Teams

Flying Ninja Monkeys

Garage Headquarters: North Cape May, NJ

Driver: Justin Vitti

Mechanics: Bill Citino, Bill Holladay, Tim Rafter, Maribeth Rafter, Marc Livingood

Nuts and Bolts:

Only one entry at the Red Bull Soapbox Race in Atlanta will have two professional magicians on their team: the Flying Ninja Monkeys. Justin Vitti and Bill Citino hold down office jobs during the day, but at night and on the weekends – presto chango – they moonlight as magicians. Last year they did their best to conjure a win at the Red Bull Soapbox Race in Philadelphia, and although some black magic (in the form of a torrential downpour) kept them from the winner’s circle, this year they’re polishing up the racing act again.

This calls for magicians’ assistants, and Bill and Justin have a tight crew at their side. Bill Holladay, Maribeth Rafter, Tim Rafter, and Marc Livingood are adding their skills to the mix. Collectively, the New Jersey teammates include a published author, a retired motocross/ATV champion, a talented artist, a cancer-fighting pharmacist, and a couple of people who have managed to hold on to jobs in the mortgage industry despite the financial downturn. (Now that’s magical!) “The Soapbox Race in Philadelphia was an amazing experience,” says Justin, the team’s driver. “This Atlanta event is an opportunity for our team to show our dedication and competitive natures, and to show what we’re capable of with our genius minds and imaginations.” Noting that the teammates will be playing the roles of classic WWE wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, he comments, “It’s also a way for a group of adults to get together and have a whole lot of fun!”