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Red Bull gives the Kingdom wings! Watch soapbox go-carts fly across Jordan

Published August 30th, 2015 - 05:32 GMT

What happens when Jordan's wackiest road warriors merge with its craziest creatives?

Find out this Friday - FOR FREE! - when 63 teams compete on the twists and turns of Amman's Wadi Abdoun in the Red Bull Soapbox Derby. Crash-ups guaranteed!

This race - staged ‘round the planet - challenges amateurs and experienced racers to design and build human-powered soapbox dream machines, take them to a hilltop, and let gravity work its magic. There's an initial push by the pit crew, and maybe a slug of Red Bull, but after that, it’s all downhill!  

Reach the finish line and people cheer. Have a spectacular wipe-out and people cheer even louder. Anything can happen when teams of so-called “grown-ups” hurl themselves down a steep road in bizarre DIY vehicles.

Teams must consist of 5 people, age 16 or older, and designated drivers must be at least 18. (Red Bull’s not opposed to younger drivers, but their lawyers are!) The sky’s the limit when it comes to design of carts and driver outfits - all inspected by a Safety Team to make sure things stay fun.

Check the event’s Facebook page for more details, and to vote for your favorite carts and teams. Join the estimated 20,000 people expected to line the hills of Abdoun hoping to get a front-row seat to comedy (or calamity!). Now here’s what to expect on September 4th!

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red bull soapbox derby amman jordan

It’s an American thing, started in the 1930’s - when boys nailed old wooden market crates to roller skate wheels creating makeshift ‘go-carts’ for hours of testosterone-fueled fun. The first Red Bull Soapbox race was held in Belgium in 2000 and since then it's spread 'round the world. This is Jordan’s first official competition.

oman soapbox winner 2013

Muscat, Oman held the first-ever Middle East soapbox derby in April 2013. It showcased crowd-pleasing crashes and insane designs. A giant Easter egg driven by a guy in a bunny costume won the day. He said on a YouTube clip from that race, “I used to be a helicopter pilot, now I’m driving an egg!”

amman soapbox derby judges

Racers aim for best finish times and many won't make it past the first speed-bump, but they'll also score points for creativity and showmanship. Presenter Mohammad Al Wakeel, Diana Karazon, Ro’ya TV’s General Manager Fares Al Sayegh, and Rally champion Fares Hijazeen have to make sense of the madness. An estimated 63 teams have registered!

smile engineers teeth soapbox

A pair of dentists teamed up with two civil engineers, and - with the help of a student - created this gaping jaw of a vehicle. Team "Smile Engineers" built a tooth-filled go-cart with an enormous red tongue. Guess they plan to lick the competition?

Little is known about the SA3DI team, but this odd looking cart shows some patriotic pride. So we'll say, Go Jordan! and wish them the best!

Little is known about the SA3DI team, but this odd looking cart shows some patriotic pride. So we'll say, Go Jordan! and wish them the best!

Team Marriott soapbox car Amman

The Marriott Hotel team posted this sketch of their entry, and their logo makes for good advertising. We can't tell if it includes room service and extra towels, but we bet their pit crew hopes they don't 'check out early' from the race.

This team is batty for Batman! Graphic and industrial designers collaborated on what they describe as "a cool version of the Batmobile, if not better!" They will unveil their creation on the day of the race, when they plan to win the event and save the city.

This team is batty for Batman! Graphic and industrial designers collaborated on what they describe as "a cool version of the Batmobile, if not better!" They will unveil their creation on the day of the race, when they plan to win the event and save the city.

Five friends joined up as the Run Jordan Team, posting this schematic of a giant trainer on wheels. We all know how runners' shoes can smell, let's trust these gents bring nose plugs. It sure would 'stink' if they passed out before crossing the finish!

Five friends joined up as the Run Jordan Team, posting this schematic of a giant trainer on wheels. We all know how runners' shoes can smell, let's trust these gents bring nose plugs. It sure would 'stink' if they passed out before crossing the finish!

