Photos: Red Bull Soapbox Race

60,000? 75,000? Unknown, but there were people everywhere - in Dolores Park, on Muni and trying to find parking on every street within "walking distance" (or so it felt when we walked back to Noe Valley). Here's a few pics from the day.







[NVSF: Preview: Red Bull Soapbox Race]
[NVSF: We're So There: Red Bull Soapbox Derby]
[Official Site: Red Bull Soapbox Race]

Preview: Red Bull Soapbox Race

Lots of banners, TV ads and neighborhood marketing have created a monster - anywhere from 15-40k people are expected to descend on Dolores Park tomorrow for the Red Bull Soapbox Race. We took a walk this evening and it looks like the event will take over the park, 20th St, Liberty St, 21st St, and Dolores between 21st and 18th. Expect crowds in all the surrounding areas and no parking.

Still... it looks like a good time. And the cars are certainly creative.






[NVSF: We're So There: Red Bull Soapbox Derby]
[Official Site: Red Bull Soapbox Race]

We're So There: Red Bull Soapbox Derby

When we first saw signs posted around Noe Valley announcing a hearing about whether or not to grant the Red Bull Soapbox Race a permit to close streets we were skeptical. (Remember the Pac Heights NIMBYs who didn't like the ski jump competition on Fillmore?) But the event received a permit and we shrugged.

And so yeah.... we've seen the signs. And we know a few people making a car for the event. But seriously? Soapbox? Those wooden cars with rickety wheels our dads helped us screw up when we were kids and then never went further than the end of the driveway? Whatever.

All that changed over the weekend when we walked past two of the Soapbox "cars" that will be competing this weekend:

The Bowling Car

This egg is already broken

Now we're, like, totally excited to go. Here's what the promo says:

The live show promises to be a huge hit, complete with announcers Uncle E and Meghan Mongillo on the start ramp, Luv Cheese with the judges and Jerry Bernardo at the finish line. Each of the 39 teams will perform on stage at the starting line to the music of their choice before racing down the course.

What: Red Bull Soapbox Race
When: Saturday October 18, 2008; pits open at 11:00am; races start at 1:00pm
Where: Dolores Park, San Francisco
Route: Race is from 21st to 19th on Dolores St
Cost: Free
Vittles? Food and beverage stands on site, no outside food, beverage allowed - they'll be checking

[Red Bull Soapbox Race: San Francisco]