December 2nd witnessed the debut of the Red Bull sponsored soapbox race in, Mumbai. The participants were required to build a soapbox machine (without engine) that can maneuvered downhill just by the force of gravity. The participating teams were awarded points on the basis of the construction concept and their ability and command over the vehicle during the twists and turns when the vehicle moved downhill on track full of bumps and ramps.
The Indian edition of the soapbox drew a large number of audiences that cheered and waved the unique vehicles that moved down the track slope. A total of about 53 teams participated in the race. The soapboxes were made in different styles and design ranging from pink buffaloes to a bottle. One of the turn on the track consisted of a ramp on one side, passing through which the team could earn extra credit. Obviously this also proved to be the point on the track that witnessed maximum number of crashes. Most of the team became unfit after the crash and some of them even lost their wheels and then they have to run on foot carrying their soapboxes in hand to complete the race.
The judges included television personalities and the Indian rugby spearhead Nasser Hussain among other noted figure. The winning team with the soapbox built in the honor of the dabbawallah of Mumbai got a chance to visit Austria to witness the world of Red Bull.
