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Drivers Wanted for Red Bull Soap Box Race


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Rev Your 'Carts' for Adrenaline-Pumping Competition Coming to St. Louis

Applications Accepted Now Through August 28, 2006

SANTA MONICA, CA - July 6, 2006: Who says only racecars with engines have speed? For car fanatics and gear heads to under-the-hood rookies and full-service pump customers -- the Red Bull Soap Box Race may be the ticket to speedway stardom. This unique non-motorized racing event takes to the streets in St. Louis' Forest Park on October 28, challenging both experienced racers and auto amateurs alike to design and build outrageous, human-powered Soap Box dream machines and compete against the clock in a downhill race. The team with the most speed, creativity and showmanship will, in addition to earning themselves a place in Red Bull racing history, win the grand prize -- the chance of a lifetime to go behind-the-scenes with VIP access to Red Bull's inaugural NASCAR Nextel Cup racing team competition in 2007.

The call is out for 50, five-member teams to employ artistic creativity and technical prowess to design, build and drive their own home-made non-motorized soap box carts and power them. The teams will hurtle head-to-head past spectators along a customized course in St. Louis's Forest Park as they gain velocity on a giant downhill ramp. Power players who enjoy the thrill of competition and engineering geniuses can apply online at www.redbullsoapboxusa.com through August 28, 2006. Crafts will be judged on speed, the ingenuity of each team's construction and showmanship -- if it's drivable, you're ready to race!

MOVE OVER BOY SCOUTS, THIS IS SERIOUS RACING!

Not to be confused with the youth soapbox derby, Red Bull Soap Box is a national race for amateur drivers, which is fueled by creativity and competitive fun -- not to mention the need for speed. It is the first-ever race of its kind to hit the U.S. and St. Louis, which is a city rich in hometown pride, cultural heritage and also the gateway to the West. The event will take place in Forest Park, which is dubbed the "Crown Jewel" of metropolitan St. Louis and the location of the 1904 World Fair. Thousands of spectators are expected to flock to this signature racing event to cheer on their favorite, most outrageous Soap Box. Collegiate, high school and cross-town rivals are encouraged to flaunt their spirit and one-up each other.

The race will follow a single-elimination, bracketed duel format whereby two drivers will race side-by-side on a downhill circuit against the clock to see who crosses the finish line first. This adds an extra element of excitement to the race as the teams must battle it out on the track and chance a crash. Here's the twist -- bragging rights don't go to the fastest vehicle. Although speed is key, outrageous design and showmanship also counts.

MOTORS MUST TAKE A HIKE: RULES OF THE ROAD

Despite its innovative feel, Red Bull Soap Box Race does have a few rules and regulations. First off, all driving machines must be entirely human-powered -- no stored power or external energy sources allowed. 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 crafts must weigh no more than 450 lbs (including the pilot.)

Play by the rules and you could cash in BIG time. The first place prize is a VIP trip for all five team members to see Red Bull's inaugural NASCAR Nextel Cup racing team compete next year (cash value $7,500.) The second prize an the ultimate driving day/weekend (cash value $5,000) and third prize is an afternoon spent racing against each other at the Grand Prix Speedway in Maryland Heights, MO (cash value $1,500.) Don't wait for the flag to drop ... Get your creative "motor" running and test your craft at Red Bull Soap Box Race!

A WHACKY RACING HISTORY ...

The first edition of Red Bull Soap Box Race took place in Belgium in 2000, and has since visited several countries including Austria, England, Sweden, Czech Republic, Australia, Italy, Finland, Ireland, Germany and South Africa.

To apply, visit www.redbullsoapboxusa.com.