S.L.R. Magazine

THE 2026 RED BULL SOAPBOX RACE HELD IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES DREW THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ON SATURDAY, MAY 16TH, BY DON MARCELO

One of the best things about living in Los Angeles is that there are so many things to do in different parts of the city. I wanted to be in The City of Pasadena on this day for a music festival, but unfortunately, there were no more media passes being handed out since I applied…

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One of the best things about living in Los Angeles is that there are so many things to do in different parts of the city. I wanted to be in The City of Pasadena on this day for a music festival, but unfortunately, there were no more media passes being handed out since I applied late for the event. But fortunately for me, a great event happened on this day as well in DTLA, so I decided to head on over to Downtown Los Angeles for a different type of event, THE RED BULL SOAPBOX RACES. This is the 3rd time this event has been held in Downtown LA. The first time was in 2009. The 2nd time was in 2014. And the 3rd time was this year in 2026. Over 50,000 people attended the event this year. The Festivities started as early as 10am but the actual event/race officially started at 12 noon. Having arrived at 11am, it took me an hour just to get checked in at the front entrance. And once inside, it took me about another 15 minutes to find an open space on the barricade at the finish line, setting myself up for some clear and clean shots to photograph of the race.

Written by Don Marcelo

Promotional image for the Red Bull Soapbox Race featuring a cartoon character driving a custom soapbox car with a Red Bull can nearby. The event date is Saturday, May 16th, in Downtown Los Angeles.

For me, the best part about this was meeting so many great people particularly two people, Forrest Jones who is the Host at The Finish Line and is well known in the social media world with over 8 million followers on TikTok, 3.5 million followers on YouTube, and just a little under 2 million followers on Instagram. The other person was Tim, one of the security people who is based out of the Pacific Northwest, which we shared stories about The Event and my time living up in The Seattle Area. Both Forrest and Tim did a great job in making sure all the attendees were safe and were having a great time, including helping out a couple of soap box racers where they pushed their soapbox cars cross the finish line—The Ralph’s Kroger Soap Box Car and The CARVANA Soap Box Car. Check out the photo gallery where they both pushed the two different soap box cars cross the finish line. Tim was also great maintaining order where at one point he helped out a team member to secure and escort out an overzealous fan boy all dressed up in a RED BULL regalia that looked official.

Another great highlight on this day was seeing Gary King Jr. of Hoonigan Industries who participated  in this event where he “crashed” his soap box car—maybe intentionally or maybe not—at the finish line. He was so pumped up crossing the finish line that he dove to the other side of the barricade to celebrate his accomplishment with the fans. What a great way to celebrate his victory, despite the fact that not all the judges gave him a 10 performance. A loud scream of Boos by the fans to the judges since everyone thought that he deserved a 10, including me. Despite not getting a perfect score by the judges, everyone still gave him a lot of love. Great job Gary!

Overall, what an awesome event that happened on this day. I only observed one major crash who didn’t cross the finish line, Captain Hook and company. And I was only there until the 25th Soapbox racer—30 racers in total. So I’m not sure if there were more crashes after the 25th Racer. Hopefully the next time RED BULL comes back to DTLA, I’ll be in the actual Media Photo Pit. Until then…”Same Bat Time…Same Bat Channel.” If you know, you know.

