Redbull Soapbox Race’s wackiest inventions in pictures as UK event returns – from giant disco ball to flying cow

MOTOR heads are gearing up for the return of Red Bull’s famous Soapbox Race – where thrill-seekers speed down a hill in a home-made vehicle.

The quirky race will see 60 teams battle it out for the top spot, navigating down a London track using nothing but momentum

Spectators can expect the event to be packed full of entertainmentCredit: Olaf Pignataro / Red Bull Content Pool

The UK hosted the quirky event in 2022Credit: PA:Press Association

One competitor sped along in a cow called DaisyCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

Applications are open to submit your wackiest designCredit: Olaf Pignataro / Red Bull Content Pool

The Red Bull Soapbox Race will draw chancing racers from all over the country who are tasked with making wacky vehicles that will use gravity and momentum to drive them.

Red Bull has held over 100 Soapbox races around the world since the original in Brussels in 2000, from Australia to the USA and Italy.

The UK last hosted the event in 2022, where 20,000 spectators were treated to some of the wildest Soapbox designs, inspired by the likes of Colin the Caterpillar, James Bond and Top Gun.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 22nd, where 60 amateur teams will race down the infamous course in front of thousands of spectators.

Drivers will be judged on a selection of different aspects, including creativity, speed and showmanship.

Each team will be put to the test taking on four notable features of the quirky races track; The Water Roller, The Wedge, The Bone Rattler and The Kicker, as well as a special feature from their event partner, Unibond No More Nails.

Racers have gone above and beyond in the last two races held in the UK, in 2022 and 2019.

A team of astronauts left the crowd in awe at their space-inspired kart, while another competitor raced in a cow styled motor down the daring track.

Applicants are free to design their motor from the ground upCredit: Getty Images – Getty

People take inspiration from their own interests to wow crowds with their creationsCredit: Rex Features

The lucky ones will leave the event unscathed and with a fully functioning kartCredit: Amy Heycock / Red Bull Content Pool

Drivers have to rely on momentum and gravity to steer their vehiclesCredit: PA:Press Association

Drivers will be judged on a selection of different aspects, including their creativityCredit: 2015 Anadolu Agency

One racer even dressed up as a 70s entertainer while driving a giant disco ball – so people should know when entering the race that they can really let their hair down when conceptualising their daring idea.

In 2019, team name Gas Gas Gas managed to pass through the course unscathed just ahead of second-place team BumbleBee Brawl.

Taking the top prize back in 2022 was Go Go Gadget Soapbox, the team were made up of workmates Charlie Gough, Julie Emmanuel, Lauren Webb and Al Stewart.

A spokesperson for the event, said: “Red Bull Soapbox Race challenges Britain’s most fearless, fun-loving and foolhardy teams to prototype and create the wackiest vehicles.

“These homemade soapboxes rely solely on gravity to navigate the downhill course outside the iconic Alexandra Palace.

“Spectators can expect the event day to be packed full of entertainment, both on and off the racetrack, witnessing the fun-fuelled world of Red Bull brought to life through athlete shows, music and food vendors.

“Tickets are available to buy now, and team applications are open to submit your wackiest design – as well as the chance to win your dream creation to be built by Red Bull into a real race-ready Soapbox and be the official test pilot on race day.”

Those that want to test their engineering skills – and possibly win the top spot – have until the last day in march at 11pm to apply for a spot on the track by heading to their event page.