Gravity-powered chaos returns to Sandton this September as the wildly entertaining Red Bull Box Cart Race rolls back into Joburg for the first time since 2018. Taking over Sandton Drive on Sun, Sep 20, 2026 for a good old-fashioned box cart race, teams of amateur engineers, comedians or daredevils race homemade, engine-free carts down a course packed with jumps, obstacles and the looming threat of public humiliation. Think you’ve got what it takes? Apply here.

Open to teams of up to five, the Red Bull Box Cart Race, while technically being a show of engineering chops, is just as much about creativity and theatrics. Contestants must submit to the core tenets: build something ridiculous, point it downhill and hope for the best – or design your own gravity-powered cart, perform a skit at the start line to impress the judges, then survive the run in one piece. 

Applications are now open, so submit your best inventive, ridiculous and memorable concepts. Maybe you'll even earn a coveted place on the grid. Carts must rely solely on gravity for movement and include working steering and brakes – beyond that, almost anything goes.

South Africa remains the only African country to host the event, which has previously taken place in Johannesburg, Soweto, Sandton and Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap. Worldwide, the race has become a cult phenomenon, drawing millions of spectators across more than 50 countries since launching in Brussels in 2000.

Expect outrageous costumes, gloriously unqualified engineers, spectacular wipe-outs and one of the city’s most entertaining days out. Spectating is free, but if you’re looking to join the action, applications for teams close on Fri, Jul 3, 2026. Apply here.