Photo Gallery by © Don Marcelo Photography 2026

A man with curly hair and sunglasses holds a microphone, flashing a peace sign. He is wearing a white shirt with a logo, and there are spectators in the background at an outdoor event.
A lively group of people cheering and celebrating outdoors, with some individuals capturing the moment on cameras. One person is laughing while others display playful hand gestures, creating a fun and energetic atmosphere.
A man with curly hair and sunglasses smiles and poses with a microphone, making a peace sign at an outdoor event. In the background, a crowd watches and another person is seen working.
A group of excited fans waving and smiling at a camera during a public event. In the foreground, a woman in a blue top holds a phone, while a man behind her is holding a child. Several people in the background are also cheering and expressing enthusiasm.
A participant wearing a white shirt with 'Red Bull Soapbox Race' printed on the back, pointing towards the crowd at an outdoor event, with spectators and hay bales in the background.
A man with curly hair and sunglasses holding a microphone, actively engaging with the crowd at an outdoor event. People are visible in the background, capturing the moment with cameras.
Two men smiling and posing for a photo at an outdoor event. One man is holding a microphone and wearing sunglasses, while the other is making a peace sign with his hand.
A close-up of a racing helmet featuring a Red Bull logo, held by a gloved hand, with an audience member in the background.
A motorcycle racer in a black leather suit and helmet gestures with one hand, surrounded by a cheering crowd. Hay bales are in the foreground, and spectators of various ages can be seen in the background.
A man with curly hair and sunglasses holds a microphone while interviewing a motorcyclist in a full racing suit and helmet. The background features a crowd and hay bales at a racing event.
A motorcyclist performing a stunt wheelie in front of a large crowd, with hay bales lining the area. The audience is capturing the moment with cameras and smartphones.
A motorcyclist performs a stunt on a bike while standing on the seat, surrounded by a cheering crowd at an outdoor event.
A motorcyclist performing a wheelie on a motorcycle during a racing event, with a crowd of spectators in the background, surrounded by hay bales.
Two men engaged in conversation at a public event, with a crowd of spectators in the background. One man is wearing a black jacket with 'Colton' and the number '93' on the back, while the other man is wearing a white shirt and sunglasses.
A diverse crowd gathered at an outdoor event, with two individuals at the forefront: one holding a microphone and the other wearing a racing suit. The audience appears engaged, featuring various ages and ethnicities.
A large crowd of people lined up behind barriers, waiting outside a building. Some individuals are holding umbrellas, while others are engaged in conversation, showcasing a diverse group of attendees.
A crowded scene featuring a group of people, with a focus on an individual holding a smartphone to capture the moment. The background is filled with people wearing various hats and clothing.
A diverse crowd of people watching an event, with a man holding a small child on his shoulders. Many attendees display a range of expressions, from excitement to curiosity.
A diverse crowd of people enjoying an outdoor event, with some individuals smiling and taking photos. A child wearing sunglasses is seated on an adult's lap, while others are engaging with their phones.
Two individuals in casual attire stand in front of a crowd. One person wears a black cap and a white jersey with blue lettering. The other person, seen from behind, wears a white jacket with 'UNOFFICIAL RACE OFFICIAL' written in blue on the back.
A crowd of people walking under a large inflatable Red Bull archway at an outdoor event.
A scene from a soapbox race featuring creative, small race cars on a track lined with hay bales, with a large crowd watching in the background.
A crowd watches as two men converse with a third man dressed in a blue racing suit and holding a backpack, surrounded by hay bales.
A man wearing a colorful jacket and cap interacts with two security personnel amidst a crowd at an outdoor event, surrounded by hay bales.
Two participants at the Red Bull Soapbox Race, one in a furry costume and the other wearing a branded shirt, engage in an enthusiastic moment before the race, with a crowd watching in the background.
A participant in a creative gravity-powered soapbox car designed to resemble a log, racing through a crowd at an event. The driver is dressed in a gorilla costume, wearing a helmet, with spectators eagerly capturing the moment.
A person in a furry costume speaking into a microphone, wearing a safety helmet with a camera attached, while another individual wearing a 'Red Bull Soapbox Race' shirt listens. A crowd is gathered in the background.
A large crowd of spectators watches a soapbox derby race on a city street, lined with hay bales and colorful signage. Several unique, homemade cars are racing down the road, while people cheer and take pictures.
A bustling scene at a soapbox car race, featuring a decorated homemade vehicle racing down a street lined with spectators, hay bales, and colorful banners.
A colorful go-kart styled like a truck labeled 'CARVANA' with flames, being pushed by participants at a lively outdoor event. A cheering crowd can be seen in the background.
A crowd eagerly watches a fun event featuring a creative and colorful kart designed to resemble a car, with the name 'CARVANA' on the side. The driver, wearing a helmet, raises their hands in celebration while a team member pushes the kart.
A participant in a whimsical soapbox car race enthusiastically drives a homemade go-kart while wearing a helmet and a costume with a beard, with a crowd cheering in the background.
A vibrant yellow, lemon-shaped soapbox car racing downhill with two participants inside, surrounded by a cheering crowd and bales of hay on the sides of the track.
A large crowd of spectators watches a colorful soapbox car race on a city street, surrounded by hay bales and traffic signs, under bright sunny skies.
A whimsical yellow car designed to look like a lemon, driven by two participants wearing helmets and surrounded by a cheering crowd at an event.
