Max reveals new ride: STR ZK1

Published on 26 April 2015 by Mike Motilall

Max Verstappen has revealed his soapbox in which he will be taking on the famous Cauberg in Valkenburg on 16 May. He will then, for once, exchange his Formula 1-car for the “STR ZK1”, the Scuderia Toro Rosso Zeepkist 1, as the name has appropriately been chosen. The youngster plans on making it off the hill, full speed ahead.

“I am looking forward to bringing it on to the other contesters in this well-crafted ride”, Max shares with us after, in the Jumbo Foodmarkt in Breda, he has removed the cover. “As it obviously has four wheels and a steering wheel, I think I can put down a fast time. It will be an exciting race, as I expect everyone to be quick themselves, but I am particularly interested in the other creations by the rest. I have seen some small clips with crashes and I intend to check out the course myself beforehand.”

Max will be facing 60 other teams, selected from an unbelievable 1487 applicants. After previous editions in Bloemendaal (2002) and Nijmegen (2004) this is the third time that Red Bull will be organizing the Soapbox race in the Netherlands. For the first time in soapbox history, the race will take place from a hill with a 12% slope. With a 480 meter long course, four obstacles, including a jump, a chicane, Dutch Mountains and a Flying Finish, this promises to be one the most spectacular editions ever.

Apart from speed, it is also about “personality” at the Red Bull Soapbox race, that will be judged by a very capable jury. Speed, creativity and showmanship will all be taken into account in the final remarks. The jury is formed by: Tess Milne (race fan and presenter), Fred van Leer (design), Mayor Martin Eurlings (experience expert) and Kjeld Nuis (skater).

Red Bull’s Soapbox race takes place on Saturday 16 May, from two till six o’clock, on the Cauberg in Valkenburg; admission is free of charge. The event can also be followed by a live stream and RTL7 will broadcast a 60 minutes summary at seven o’clock.

The soapbox doesn’t have an engine, but four wheels, a steering wheel and a brake. “Hopefully, the soapbox is strong enough so I can jump with it. But I am confident it is. When I was about eight or nine, I also had a soapbox, so I do have some experience. I know how to steer on something like this. Although, at full speed, in a corner, it can be different. With a couple of jumps, one corner and on a steep course down, it will be exciting.”

But is Max prepared to really let it all go? “In a Formula 1-car, I am doing over 300 km/hr, so being scared is out of the question. Of course I intend to put down the fastest time, because in everything I do, I want to win. Hopefully it will be a great spectacle, because, foremost, it is cool and very neat to be able to participate in Red Bull’s Soapbox race and that is the most important thing.”

As the unveiling is coming to an end, Max can’t help himself and gives his STR ZK1 a closer inspection. “Can’t we make the brake handle somewhat longer, so I have a better reach? I also would like a board to put my feet against to.” Max wouldn’t be a Verstappen if he was not trying to improve his new ride. Always in search of more speed.

For more information on the Red Bull Soapbox race, check out: www.redbullzeepkistenrace.nl