Montreal’s first-ever winter soapbox race drew a throng of curious spectators to Saint-Denis Street as no fewer than 34 teams raced down a special 280-metre course packed with five themed areas of seasonal challenges ranging from the ravages of the Montreal winter to the blazing-hot Caribbean sunshine. Thrills, spills and teamwork were the name of the game at the Descente Saint-Denis — an officially-sanctioned event on the winter calendar for the Celebration of Montréal’s 375th Anniversary that Montrealers are sure to remember.
Some outstanding competitors
Teams competing in the three race categories — Family, Corporate and Wacky — pulled out all the stops, keen to impress celebrity judges Anaïs Favron, Pascal Morissette and Billy Tellier, who had to commentate on every run for the crowd as well as awarding points for performance and originality. Some teams stood out more than others, earning themselves a spot on the podium through the creativity of their handiwork and speed on the course. It wasn’t all about the prize money, either. As well as taking home their prize money, the lucky winners in the Wacky and Family categories get to show off their soapbox at the Open House Day for the 50th anniversary edition of the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Canada in June. Not only that, all three teams that made the podium in each of these race categories won tickets to the event so they can enjoy watching the races play out at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. In the Family category, Les Gauthier climbed to the top step of the podium with their fast rocket soapbox. Meanwhile, in the Corporate stable, the Vego restaurant team, stole the thunder with their wacky costumes. What’s more, the winning team very gallantly donated their 500$ prize money to the SPCA. Last, but certainly not least, came the Wacky category. This was a race to remember, with by far the highest number of entrants. Eighteen teams, all on fine form with their one-of-a-kind soapboxes, managed to stand out in their own unique way. It was the Playa Del Racing team that took home the honours though their summer style soapboax !