Red Bull Soapbox Race, London

The Red Bull soapbox race happens in various cities globally, including London. The race involves teams of competitors building and racing their homemade soapbox cars down a specially designed course—it’s great fun to watch! Below are some photos I took at the 2019 event at Alexandra Palace in London.

About Red Bull’s Soapbox Race

As you’d guess from the name, the energy drink company Red Bull organises the event. It’s a downhill racing competition where teams build and race non-motorised, gravity-powered vehicles, often in elaborate and creative designs.

The race emphasises creativity, showmanship, and entertainment value, with teams judged not only on their speed but also their creativity and performance. Moreover, it’s a lighthearted and often humorous global event, drawing many participants and spectators alike.

The Red Bull Soapbox Race at Alexandra Palace, London

In London, the Red Bull soapbox race happens on a course that winds through the City’s historic Alexandra Palace. Teams from across the UK and beyond compete to see who can build the fastest, most innovative, and most entertaining soapbox car.

The London venue is Alexandra Palace, or “Ally Pally,” a historic entertainment and exhibition venue in North London. It opened in 1873 and has been a public entertainment venue, a broadcasting centre, and now an exhibition space and sports venue.

The palace sits within Alexandra Park, offering extensive panoramic views of London. The site has hosted events, from concerts and exhibitions to sporting events and cultural festivals. Today, it remains a popular destination for locals and tourists, offering leisure activities, live entertainment, and cultural events.

The race is open to anyone over 16 years of age and attracts engineering students, amateur racers, and creative types who build quirky and unusual soapbox cars. As part of the fun, the cars often resemble famous vehicles or characters from popular culture because of the way contestants decorate them with eye-catching designs and slogans.

For example, one recognisable soapbox racer from pop culture was from the UK television series “Only Fools and Horses.” Another included a soapbox in the form of a bee and a rocket.

Overall, the day is a fun, family-friendly event that attracts large crowds, especially when teams flip and tumble into the crash barriers!

In short, soapbox racing is a unique and exciting event that combines creativity, engineering, and adrenaline-fueled racing. The Red Bull soapbox race, in particular, is a must-see event for anyone who loves cars, competition, and fun!