Left, the 8th Newport Scouts’ Wooden Bullet, driven by Ben Shutler, 12, and the police’s, Blue Meanies, driven by PC Steve Quelch. Picture by Robin Crossley.
PICTURE GALLERY
HOME-made go-karts in all shapes and sizes, thrills and spills and spectacular crashes made this year’s Isle of Wight Soapbox Derby Challenge one to remember for the large crowds that came along on Sunday.
The multi-heat races, on a 100-metre track at Pan, Newport, gave the 21 entrants the chance to show some ingenuity when creating their contraptions.
Consistency throughout the competition, which led to a well-driven final earned 8th Newport Scouts, with its Wooden Bullet, its place on the winners’ podium. The boys beat the Big Bogey into second place.
Last year’s winners, Road Kill, finished third.
"We are obviously pleased with the win. It took a year to put the kart together in its current design and we made it as aerodynamic as possible within the rules," said Ian Gear, scout leader.
The large crowds were, for the first time, able to view the races on a giant screen. Live television footage was fed through and mixed as it happened.
The karts, including a coffin and a bed, averaged about 18mph coming down the ramp, with the top speed, recorded on a police speed gun, being 21.5 mph.
Inevitably, there were some spectacular crashes with only minor injuries reported, which included one boy whose kart landed on top of him.
Throughout the day, up to 1,000 people enjoyed the event, which also included some Irish jigs by the Shamrock and Thistle Dancers, face painting, a bouncy castle, children’s activities and stalls.
The event, which cost about £15,000 to stage, was organised by community organisation, Pan Together.
Danny Neale, who organised the event and was master of ceremonies, said: "It was a great family, community day. Lots of people pulled together to make it one to remember.
"There was a very relaxed atmosphere and the feedback has been tremendous. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event."
RESULTS
Main event
1 8th Newport Scouts, 2 Big Bogey, 3 Road Kill.
Novelty categories
Best presented kart — 8th Newport Scouts; fastest speed — Solent Racing Engineers; people’s choice — Berkshire Bulls;competitors’ choice — 8th Newport Scouts; most spectacular prang — Jones Crib; best performance outside of the final — Flying Phoenix; best theme — Berkshire Bulls; best design — Solent Racing Engineers.
Reporter: jonm@iwcpmail.co.uk
• Pictures from our online gallery www.iwcpgallery.co.uk below.
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