Teams

Fishstick Frenzy

Garage Headquarters: Richmond, VA

Driver: Robert Ramsey

Mechanics: Peter Bull, Ryan Farr, Steven Harris, Scott Parker

Nuts and Bolts:

“We’ve all been college roommates for the past four years,” says Virginia Commonwealth University student Robert Ramsey in reference to his Red Bull Soapbox Race team. He adds helpfully, “We are also quintuplets.”

Robert and his buddies Peter Bull, Ryan Farr, Steven Harris, and Scott Parker don’t look related; but, come to think of it, they do act a lot like siblings. While building their racer in the comfy confines of their dining room (“during non-dining hours only”), they pump themselves up by putting each other down. “Peter won a male beauty pageant in high school,” Ryan announces, only to have Peter retort, “True. But at least I didn’t lose a hot-dog-eating contest to a girl.” In other words, they’re bonding like real brothers – by trading high-stakes banter, downing high-energy drinks, and building a high-speed racer. The nautical shape of their vehicle was inspired one epic day when Steven and Scott tried to fish from the convenience of their car. They couldn’t cast very well from their bucket seats, but they did land the concept of a combo boat/auto racer. “Our entry will be made of American white pine, steel cast right here in the U. S. of A., and a whole lotta heart,” declares Robert, the team’s driver. “We’re going to win over the crowd with a combination of our distinct Southern charm and free fish sticks.”