PHILADELPHIA, PA -- 09/06/08 --
Rain or shine the people of Philadelphia
(and even Mayor Nutter) proved that when it comes to cheering on their
favorite team even a tropical storm won't keep them away. From a Giant Pink
high heel with wings to a fire hydrant complete with a peeing dog,
thirty-four teams swiveled and stumbled their way down the steepest course
in Red Bull Soapbox history. It was Swampscott, MA, team Deuces Wild that
clinched first place, at 44.7 seconds, with their tricked out baby
carriage. Although the booties, bonnets and baby made the soapbox, it was
the Michael Jackson impersonator stealing and pushing the stroller that
made the crowd roar.
"We flew down the hill like we never expected," said Will Phiel, Deuces
Wild's co-driver. "The pouring rain was a non-issue for us," he added as
he thanked the crowd in his high-pitched Michael Jackson voice.
Philly's very own team Great Scott was awarded second place with their
"Back to the Future" themed car. Third place went to team Wizz Kids from
the Philadelphia suburbs with their classic depiction of the Philly
Cheesesteak. But the crowd had a voice and People's Choice went to
Burlington, VT, locals, team Dr. Strangebox, or better known as "How I
Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Soapbox Race." The fastest team on
the course was Bank on IT, high school students from Bloomsburg, PA,
clocking in at 41 MPH. Teams were judged on showmanship, creativity and
speed.
"This is an awesome crowd. These people seem to love the race. The harder
it rains the more excited they got and that's pretty sweet," said Corey
Blade, youtube celebrity and Red Bull Soapbox Judge.
"Philly heard there was a chance to see people scream down a hill and fly
into a wall they said 'Yes we'll be there!'" judge Steve Morrison of WMMR's
Preston & Steve Show added.
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter even got in on the action taking the Red
Bull Soapbox car down the 1,785 ft. course. Although the Mayor made it to
the finish line, 8 of the 34 cars skidded and slid into haystacks
disqualifying them before reaching the end.
ROAD WARRIORS
The Red Bull Soapbox roads have been braved by many daredevils before. The
first Red Bull Soapbox Race took place in Belgium in 2000, and has since
visited almost 30 countries including Austria, England, Jamaica and
Australia to name a few. The first U.S. event was held in St. Louis in
2006. While there is no limit on imagination, there are still a few rules
of the road. All driving machines must be entirely human-powered -- no
stored power or external energy sources allowed -- though they must have a
braking system. Secondly, all vehicles must be less than six feet wide,
less than 20 feet in length and no more than seven feet from the ground.
And finally, all soapboxes can have 1 or 2 drivers, but when the crafts
reach the start ramp they must weigh no more than 176 lbs.
For more information, visit www.redbullsoapboxusa.com. For all media
inquiries including team interviews, event history and photos, please
contact Libby Tierney elizabeth.tierney@us.redbull.com. B-roll video
footage can be found on vod.oceanwatch.com, and photos at
www.redbull-photofiles.com.
Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=829526
Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=829531
Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=829523
MEDIA CONTACT
Libby Tierney
Elizabeth.tierney@us.redbull.com
Kate Wilkinson
Kate.wilkinson@publicis-pr.com
