Teams

Pimp My Soapbox Car

Garage Headquarters: Cleveland, OH

Driver: Mark Wacker

Mechanics: Eric Rybarczyk, Mike Wacker, Jason Hofstetter, Matt Wacker

Nuts and Bolts:

Matt Wacker gives us the lowdown on his Red Bull Soapbox Race teammates: “Most of our team consists of brothers – that would be Mark, Mike, and me – plus our nephew Eric and our friend Jason, who does whatever we tell him to do.” Matt adds helpfully, “We get involved in many strange, bizarre projects.” As an example, Matt cites the time he created a sasquatch costume and ran through a park to see how visitors would react. The teammates have also participated in events like Red Bull Flugtag – an outrageous competition involving “human-powered flight” – and Red Bull Dragsterday, which, like the Soapbox Race, is a contest for inspired homemade autos. With all that experience, these five Ohioans recognize that showmanship is essential to carry the day, and their plan for mastering Waterman Street is to BE street.

Matt strikes a pose and nods, “Yo! We be spoofin’ a show – ‘Pimp My Ride’ don’tcha know. And when we be pimp’n soapbox, we’re nothin’ but go.” Then, glancing around furtively, he confides, “However, our reference manual is an old Cub Scout book called ‘Winning Pinewood Derby Car Plans.’” This team from Cleveland (aka “C-Town”) may need a cookbook, too, as their soapbox pit area will serve double duty as a barbecue pit!