Red Bull Box Cart Race Returns to Johannesburg This September |
Teams wanted for the wildest unpowered race in Joburg |
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There are sporting events, there are motorsport events, and then there is the Red Bull Box Cart Race, where gravity does most of the work and imagination does the rest.
This September, Johannesburg's streets will once again become a downhill playground as homemade carts, outrageous costumes, and fearless teams race for glory in one of the city's most entertaining spectacles.
A Race Where Creativity Matters as Much as Speed
Unlike traditional racing, there are no engines and no horsepower. Every team designs and builds its own gravity-powered cart, often transforming it into everything from giant animals and food items to movie characters and flying machines.
Once the starting signal sounds, the only way down is with skill, courage, and a little luck.
The course is famous for its twists, obstacles, and jumps, meaning spectacular finishes, and spectacular wipeouts, are all part of the entertainment.
A Day Out for Everyone
The Red Bull Box Cart Race is as much a festival as it is a competition. Thousands of spectators line the route to cheer on the teams, admire the creativity on display, and enjoy the light-hearted atmosphere.
Best of all, spectator entry is free, making it one of Johannesburg's most accessible major events.
Whether you are a motorsport fan or simply looking for something different to do with family and friends, the event offers a uniquely Johannesburg day out.
Want to Take Part?
Red Bull is inviting teams to enter their own creations. Applicants must submit a design concept, and selected teams will build their carts to compete on race day while meeting the required safety standards. For many participants, the challenge is not just building the fastest cart, it is building the most unforgettable one.
Think You Can Build a Winning Box Cart?
Red Bull is currently inviting teams to submit their ideas for the 2026 race. Teams must complete an online application and include a sketch or concept of their cart and explain their creative theme.
Selected teams will then build their gravity-powered creations to compete on race day while meeting the event's safety requirements.
Each team may consist of up to five members, with one designated driver and co-driver. Drivers must be 18 years or older, while other team members must be at least 16 years old.
Applications can be submitted through the official Red Bull Box Cart Race South Africa website.
More Than Just a Race
Events like the Box Cart Race showcase another side of Johannesburg: a city that embraces creativity, community, and a willingness to have fun.
It is a reminder that some of the best days out are not about professional athletes or expensive tickets, but about ordinary people with extraordinary ideas.
Before You Go
If past events are anything to go by, expect plenty of laughter, inventive engineering, and a few dramatic crashes along the way. Whether you go to compete or simply to cheer from the sidelines, it promises to be one of Johannesburg's most memorable days out. |