Beehave Yourself's Thrilling Adventure at the Red Bull Soapbox Race in Utah
Team Beehave Yourself prepared their Red Bull Soapbox Race cart for the upcoming event at the Utah State Capitol Grounds. After final inspections and lineup, they left the cart to grab dinner, only to return and find that the heat had caused the beehive decor to fall off. They quickly reglued the cart and left it overnight, hoping it would hold together for the race.
The next day, Joshua Riff and Maria Ly Vanrenen drove the cart down the challenging course, facing bumps, tight turns, and jumps. Despite a few pieces falling off during the race, they had a great time and enjoyed the adrenaline rush of competing in the event. Riff, along with his wife Jennifer and the rest of the team, participated in a skit where bees and beekeepers battled for honey.
Although they didn't win any trophies, Beehave Yourself posted a fast time and received positive feedback from the judges. Team Desert Rats from Kanab emerged as the winners of the race. Riff expressed that the experience was worth it, and he would be eager to participate in another soapbox race, especially if it returns to Utah.
Cheering on other teams and enjoying the lively atmosphere with a crowd of 50,000 people, Team Beehave Yourself felt proud of representing the Wasatch Back region. Riff compared the excitement of the race to that of a marathon or Ironman competition, highlighting the unique and thrilling nature of the event. Looking ahead, Riff mentioned his interest in participating in Red Bull's Flugtag event, where teams design flying structures.
Overall, Team Beehave Yourself had a memorable experience at the Red Bull Soapbox Race, despite the challenges they faced with their cart. The camaraderie, competition, and excitement of the event left them with a sense of accomplishment and a desire to continue participating in similar races in the future.