Soapbox race

Soapbox racing is a youth auto racing program that has been held in the United States since 1933. The world championship finals are held every July at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio. The cars that participate in this and related events are not powered by any particular energy source, they rely entirely on gravity to move.

The very first Red Bull Soapbox Race took place in 1999 in Genval, Belgium. Over the following years, the event has grown to include more than 50 races in 25 countries, from Australia to South Africa and from Finland to Portugal.

Highly mediatized (40% of the budget injected in the communication) REDBULL allowed to give life to the phenomenon. 

As is often the case, there is nothing left of the original wooden box.

Self-mockery is the rule, since at the beginning, one can admire vehicles in the shape of ski boots, a swimming pool tiled with blue earthenware, a mobile barbecue driven by grilled sausages, a carrot in the shape of a rocket, a railroad car, a flying pig or even a giant beach towel.

What about Gap?

The City of Gap, in partnership with the association "Caisses de savon Velléronnaises", is organising its first edition of the soapbox race.
Don't miss this event!

Sunday 28th May 2023

About thirty participants will race down the Route de la Descente (former Bayard road) at full speed in their makeshift car!
Music, entertainment, catering and refreshments will be provided throughout the day.