Rangers tank soapbox derby car

The macho-sounding Rangers are five guys from QSG real estate group, mild-mannered executives by day, but clearly road warriors at heart. But will the judges be able to see the camouflaged cart?

red bull team pranks amman drivers

Red Bull staffers have been pranking Amman, showing up at valet parking sites across town - substituting a bathtub go-cart for people's regular rides. It's all a good laugh and a stellar way to promote Friday's event - an estimated 20,000 spectators are expected to turn out for the races.

red bull soapbox derby amman jordan
oman soapbox winner 2013
amman soapbox derby judges
smile engineers teeth soapbox
Little is known about the SA3DI team, but this odd looking cart shows some patriotic pride. So we'll say, Go Jordan! and wish them the best!
Team Marriott soapbox car Amman
This team is batty for Batman! Graphic and industrial designers collaborated on what they describe as "a cool version of the Batmobile, if not better!" They will unveil their creation on the day of the race, when they plan to win the event and save the city.
Five friends joined up as the Run Jordan Team, posting this schematic of a giant trainer on wheels. We all know how runners' shoes can smell, let's trust these gents bring nose plugs. It sure would 'stink' if they passed out before crossing the finish!
Rangers tank soapbox derby car
red bull team pranks amman drivers
red bull soapbox derby amman jordan
It’s an American thing, started in the 1930’s - when boys nailed old wooden market crates to roller skate wheels creating makeshift ‘go-carts’ for hours of testosterone-fueled fun. The first Red Bull Soapbox race was held in Belgium in 2000 and since then it's spread 'round the world. This is Jordan’s first official competition.
oman soapbox winner 2013
Muscat, Oman held the first-ever Middle East soapbox derby in April 2013. It showcased crowd-pleasing crashes and insane designs. A giant Easter egg driven by a guy in a bunny costume won the day. He said on a YouTube clip from that race, “I used to be a helicopter pilot, now I’m driving an egg!”
amman soapbox derby judges
Racers aim for best finish times and many won't make it past the first speed-bump, but they'll also score points for creativity and showmanship. Presenter Mohammad Al Wakeel, Diana Karazon, Ro’ya TV’s General Manager Fares Al Sayegh, and Rally champion Fares Hijazeen have to make sense of the madness. An estimated 63 teams have registered!
smile engineers teeth soapbox
A pair of dentists teamed up with two civil engineers, and - with the help of a student - created this gaping jaw of a vehicle. Team "Smile Engineers" built a tooth-filled go-cart with an enormous red tongue. Guess they plan to lick the competition?
Little is known about the SA3DI team, but this odd looking cart shows some patriotic pride. So we'll say, Go Jordan! and wish them the best!
Little is known about the SA3DI team, but this odd looking cart shows some patriotic pride. So we'll say, Go Jordan! and wish them the best!
Team Marriott soapbox car Amman
The Marriott Hotel team posted this sketch of their entry, and their logo makes for good advertising. We can't tell if it includes room service and extra towels, but we bet their pit crew hopes they don't 'check out early' from the race.
This team is batty for Batman! Graphic and industrial designers collaborated on what they describe as "a cool version of the Batmobile, if not better!" They will unveil their creation on the day of the race, when they plan to win the event and save the city.
This team is batty for Batman! Graphic and industrial designers collaborated on what they describe as "a cool version of the Batmobile, if not better!" They will unveil their creation on the day of the race, when they plan to win the event and save the city.
Five friends joined up as the Run Jordan Team, posting this schematic of a giant trainer on wheels. We all know how runners' shoes can smell, let's trust these gents bring nose plugs. It sure would 'stink' if they passed out before crossing the finish!
Five friends joined up as the Run Jordan Team, posting this schematic of a giant trainer on wheels. We all know how runners' shoes can smell, let's trust these gents bring nose plugs. It sure would 'stink' if they passed out before crossing the finish!
Rangers tank soapbox derby car
The macho-sounding Rangers are five guys from QSG real estate group, mild-mannered executives by day, but clearly road warriors at heart. But will the judges be able to see the camouflaged cart?
red bull team pranks amman drivers
Red Bull staffers have been pranking Amman, showing up at valet parking sites across town - substituting a bathtub go-cart for people's regular rides. It's all a good laugh and a stellar way to promote Friday's event - an estimated 20,000 spectators are expected to turn out for the races.

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