Red Bull Soap Box Races

5th Street & Grand Ave., Downtown Los Angeles
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Pits Open at 11 a.m.; Opening Ceremony at Noon; First Race at 1 p.m.
Ages: All (spectators)
Cost: FREE
Website

Grand Avenue and 5th Street in Downtown will be reconfigured into wide-open raceways as the Red Bull Soapbox Race screeches into town. 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. It’s too late now to enter the race, but don’t miss watching the free races!

The wacky event will feature a field of more than 40 hand-made soapbox racers, driven by men and women daring enough to brave steep drops, a 90° turn and scary speeds in pursuit of achieving glory. But this race is far from your stereotypical childhood derby, and these are no ordinary vehicles! Look for a giant nose, a bunk bed, a time-traveling DeLorean, Pac-Man, an Aztec temple and more zooming down Grand Ave and taking a sharp turn onto 5th Street next to Pershing Square Park.

Carpooling or use of public transportation is encouraged. Expect closures surrounding Grand Ave and 5th Street starting on Friday night and lasting throughout the day on Saturday.