Scott Subaru’s Blazing Tartans Take the Plunge at Red Bull Jump & Freeze
After months of planning, building, testing, and more than a few cold-weather laughs, Scott Subaru’s very own Blazing Tartans finally sent their homemade bobsled down the hill at this year’s Red Bull Jump & Freeze.
And while they may not have brought home a trophy, they came back with something even better: an unforgettable story.
From Big Idea to Bobsled
The adventure began in late January, when the marketing team at Scott Subaru in Red Deer, Alberta set out to build a craft that could survive a 250-foot ramp before launching into freezing water.
Naturally, the event name said it all: Jump & Freeze.
Inspired by Scott Subaru’s old mascot, “Scotty,” and a love for all things bold and ridiculous, the team chose the name The Blazing Tartans. Their design concept was just as memorable: a carved-out log-style bobsled that looked like a battering ram straight out of Braveheart.
The goal was to create something fun, fast, and buildable using recycled and repurposed materials.
Built with Rain Barrels, Skis, Wood, and Determination
The Blazing Tartans’ bobsled was designed with creativity and practicality in mind.
The team used skis from an old Skidoo for steering, cut-up rain barrels for the main body, and plenty of wood, screws, and determination to bring the whole thing together.
From the beginning of February through mid-April, the team put in more than 50 combined hours of work. There was plenty of blood, sweat, and questionable engineering decisions along the way, but the mission stayed the same: building a craft that was safe, fast, and worthy of the large hill.
Bringing the Vision to Life
Once testing was complete, it was time to make the craft look the part.
The team added wood-style wallpaper, yellow paint, and extra paper details to transform the bobsled into the Braveheart-inspired build they had originally imagined.
The final result was a craft measuring more than nine feet long and weighing over 100 pounds.
Two weeks before the event, the team delivered the bobsled to Red Bull’s facility in Calgary, where they got a sneak peek at some of the other creative builds from across Canada. Among the lineup were a bathtub, a pirate ship, and a motorcycle cart inspired by Nacho Libre.
The competition was already looking fierce.
Event Day at Sunshine Village
On April 25, the Scott Subaru team made the trip to Sunshine Village Ski Resort, where Red Bull Jump & Freeze was being held.
Representing The Blazing Tartans were Brock, Solomon, Candice, Jason, and Chirag, with Brock and Solomon chosen as the brave riders who would take the craft down the hill.
Of course, no Blazing Tartans appearance would be complete without costumes. The team dressed as Scottish warriors and prepared a skit for the top of the ramp. Jason also suited up in the old Scotty mascot costume to help bring the performance to life.
The ramp was set up near Goat’s Eye Lodge, halfway up the ski hill, with space for more than 3,000 attendees. Free Red Bull was handed out to the crowd, and some lucky spectators even received blue angel wings in the spirit of Red Bull’s famous slogan.
The Blazing Tartans Take Their Turn
Nearly 30 teams launched themselves down the hill and into the freezing pool, with The Blazing Tartans going third.
Before their run, they watched the Titanic-themed craft sink into the water, and the Nacho Libre bike lunge into the pool. Then it was their turn.
Their skit featured a sword fight between two Scotsmen before a third stepped in to break up the battle. After a handshake and one final joke involving a lifted kilt, the team shouted “Freedom!” and launched down the ramp.
The bobsled reached speeds of more than 30 km/h before plunging into the freezing water below.
When the craft hit the pool, Brock was flung from the bobsled, sending a wave of icy water toward the crowd. After the splashdown, the riders quickly made their way back to the lodge for towels, dry clothes, and a much-needed warm-up.
No Trophy, No Problem
Over the next few hours, teams continued to race down the mountain. Some crafts made it to the water, while others crashed, broke apart, or stopped short before reaching the pool.
The Blazing Tartans may not have taken home any trophies, but they left with something far more meaningful: a shared experience packed with teamwork, creativity, and plenty of laughs.
For Scott Subaru, the event was about more than building a bobsled. It was about coming together, representing Red Deer, and taking on a challenge that was equal parts wild, cold, and unforgettable.
The Blazing Tartans didn’t just jump and freeze.
They made memories for a lifetime.