Get ready for a day of thrills, creativity, and gravity-defying fun as the Red Bull Soapbox Race returns to Edmonton’s Queen Elizabeth Park Road tomorrow on June 22. This quirky and exhilarating event invites fearless teams to design and race their homemade soapbox cars down a challenging course, promising a day of entertainment for participants and spectators alike.
Gates open at 2 p.m., welcoming spectators to the vibrant atmosphere of the race. The opening ceremony will kick off at 3 p.m. with a land acknowledgment by Notorious Cree, followed by the national anthem performed by Robert Clark. Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport of Alberta, will then cut the ribbon, officially opening the racecourse at 3:10 p.m.
The races will begin at 3:20 p.m., where teams will launch their creative soapbox cars down the course, hoping to impress the judges and the crowd with their speed and ingenuity. Special performances are scheduled throughout the event, including a rollerblading display by Rob Worling at 3:45 p.m. and a hoop dance performance by Notorious Cree at 4:55 p.m. The event will conclude with an awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m., celebrating the top three teams.
To accommodate the event, several road closures will be in place from June 20 at 9:30 a.m. to June 23 at 11:00 p.m. Queen Elizabeth Park Road, from Saskatchewan Drive to Walterdale Hill Road, will be fully closed. Motorists are advised to use Walterdale Hill Road to access the Kinsmen Sports Centre and Park.
There is no event parking available at Queen Elizabeth or Kinsmen Park. Attendees are encouraged to use alternative transportation methods such as biking, ride-sharing apps, or the free shuttle services provided. Shuttle services will run every five minutes from Windsor Car Park/Health Science RT and NAIT to Kinsmen, starting 90 minutes before the event and continuing until 60 minutes after the event ends.
A diverse array of teams has qualified for the race, bringing a mix of creativity and competitive spirit. Among them are the French Canadians, The Ribeye Butchers, Cook County Pailers, West Edmonton Mall, and many more. Teams like the ARKK Angels in Beast Mode, No Regretzkys, and Jurassic Kart promise to showcase innovative and wacky soapbox designs.
The Red Bull Soapbox Race is not just about speed; it’s about creativity, teamwork, and having a blast. Spectators can expect a day filled with laughter, excitement, and awe-inspiring performances. Whether you’re a participant or a viewer, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Fatih Sahin