Soapbox Derby Race

So, I was on the phone with The Warden earlier and he told me something rather interesting.  Red Bull apparently has a national soapbox derby race.  This year, the race was in Los Angeles.  This competition looks like a lot fun.  According to a reliable source within the company, Red Bull considers anything less than 50,000 in attendance to be a failure.  The size of this party is really beyond the comprehension of most people.

Here is a little background info about the event (taken from the website):

The race is open to anyone who not only thinks they can build the greatest thing on four wheels, but is actually willing to drive their creation downhill. One car will race on a closed track. You will actually be racing against the clock. Not literally, of course. Clocks don't know how to drive soapbox cars. But, winners will be selected, in part, based on their course times.

Drivers must be 18 years of age or older, and four “mechanics” of any age will make up your pit crew. They’ll give you the push you need to get you off the starting ramp. But no engines, gas, batteries, electrical cords or catapults are allowed. And nothing can be mounted, screwed into or glued to the pavement in any way, shape or form. The vehicle definitely should have brakes, however, because we can’t be held responsible for stopping you.

Your soapbox car must weigh less than 176 lbs., not including the driver. You don’t want your mechanics pulling a hammy. Also, all vehicles must be less than six feet wide and 20 feet in length and no more than seven feet high. Also, no pre-fabricated vehicles allowed, which is just a fancy way of saying that you have to come up with the design yourself.

In 2012, the race is coming to Dallas.  Austin Ranch to be exact.  Anyone that has been there, knows about the steep hill on Windhaven Parkway.  Well, that is the exact location this race will take place in the fall of 2012.  So, The Parole Board decided that the race needs an INMATE car.  After some brainstorming, we came up with a great idea (at least we think so) for the design of the soapbox car.  I don't want to give away anything yet, but I promise to keep you updated as we make progress. 

To read more about the event, click here http://www.redbullsoapboxusa.com/.