Victory in soapbox rally was inspired by pub trips

6 hours ago

Lewis AdamsEssex

Paul Beesley and Lee Masser hit speeds of 35mph (56km/h) as they hurtled down a hill at Alexandra Palace

Red Bull Paul Beesley and Lee Masser wearing black and white-striped prisoner outfits while riding a large brown kart with a colourful hot air balloon on top. A large crowd watches on as they jump a ramp. — Paul Beesley and Lee Masser hit speeds of 35mph (56km/h) as they hurtled down a hill at Alexandra Palace

The winners of the Red Bull Soapbox Race 2026 said their victorious design was inspired by many trips to their local pub.

Paul Beesley, Lee Masser, Jon Chaproniere and Jo Chaproniere came first out of 60 entries in the derby at Alexandra Palace in north London on Saturday.

The group, from Billericay in Essex, crafted a vehicle that managed to top speeds of 35mph (56km/h) as it hurtled towards the finish line.

Beesley, who was onboard with Masser, said: "I can't believe how fast we went. It felt a lot faster than 35mph."

They dressed up as fleeing jailbirds for their prison escape-themed kart, which featured a large balloon.

"[It took] a few pub trips and a few pints of lager to get the creative juices flowing," Masser said of their design.

(From left) Paul Beesley, Lee Masser, Jo Chaproniere and Jon Chaproniere won with their prison escape-themed soapbox on Saturday

Red Bull Paul Beesley, Lee Masser and Jon Chaproniere wearing black and white-striped prisoner outfits, with Jo Chaproniere dressed as a police officer. They are celebrating their win. — (From left) Paul Beesley, Lee Masser, Jo Chaproniere and Jon Chaproniere won with their prison escape-themed soapbox on Saturday

Racers are judged on their creativity, speed and showmanship as they navigate a hill - kitted out with twists and ramps - within Alexandra Palace's grounds.

Beesley and Masser were pushed from the hill's summit by the Chapronieres to get their race started.

"Lee and Jo gave us a shove as if they were trying to murder us, pushing us down the hill," Beesley said.

He joked that his co-pilot was "flying all over the place" and "screaming in my ear" as they flew down the hill.

The group had recently used their soapbox during a rally in Billericay and placed second, before testing it in the national competition.

Beesley continued: "As soon as we hit that first jump and we landed and the kart hadn't fallen to pieces - the wheels were still facing the right direction - I started to think we might have a chance."

The amateur pilots received a trophy to mark their triumph and joked they were now available for bookings.