Red Bull Soapbox Race Revs Up for 2009

SANTA MONICA, CA--(Marketwire - April 16, 2009) - Ready! Set! Go! Red Bull Soapbox Race, featuring some of the wildest legal street racing around, is set to cruise into Atlanta and Los Angeles for two pit stops in 2009. The two cities, both defined by their traffic gridlock, will transform their usually clogged streets into wide open raceways as 40-50 teams compete for soapbox supremacy at each stop. This non-motorized racing event, which is free to the public, invites gear heads and adrenaline junkies alike to break out their toolboxes and build outrageous human-powered vehicles designed to thrill the masses. On August 29th Atlanta spectators will flock to 10th Street in Midtown near Piedmont Park to experience the first Red Bull Soapbox Race in the southeast. One month later, on September 26th, speed demons will race down Grand Avenue and brave a razor sharp turn onto 5th Street on the course in downtown Los Angeles.

Atlanta will become Red Bull Soapbox Race lucky number seven for the US, with the first stateside race in St. Louis in 2006. The global event dates back to 2000 when it first took place in Belgium, and has since visited almost 30 countries. Following the Atlanta debut, Red Bull Soapbox Race will take a victory lap in Los Angeles for the final US race of the season.

CALLING ALL ROAD WARRIORS

Ever wanted to speed past a crowd of thousands as they cheer you on to victory? Well, Red Bull Soapbox Race is calling! Teams can enter their engineering marvels and crazy concepts with a formal application found at www.redbullsoapboxrace.com. Atlanta entries are due by June 17th and those looking to race in Los Angeles have until July 17th to submit their plans.

Teams will need more than just courage to claim victory on these city streets as they will be judged on three criteria: speed, creativity and showmanship. So, make it fast... and fun! Previous events have proven that the most outlandish crafts are typically the big winners, so put on your creativity caps and let loose. Past entries include everything from a Philly Cheese Steak to a Giant Troll.

NO HEMI OR HORSE POWER PERMITTED

Each soapbox must be powered by gravity and imagination, which means no stored power or external energy sources allowed. And size does matter! All vehicles must be less than six feet wide and 20 feet in length, no more than seven feet high and cannot weigh more than 176 lbs (not including the driver). Drivers must be at least 18 years old, but engineers and grease monkeys of all ages are welcome to be part of the five person team.

For more information and to apply, visit www.redbullsoapboxrace.com. A selection of high-resolution event photos from around the world can be downloaded at www.redbull-photofiles.com.