Discovery Channel launches Red Bull Soapbox Race, a new series featuring amateur racing ingenuity and spectacular crashes. Hosted by NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. and announcer Mike Bagley, the show premieres Tuesday, April 29th at 9 PM ET/PT.
Here’s the Lowdown: The series follows amateur teams who design, build, and race unique, engine-less soapbox vehicles down challenging downhill courses. Premiering April 29th, each episode spotlights a different competition held in cities across the globe, including London, Des Moines, Dallas, Edmonton, Johannesburg, Madrid, and Sao Paolo. Earnhardt Jr. and Bagley provide commentary on the action.
What This Means Now: Viewers can expect a blend of creative engineering and chaotic racing as teams tackle intricate tracks featuring obstacles like water hazards and “bone rattler” sections. It’s not just about speed; teams are also judged on the creativity of their designs and their pre-race showmanship, making for entertaining viewing whether they succeed or wipe out.
The Bigger Picture: This collaboration between Discovery and Red Bull brings the unique spectacle of organized amateur soapbox racing to television. It celebrates grassroots creativity and the spirit of competition, focusing on the fun and spills involved when everyday people become daredevil engineers for a day, competing for trophies and bragging rights on uniquely designed courses.
