DES MOINES, Iowa — The Red Bull Soapbox Race is back in Iowa this weekend. It came to Des Moines for the first time in 2022 and is back to bring more fun by the Capitol. 

There will be 50 teams from all over the country competing on Walnut Street, alongside the Capitol, in a race where they’re not only judged by how fast they go down this track with twists, turns, obstacles, jumps, but also for showmanship. 

InRoads Paving from Des Moines competed in the race three years ago, but it didn’t go the best for them. This time they’re back for another crack at it. This time they’re called the “Road Doctors” with a vehicle called the “Wambulance”.

“So I will be riding back here. Jordan will be sitting there driving, and I will be cracking the siren and letting them know we’re coming,” Doug Doud, from InRoads, said.

“It’s a real family event. Everybody’s walking through here having a good time, a lot of smiles, a lot of happiness,” InRoads Vice President and Road Doctors team member Bill Rosener said. “It’s pretty crazy. There’s a little adrenaline shot. There’s a lot of fun when you’re up there on the top and you watch your team go down the hill.”

“I love this. You know, you get crazy and have fun. So, yes, I will be embracing the crazy side,” Doud said.

A part of the score is showmanship, including a 30-second skit each team has to perform. 

“So the last time we found out, the judges are really important. So, I’ll just say this: we’re going to be doctors. Somebody might get a shot,” Rosener said.

“We’ll do what doctors do. They make people feel better,” Doud added. 

Their theme is inspired by their cause. They’re doing all of this to raise money for Blank Children’s Hospital.

“We have all been in situations where you have a young child and you need some help. Blank Children’s Hospital has been great for Des Moines,” Rosener said. “So far, we’ve raised over $15,000 to go towards their Child Life Program and couldn’t be more excited about that. We’re shooting for $20k, so if you want to help us out, please do so.”

You can donate by going to their InRoads Facebook page. 

As far as the event on Saturday, pit row opens at 10 a.m., so you can come check out all the carts. Then the race starts at 12:05 p.m. right after the opening ceremony. The event is free.

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