Of course, all the competitors want to have their name written on the splendid, scrappiest rattiest trophy of all time.

There was a danger a few might be breaking rule number 1 (by taking it too seriously) as some cart looked rather sophisticated, but on closer inspection all had entered into the spirit of scrap builds with rough and ratty contraptions.

Let's have a look at how they fared:

Built and driven: Edward

A late entry this was built just a few days before the competition and performed admirably. With wood from an old pallet, a couple of old bikes, a bit of rough welding and some ‘Dexion’ racking made this is a robust machine. Unlike some, look how solidly upright the wheels remain.

Built and driven: Paul

An old Vauxhall prop-shaft formed the backbone chassis with a couple of BMX bike cut up for the rest. Very solid and rose jointed steering mechanism, which the judges were assured came out of a scrap bin. On its second run Paul decided to try and complete the course without any use of brakes ...

As he picked himself up off the floor, I think we all agreed that was a 'sub-optimal' decision:


Paul got back on and completed the course.


Later inspection of the pallet platform suggested he had been clipping the top of the up ramp with that prop-shaft which might have lead to some instability and the crash. A bit more ground clearance is needed for next year.

Built Chris, driven: Bruno

A classic wooden board design tweaked a little due to the rules not allowing pin steering. There were some concerns that the long, low slung design might ground out on the launch ramp and platform, but it seemed to manage them fine.

It’s small wheels and rather worn front tyre did cause problems and it needed a little push to complete the course, however driver Bruno got the biggest cheer as he rounded allotment corner.

I understand the builder is already scouting out some larger and better wheels for next year.

Built and driven: Tony

This is a rebuild of a machine we saw last year, with a new low slung scaffold tube chassis. This svelte cart is rather well designed, with 'Ackerman' geometry steering, king pin inclination and adjustable tracking.

Last year Carty-McCartface was rather high and struggled to get under the height restriction, that wasn’t going to be a problem this year, but would it manage the platform or ground out?

I don’t have a picture but the crowd was treated to some enthusiastic runs and a considerable amount of ‘air under the wheels’ as the pallet platform became a jump rather than a speed hump.

Built: David, driven: Bob

Last years winner was entered again without modification. Unfortunately the driver was working so his place was taken by a 64-year old, who squeezed himself in with a bulbous crash helmet peeking out of the top. He may have gone a bit faster with some more air in those tyres, nevertheless a few respectable runs.

Built: Tim, driven: Samuel

A tongue-twister name for the commentator, this machine definitely fell into the ‘wacky’ category. Most people think it should go the other way, but no … it was designed as a rear steer tricycle.

Last year it was used by Tim (race organiser) to test the track and he rolled it right over after skidding and buckling a wheel. This year it has buckle-proof small wheels on the front, but these also mean it will go a fair bit slower. It still has a rather elastic connection to the rear wheel and the steering is via levers and ropes – both of which must be kept tight by the driver – tricky.

In fact too tricky as it crashed while trying to get over the pallet platform, very good effort though as this is an extremely difficult contraption to control.

Sam managed to right his machine and complete the course.

Built and driven: Patrick

A magnificent piece of welded scrap iron with its low, wide stance it should perform well and it did.

Equipped with a horizontal steering wheel the driver showed considerable skill in keeping this in a straight line. It had a tendency to snake after tackling some of the obstacles, the adjacent picture shows the side loading of the rear wheel is enough to loosen the spokes (so close to wheel failure) and yet he held it together and posted some very quick times.

Patrick is Tony’s son and he came so very close to beating his father, look out Tony he will have you next year.

Built: Chris, driven: Grace – age 4

An exquisite build from last year , this time on a ceremonial outing with its very young driver.


Just in case anyone was wondering ... no, she wasn't allowed to do a full flying start by herself; maybe in a few years time?

Built: Paul, driven: Ali


Hang on ... haven't we seen this before?

Ali is Paul’s wife and is driving the same machine, spouse rivalry is very much to be encouraged in situations like this. Being lighter, Ali has a slight disadvantage over Paul as the machine is engineered stronger then necessary for her and she didn’t quite beat his time but delivered some beautifully smooth runs and, unlike her husband, she didn’t crash at all, nor was there any hint of hitting the pallet-platform through lack of ground clearance!

Clearly, it is a well built, finely controllable machine and a lot of fun.

The Podium

The judges had a difficult job comparing such diverse machines, but they had to find one winner with a lot in joint second place.

And the overall winner is:

The Whinburgh Whippet

There is no champagne, just permission to be smug for 5 minutes, then start thinking about next year.