Red Bull Soapbox Teams Brave Torrential Downpour in the First Stop on a Four City Tour

55,000 Soaked Spectators Hit "The Wall" in Manayunk to Show Their Support

Rain or shine the people of Philadelphia (and even Mayor Nutter) proved that when it comes to cheering on their favorite team even a tropical storm won't keep them away. From a Giant Pink high heel with wings to a fire hydrant complete with a peeing dog, thirty-four teams swiveled and stumbled their way down the steepest course in Red Bull Soapbox history. It was Swampscott, MA, team Deuces Wild that clinched first place, at 44.7 seconds, with their tricked out baby carriage. Although the booties, bonnets and baby made the soapbox, it was the Michael Jackson impersonator stealing and pushing the stroller that made the crowd roar.

"We flew down the hill like we never expected," said Will Phiel, Deuces Wild's co-driver. "The pouring rain was a non-issue for us," he added as he thanked the crowd in his high-pitched Michael Jackson voice.

Philly's very own team Great Scott was awarded second place with their "Back to the Future" themed car. Third place went to team Wizz Kids from the Philadelphia suburbs with their classic depiction of the Philly Cheesesteak. But the crowd had a voice and People's Choice went to Burlington, VT, locals, team Dr. Strangebox, or better known as "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Soapbox Race." The fastest team on the course was Bank on IT, high school students from Bloomsburg, PA, clocking in at 41 MPH. Teams were judged on showmanship, creativity and speed.

"This is an awesome crowd. These people seem to love the race. The harder it rains the more excited they got and that's pretty sweet," said Corey Blade, youtube celebrity and Red Bull Soapbox Judge.

"Philly heard there was a chance to see people scream down a hill and fly into a wall they said 'Yes we'll be there!'" judge Steve Morrison of WMMR's Preston & Steve Show added.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter even got in on the action taking the Red Bull Soapbox car down the 1,785 ft. course. Although the Mayor made it to the finish line, 8 of the 34 cars skidded and slid into haystacks disqualifying them before reaching the end.

ROAD WARRIORS

The Red Bull Soapbox roads have been braved by many daredevils before. The first Red Bull Soapbox Race took place in Belgium in 2000, and has since visited almost 30 countries including Austria, England, Jamaica and Australia to name a few. The first U.S. event was held in St. Louis in 2006. While there is no limit on imagination, there are still a few rules of the road. All driving machines must be entirely human-powered -- no stored power or external energy sources allowed -- though they must have a braking system. 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 soapboxes can have 1 or 2 drivers, but when the crafts reach the start ramp they must weigh no more than 176 lbs.

For more information, visit www.redbullsoapboxusa.com. For all media inquiries including team interviews, event history and photos, please contact Libby Tierney elizabeth.tierney@us.redbull.com. B-roll video footage can be found on vod.oceanwatch.com, and photos at www.redbull-photofiles.com.