A participant in a homemade soapbox car race, dressed as a firefighter, drives a red car with nostalgic design and American flags while spectators cheer in the background.
A man in a firefighter's outfit and helmet is being interviewed by a host wearing a T-shirt at a lively event with an audience in the background. A camera crew is filming the interaction.
A participant driving a small red fire truck replica, wearing a helmet and firefighter uniform, raises a fist in celebration. A large crowd with cameras watches from behind hay bales.
A large crowd watches as a small red car participates in a fun race on a city street. The scene is lined with hay bales, construction signs, and traffic signals, surrounded by trees and buildings.
A hot dog-themed racing event with participants dressed as hot dogs, surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd. The scene features a sign for 'Speedy Wieners' and various condiments on the table. People are cheering and taking photos.
Two individuals in hot dog costumes celebrating and pointing at the camera, surrounded by a crowd enjoying the event.
A crowd gathers to watch a quirky event featuring contestants in hot dog costumes near a colorful cart named 'The Quickie,' with various condiments displayed and a host holding a microphone.
A child wearing a helmet and a hot dog costume sits in a colorful go-kart decorated with hot dog imagery, ready for a race.
Two participants wearing racing gear prepare for a race on a unique vehicle at an event, while a cameraman captures the moment. A crowd is visible in the background, with hay bales lining the event area.
Two motorcycle riders in racing suits and helmets posing for the camera, with a man in a white shirt and sunglasses interviewing them at an outdoor event.
A man wearing glasses and a helmet gestures enthusiastically while speaking to a crowd at a Red Bull Soapbox Race event. He is dressed in a white shirt with a black strap, surrounded by onlookers excitedly watching the race.
A man in a humorous race car made from cardboard and other materials, wearing glasses and a helmet, is driving down a course surrounded by spectators. A large crowd applauds and takes photos, while some hold signs; one reads 'Did I just quit my first job!' and another 'So did I.'
Two participants in costumes riding a makeshift vehicle resembling a kayak, surrounded by a cheering crowd and cameras at an outdoor event.
Two participants in helmets at a Red Bull Soapbox Race event, one gesturing excitedly and the other listening, with a crowd in the background.
A male and female participant in helmets and protective gear talk to a reporter holding a microphone during the Red Bull Soapbox Race, with a crowd of spectators in the background.
A crowd watches excitedly as two participants in a quirky soapbox car race celebrate at the finish line. The car, made from burlap and wheels, is being driven by a smiling girl, while a boy in a helmet raises his hand in triumph.
Two men engage in a lighthearted conversation at an outdoor event, one wearing a costume resembling a food item, while a crowd watches and reacts in the background.
A person dressed in a hot dog costume engages in a playful arm wrestling match, wearing unique gloves with a claw design. The scene is lively, with a microphone held by an interviewer and a crowd cheering in the background.
A person dressed in a hot dog costume interacts with a host holding a microphone during a lively event, surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd.
A man dressed as a burger engages in a playful interaction with another participant at an outdoor event, with a cheering crowd in the background.
A participant in a colorful costume leaps over a hay barrier at the Red Bull Soapbox Race, while an excited crowd cheers in the background.
A crowd cheers and claps at the Red Bull Soapbox Race event, with participants racing down a track made of hay bales. One participant in an orange outfit has just fallen, while a host wearing a white shirt with event branding faces the audience.
A participant in a quirky creative race drives a homemade car down a track lined with hay bales, while a cheering crowd watches excitedly from behind barriers.
A team participates in a creative race with a homemade cart decorated with delivery service branding. The driver wears a helmet and holds the steering wheel, while a passenger promotes food items. A crowd of enthusiastic spectators watches from behind barriers, with hay bales lining the racecourse.
A large crowd gathered along a street for a soapbox racing event, with participants in small, creative carts racing down a course marked by bales of hay and traffic signs, under a Red Bull arch in the background.
A participant in a creative cardboard race car decorated with food advertisements is being pushed by a teammate, as a crowd watches enthusiastically from the sidelines.
A lively crowd cheering at the Red Bull Soapbox Race, with participants wearing helmets and costumes. One woman in a red hoodie is laughing, while another man holds a quirky prop and smiles. The atmosphere is festive and playful.
Participants at the Red Bull Soapbox Race smiling and high-fiving one another, with an enthusiastic crowd in the background.
Participants at a soapbox racing event, one holding a quirky prop while others cheer, with a lively crowd in the background.
A participant in a red jumpsuit and helmet joyfully raises their hand at the Red Bull Soapbox Race, while the crowd cheers enthusiastically in the background.
Three people in casual attire and helmets, standing in front of a crowd during an outdoor event. The woman on the left, dressed in a red jacket, appears excited or surprised. The man in the middle holds a decorative object resembling a character's face. The man on the right has curly hair and is wearing sunglasses, smiling. Straw bales are visible in the foreground.
A man racing on a small red bike, wearing a costume with a mask and cape, while holding a basket attached to the front. The scene features a cheering crowd with hay bales in the background, indicating a fun outdoor event.
Crowd cheering at an outdoor event with participants in costumes preparing for a race, while onlookers take photos and enjoy the excitement.

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