The format is simple in premise and anything but in execution: teams haul their hand-built creations to the top of the ramp dressed in outlandish costumes pirates, superheroes, a giant potjie pot, a runaway bathtub and perform a skit to win over judges and crowd alike before letting gravity take the wheel. Carts are scored on speed, creativity and showmanship, meaning the fastest machine doesn't always take the win; the crowd favourite, more often than not, is the one held together by nothing but hope and duct tape.

This year's field includes first-time entrants Kwik Kwik Nauw Nauw, powered by Takealot, who are chasing the title with a delivery-inspired performance and a "standout design." For returning team Noma Yini, the race is about more than competition: "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," the team says.

South Africa remains the only African nation to host the event, with recent editions on Cape Town's Bo-Kaap streets drawing crowds of more than 22,000. The reigning champions, Stellenbosch's Potjie Boytjies, took the 2025 crown aboard a potjie-pot-on-wheels proof that the best story usually wins the day.

Event Details

• Date: Sunday, 4 October 2026

• Venue: Sandton Drive, Johannesburg

• First launch: 11:00 AM

• Entry: Free

The Sandton race marks the eighth South African edition and joins a 2026 global calendar spanning Belfast, London, Denver and Los Angeles.