Forget horsepower. On Sunday, 4 October 2026, the only thing powering the action on Sandton Drive will be gravity.
Red Bull Box Cart Race returns to Johannesburg, presenting a whimsical scenario: what transpires when teams tackle a hill with a DIY cart and no engine? The outcome is a blend of competition, street performance, and organized chaos.
The first cart will start its descent down the ramp at 11am. A team drags its self-constructed, engine-less vehicle to the top, often dressed in costumes ranging from pirates to superheroes, and even creative takes like a giant potjie pot or a stolen bathtub. Before rolling down the hill, they perform a skit to charm the judges and energize the audience. These grand characters showcase their dedication, and this moment can define their legacy. After the skit, they release the cart. It drops, encounters jumps, and physics becomes the driving force. Some carts soar swiftly, while others may lose a wheel on the first bump, tumble into hay bales, or spectacularly fall apart while the driver clings on as the crowd erupts with excitement. While the calm, perfected runs may fade from memory, the dramatic crashes remain vivid. Entries are judged based on speed, creativity, and showmanship, meaning the fastest cart does not always secure the top prize, and a makeshift cart might just claim victory.
Entry is free for spectators. Families and friends are encouraged to attend, equipped with hats, ready to claim a spot along the hill for a close view of all the excitement. Each zany cart reflects a group that has invested weeks into designing their creation, full of creativity, determination, and an enthusiasm to transform an ambitious idea into reality. We spoke with several of this year’s teams to learn what motivates them to tackle this event.
For a group like Noma Yini, the experience emphasizes expression as much as competition.
“We honestly signed up because it’s fun, but it’s also about creativity, representation and telling our story. As Black South Africans, we want to show that we belong in spaces like this, bringing the spirit of the kasi, the hustle and the ability to make something out of nothing. Spectators can expect plenty of energy, humour and excitement when we hit the track.”
First-time racers Kwik Kwik Nauw Nauw, supported by Takealot, have their eyes on the prize: they are entering the competition ready to win.
“This is our first Red Bull Box Cart Race, and we’re excited to bring Kwik Kwik Nauw Nauw, powered by Takealot, to the track. We’re going for the win with speed, a standout design and a fun, delivery-inspired performance. Most importantly, we’re ready to entertain the crowd and bring the energy on race day.”
South Africa is the sole African country to host the race. The last events took place along the steep, cobbled streets of Bo-Kaap in Cape Town, attracting over 22,000 attendees each day. The current titleholders, the Potjie Boytjies from Stellenbosch, won with a potjie pot on wheels, demonstrating that a good cart is often one with an unexpected story. This year, the race is back in Joburg for its eighth South African edition, with Sandton Drive featured in a global lineup for 2026 that includes locations such as Belfast, London, Denver, and Los Angeles.
Save the date: Sunday, 4 October 2026, at Sandton Drive, Johannesburg. The first cart sets off at 11am. Admission is free. Expect costumes, performances, jumps, spills, and an unforgettable champion. Gather your friends and make your way there.
