One Week Until Red Bull's Soapbox Race Returns Downtown; Win Tickets to Pre-Party
Eric Richardson
[Flickr]
Sean Feeley pilots his Team Ironheade racer over the first jump enroute to a 2009 first-place finish.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Two years ago, 111,000 people crowded around the intersection of 5th and Grand to watch 40 improvised race cars careen downhill in pursuit of speed and pageantry.
The race comes back to the same course on Saturday, May 21, and those interested in being able to see the action should learn from experience and be sure to get there well before the races start at 1pm. Drivers start on Grand Avenue near California Plaza, picking up speed before making the tricky left-hander onto 5th Street and ending up near Pershing Square.
Full event day info can be found on the Soapbox Race website.
One of the teams competing on the 21st will be from Takami Sushi and Elevate Lounge, just a few blocks away from the race at Flower and Wilshire. On Thursday, May 19, Elevate will be hosting a pre-race send-off party and they've invited a few blogdowntown readers to come by for the festivities.
We've got three VIP spots to give away. Each one gets two people in the door cover-free and without waiting in line, and includes two drink tickets.
To enter, tell us what your Downtown-themed soapbox entry would be, and make sure to log in with an account we can use to contact you. Entries close on Monday at noon.
Downtowner on May 13, 2011, at 03:43PM – #1
Red Bull schedules its soapbox derby for May 21st? Isn't that also supposed to be Judgement Day? How embarrassing!
Francisco Flores on May 13, 2011, at 03:49PM – #2
My Downtown-LA inspired soap box racer would be a miniature replica of the Angel's Flight cart, and since the cart is slanted because it's on a hill, it would give it a hot rod look....second option would be a gigantic lighted marque of Sam's Hofbrau!
Daniel on May 13, 2011, at 04:09PM – #3
Definitely Art Deco cars like 1930s Bugattis!
Candice Na on May 13, 2011, at 04:17PM – #4
My downtown-themed soapbox would be based on a CAT truck inspired by AEG's plan to build Farmers Field.
Jeff Klassy on May 13, 2011, at 04:47PM – #5
Well Downtown LA's only original sandwich is the extremely aerodynamic French Dip, (which is greatly debated between Phillipe's and Cole's who actually originated it first). So I would say a giant French dip sandwich on wheels with a tub of au jus for where the driver sits, obviously sponsored by Cole's. (I love both places, but Cole's wins the tie breaker because of the proximity of Cole's is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles).
off the street on May 13, 2011, at 05:57PM – #6
My would entry would be less aerodynamic. The cart would be a low slung 4 passenger bike(like the kind you see at the beach). one side would some random art painting and on the front i would have a case of wine. Cause nothing says downtown la, more the bicycles, wine and art.
Shalimar Gonzales on May 13, 2011, at 08:06PM – #7
My DT-inspired car would be a modern frame/design built on old tires/axles to represent all the loft conversions!
Ames on May 14, 2011, at 06:00PM – #8
I would create an internet-meme inspired ride with double-rainbows in the back, "All your base are belong to us" painted on the front, WIN painted on the sides with the Dramatic Chipmunk and 3 Wolf Moon. There would also be a stereo on board blasting music alternating between the keyboard cat song, bed intruder song, and Never Gonna Give You Up. Lastly, we would have a flag flying above our cart with "Me Gusta" on it. :D
bfp2nd on May 15, 2011, at 11:44PM – #9
I'd make a hot dog cart soapbox car. not the nice shiny hotdog carts... no no no. I'd make a bigger sturdier version of the illegal hot dog carts. old shopping cart or foldaway cart version. gas tank and all!
dtwnla on May 16, 2011, at 08:34AM – #10
My Downtown-LA inspired soap box racer would be a mini replica of our Metro red line subway train because people use it to connect to different places in downtown la.
eddie on May 16, 2011, at 10:06AM – #11
would do a dodger themed with frank Mccourt as the driver -- since the franchise is going down hill with him
eddie on May 16, 2011, at 11:31AM – #12
would love a pass if available.. was gonna say angel flight but seen it was already suggested
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on May 16, 2011, at 01:39PM – #13
Thanks everyone. Closing off entries now and I'll be contacting winners this evening!