Esso supports the 'Wacky Races'

Around 20,000 people turned out to watch the fun as amateur teams competed against the clock in a downhill race in their home-built and often outrageous soapbox dream machines. Highlights included a Star Wars X-wing Fighter, Marvel Comics’ Deadpool squaring off against Wolverine, Wallace and Gromit, and a soapbox inspired by the gaming sensation, Fortnite.

Esso has been involved with the event for a few years now as part of its broader partnership with Red Bull.  Working with a team from Right Formula, who specialise in these events, Paul Clegg, Jane Middleton and Helen Curtis from the Esso marketing department hosted a stand which proved very popular with the public from the moment the event gates opened. 

Paul, Field Marketing Advisor for UK Retail Fuels said:  “As well as lots of Esso branding around the course and the Esso speed camera, we had a busy stand that included an Esso branded Formula One car simulator, a Batak wall where members of the public could compete against the Red Bull F1 drivers in a test of their reaction time, and some static bikes that helped generate some of the power needed to run the stand. The stand was a huge draw for all the kids (and their Mums and Dads) who wanted a go on everything! It was great fun, hard work, and really presented the Esso brand with a bit of a “wow” factor.”

The competing Soap Box teams were judged on their creativity, speed and showmanship with a judging panel made up of Kriss Kyle (Red Bull athlete and professional BMXer), Sunni (Red Bull BC One All Star), Elz the Witch (presenter and esports content creator), and the motorcycle collective, VC London. 

Team Go Go Gadget Soapbox claimed first place, having been inspired by the animated television series, Inspector Gadget. Hailing from Fareham in Hampshire, the team of four friends consisted of two engineers, a mathematician, and a doctor.