Over the past few weeks I have been helping to build a soapbox cart chassis. The project all started about 5 weeks ago when Import Tuner magazine decided it would be cool to enter into the 2011 Redbull Soapbox race in Downtown LA. Import Tuner mag wanted something that represented the import aftermarket car/parts industry and still be appealing to the masses. After some debate, it was decided, a Choro-Q or penny racer. It would be fun, not too serious and the dimensions fit the rules. I made the initial drawing to get the ball rolling.

Other than the Import Tuner mag and Source Interlink staff. Gary from Design Craft fabrication jumped on board to build a chassis and Troy of Five Axis was in to build a body.  Import Tuner convinced Dai Yoshihara to pilot the cart and I volunteered to help do whatever.

Most of the team members. From Left. Scott  of Import Tuner, Dai the Pro Driver, Me, Troy of Five Axis, Elliott of Source Interlink and Gary of Design Craft. There were a lot more people who helped and they are greatly appreciated.

The end result is a cool double A-arm chassis with push rod suspension, disc brakes and many man hours. The body is just as ridiculous. Scion FR-S concept turned cartoon racer.

The real Scion FR-S concept car at the New York auto show.

Choro-Q inspired FR-S next to chassis at Five Axis.

With everyone having CRAZY schedules we were able to test the chassis 2 nights before the event. Dai got to get behind the wheel 2 hrs before the event registration.

Testing right before the event. Dai had just flown in from Japan. He went from LAX straight to our test hill.

The event is more than a race. It compasses a 10’x10′ display at the event, a 30-second skit performed by the team members and of course the downhill race. The combined scores produce a winner. In case you did not already know – we did not win BUT I think we had the best looking soapbox racer ever built.

Our 10’x10′ booth display was comprised of stereotypical Japanese items.

Dai taking the banked turn right under the judges.

Right after the race all the people involved in this cart were talking about what improvements would be needed to win and what theme would be fun. The Redbull event was definitely a blast. Our cart probably had more money in it than any other but we worked just as hard to build it. In the end, it was fun and we would all definitely do it again.

Special thanks to Troy S., Elliott M., Carter J., Gary C. and Joey L. for the images.