Somebody's Gotta Do It Season 3 Episode 3 Extreme Soap Box

Somebody's Gotta Do It is a show that highlights some of the most unique and interesting jobs that exist around the country. In season 3, episode 3 entitled Extreme Soap Box, host Mike Rowe travels to Santa Rosa, California to meet with inventor and extreme sports enthusiast Rick Harman.

Harman is the brains behind the world's fastest soap box racer, which can reach speeds of over 70 miles per hour. Rowe starts the episode by visiting Harman's workshop, where he sees the soap box up close and personal. Harman explains the technology behind the vehicle, which includes a mixture of bicycle, motorcycle, and go-kart parts.

Rowe is fascinated by the soap box racer and its potential for speed. He decides to try it out himself and takes it for a test drive down a steep hill in the California countryside. The experience is exhilarating, and Rowe can't help but laugh as he hits top speeds.

Next, Rowe and Harman travel to the annual World Championship Soapbox Derby in Akron, Ohio. There, they meet with some of the most innovative and creative soap box racers from around the world. The competition is fierce, with each team showcasing their unique designs and modifications in an effort to win the coveted title of world champion.

Rowe meets with several of the racers and learns about their motivations for participating in the competition. He also witnesses some of the crashes and near-collisions that happen on the track, highlighting just how dangerous the sport can be. Despite this, Rowe is impressed by the passion and dedication of the racers and their willingness to take risks in pursuit of their goals.

Throughout the episode, Rowe also provides insight into the history of soap box racing. He explains how the sport originated in the early 1900s and gained popularity during the Great Depression. At the time, soapbox racing was a way for kids to make toys out of whatever scraps they could find, and it eventually evolved into a competitive sport with national and international championships.

Overall, season 3, episode 3 of Somebody's Gotta Do It is an exciting and informative look into the world of extreme soap box racing. Rowe's enthusiasm and curiosity make for an engaging viewing experience, and viewers are sure to learn something new about this unique and thrilling sport.