, sharp slopes, sharp curves and built-in built-up jumps.

Amateur drivers from across the country will be among the applicants  to unleash their imaginations by building their own motor-less crafts. But it’s not just about speed and road-holding – participants will also need to showcase their flair for creativity and showmanship.

Soapbox challenges the most fearless, fun-loving and foolhardy teams to prototype and create the wackiest of rides. Prepare to propel your car to the finish line and hope gravity is on your side. 

Click here to begin the process of filling out an online application.