Hold onto your helmets... Jeddah is getting its first Soapbox racing this May
Build your own gravity-powered car, race for glory, and expect plenty of creative crashes as Soapbox Saudi makes its debut in Jeddah
Obsessed with Hanna-Barbera’s Wacky Races? Then this is going to be right up your street. Soapbox Saudi is revving up to bring Saudi Arabia’s first Soapbox race to Jeddah this May.
Taking place from Thursday May 14 to Saturday May 16, Soapbox Saudi 26 – Edition 1 will see makeshift go-karts race on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
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A first-of-its-kind event for the Kingdom, it promises three days of wild, wacky racing, creative kart designs, and fantastic family fun and thrills.
Teams will design and build their own gravity-powered cars, then send one brave soul hurtling downhill in the name of glory, creativity and, hopefully, functioning brakes. And we’re talking pure imagination on wheels – expect the unexpected, from lightning-fast speed machines to hilariously zany contraptions that might just (barely) make it to the finish line.
While it’s all very tongue-in-cheek, the prizes are seriously tempting. Teams will compete for SAR100,000 in cash, including SAR50,000 for first place. So, don’t be surprised if things get rather competitive once the helmets are on.
Time to assemble your pit crew – and your homemade soapbox car
If standing on the sidelines isn’t good enough for you, here’s what you need to know to enter your own kart.
Cars must be 100% non-motorised and powered by gravity only, with a maximum length of 2.5 metres, width of 1.8 metres, height of 1.8 metres, and weight capped at 80kg (excluding the driver).
Each car gets one driver, so choose wisely, preferably someone who doesn’t mind being the test pilot.
Teams should be made up of four to five members, with the fee charged per team rather than per person. Participation is priced at SAR1,000 per team, while student teams (18 years and above) can enter for SAR500.
You’ll also need to build your car using your own tools, so it’s time to dust off that DIY energy.
The good news? Each team gets 10 free fan tickets, meaning you can bring your own cheering squad (and witnesses).
Already dreaming up your downhill masterpiece? A handy guide is available on the SoapBox Saudi website, along with playful build ideas – including a magic flying carpet, a falcon racer, a kabsa rocket, and even a giant Arabic coffee dallah.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to think big (and slightly ridiculous).
All about creativity, community and fun
That competitive nature will only get you so far. Okay, the events are primarily races, so getting across the finish line as quickly as possible will stand you in good stead, but there are a couple of other criteria to consider.
Along with speed, your team will also be judged on innovation and execution quality. Spectators will also weigh in by voting for their favourite kart.
To win, you’ll pretty much need to channel the aerodynamic know-how of Adrian Newey, the artistic flair of Salvador Dalí, and the stage presence of Freddie Mercury.
If you just fancy watching, you can still be a part of the fun, with more details for spectators expected to be announced soon. Watch this space.
Location: 6779 Al Kurnaysh Br Rd, 2708, Ash Shati District, Jeddah 23613, Saudi Arabia
Timings: May 14 to 16, 3pm to 10pm
Participation cost: SAR1,000 per team & SAR500 for student teams. Book your spot here.
Images: Social / Red Bull
