Teams

Goodbye Elliott

Garage Headquarters: Playa del Rey, CA

Driver: Jonny Stimac

Mechanics: Ryan Johnston, Chris Stimac, Paul Grubser, Jordan Lawrence

Nuts and Bolts:

Ever heard of Hawaiian rock ‘n’ roll? If not, you owe it to yourself to make a trip to the Red Bull Soapbox Race, where the band Goodbye Elliott will hand out free CDs (when they’re not careening down the race course). Paul Gubser, Ryan Johnston, Jordan Lawrence, Chris Stimac, and Jonny Stimac grew up together on the Big Island of Hawaii. Now in their 20s, they make what’s been hailed as “class rock,” with “epic arrangements” and “that perfect amount of pop.” Although they’ve largely been touring for the past three years, Los Angeles is now their home base, and they’re excited about the opportunity to meet old and new fans alike in the race pits.

“The name of our band and our soapbox team is a reference from our favorite movie, ‘E.T.,’” says Jonny, who sings lead vocals and will drive the team’s racer. Showing how far back the bandmates go, he reminisces, “When we were kids, we attached a laundry basket to a skateboard and flipped another laundry basket over the top to make a little caged vehicle. The speeds we were getting down our steep driveway seemed dangerous, but the cage somehow really protected us.” Music lovers can only hope that the soapbox racer they’re building will protect them just as well – but if not, at least their next full-length album has already been recorded! The release date is set for New Year’s Eve – check out www.myspace.com/goodbyeelliott.