Media Release

23 June 2011

Old Fashioned Family Fun for Winterfest 2011

Towncentre Taupo today confirmed the 2nd Annual Ebbett Taupo Trolley Derby, as part of the 2011 Winterfest Celebrations.

Sponsored by local Holden, Volkswagen and Nissan dealer, Ebbett Taupo, the Trolley Derby will take place on Saturday 23 July.

“We’re really excited about this family focused fun day,” said Towncentre Taupo General Manager, Traceylee Hooton. “Many towns around the country have an annual trolley or soap box derby, and building on the success of the inaugural event last year, this year is going to be bigger and better than ever! Anyone can enter, all you need to do is make a trolley, register, and then come on down to Redoubt St for some old fashioned fun.”

Some simple guidelines have been prepared to assist trolley builders and to ensure a safe and fair race.

“We’ve put together a few simple rules for the event, which include the need for all trolleys to have brakes and simple steering,” explained Ms Hooton. “Trolleys can be used for more than one race, so we encourage families or groups of friends to get together, build a trolley, and all the kids can have a turn on the day.”

Matt McDowall, Dealer Principal of Ebbett Taupo, said he was quick to get in behind this event.

“The Trolley Derby will be a fun and entertaining family event,” said Mr McDowall. “I’m sure that there will be plenty of parents spending weekends in the garage between now and then building trolleys. It’s great to be involved again this year in the annual event.”

A number of different classes will be raced on the day, allowing both children and adults to participate, and heats will be raced in each class until the fastest trolleys compete for the finals.

“There are five classes for the event, which will hopefully allow people of any age to participate,” said Ms Hooton. “We have kids pushing kids, adults pushing kids, adults pushing adults, and an open class for any combination. We’d love to see sports clubs, community organisations or businesses get together a team as well.”

With plenty of spot prizes up for grabs and trophies for the winners in each class, there is more than just pride at stake.

Workshops are being coordinated by the Taupō Mens Shed at the Anglican Church for budding Trolley Builders.

“The workshops will provide those building trolleys with a few simple tips for steering and braking, as well as basic trolley construction,” said Ms Hooton.

For more information about the workshops or the event, trolley specifications, or registration forms, call into the team at Ebbett Taupo (Ruapehu St), visit www.towncentretaupo.co.nz or call Towncentre Taupo on 377 0104.

ends

EBBETT TAUPO TROLLEY DERBY INFORMATION

Ebbett Taupo Trolley Derby:
• Trolley Derby race as part of Winterfest Celebrations
• Saturday 23rd July 2011
• Registration from 10.00am
• Commence heats at 11.00am
• Depending on number of heats, event should be finished by 1.00pm

COURSE:
• Redoubt St, Taupō.
• Meet on Redoubt St, just by the entrance to the Riverside Market for registration & scrutineering.
• Race will start half way along Redoubt Road, with a shorter course for the Tots Class. Pre-school peddlers will start at the bottom of Redoubt St on the flat area.
• Cart can only be pushed in the ‘push zone’ then must be let go, with no pushing for the Tots class or pedal cars.
• Finish line at bottom of hill in Boat Harbour car park.
• Course length – approx 250 metres.

RULES:
• Each cart shall have a driver and a pusher.
• Every cart must have a functional breaking mechanism.
• There will be a restricted push zone at the top of the course- carts can be pushed only in this zone and must then be let go. This is not applicable for the Tots or Pedal Car classes.
• Drivers must wear cycle safety helmets. The use of other safety equipment (skateboard elbow/knee pads for example) is encouraged.
• Each heat will have a maximum number of six carts, determined by the judges. Heats will be held to accommodate all carts.
• Winners from the heats will then go through to the finals.
• Carts may be entered in more than one class with appropriate drivers/pushers.
• First cart past the post is the winner.
• Pedal cars may be entered but may be handicapped.
• All entrants enter these races at their own risk.
• Race judges decisions are final.

CART SPECIFICATIONS:
• All carts must be available for scrutineering by 10.00am on race day.
• Carts shall be in a safe condition.
• Carts must have brakes and be able to stop un-aided.
• Each cart must have at least 3 and no more than 6 wheels. Maximum wheel diameter 600mm.
• Maximum cart length 3 metres. Carts must be capable of being steered.
• There shall be no dangerous extrusions from the cart.
• Each cart shall have provision for a number. Numbers will be allocated on final registration.
• Trolleys deemed by the Scrutineers to be unsafe/uncontrollable will not be allowed to take part.

CLASSES:
• Tots: Driver to be a child 6 years and under. Tot trolleys can have a rope attached to the back to help brake (as the littlies can’t always brake when required!).
• Pre-school Peddlers: Pre-schoolers (aged 3&4) in pedal cars.
• Under 12: Any two children. Minimum age of 7 years, one maximum age of 12 years.
• Teenager: Any two teenagers aged 13-17 years.
• Father & Son: Any combination of child and adult. Maximum age for child 12 years on race day. Adult shall be the pusher.
• Open Class: Any two adults.

PRIZES:
Heats will be conducted in each class, with a final race, dependant on the number of entries. Spot prizes are up for all entrants/teams/carts that pass the scrutineers tests and enter at least one race. The Draw will take place at the conclusion of racing. Entrants must be in attendance to collect their prizes.

ENTRIES:
All entrants will be required to complete an entry form prior to the event. A non-refundable fee of $10 will be required per registration. Entries can be made at Towncentre Taupo or at Ebbett Taupō or on the day.

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