Old Fashioned Family Fun for Winterfest 2010

Media Release

26 May 2010

Old Fashioned Family Fun for Winterfest 2010

Towncentre Taupo today launched an exciting new event, the Ebbett Taupo Trolley Derby, as part of the 2010 Winterfest Celebrations.

Sponsored by local Holden and Nissan dealer, Ebbett Taupo, the Trolley Derby will take place on Saturday 10 July.

“We’re really excited about this new event,” said Towncentre Taupo General Manager, Kylie Hawker. “Many towns around the country have an annual trolley or soap box derby, and we think it’s Taupo’s turn! Anyone can enter, all you need to do is make a trolley, register, and then come on down to Ferry Road 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 Hawker. “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.”

Craig Innes, 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 Innes. “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 in this new Taupo activity.”

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 Hawker. “We have kids pushing kids, adults pushing kids, adults pushing tots, adults pushing adults, and an open class for any combination.”

With plenty of spot prizes, plus cash prizes for the winners in each class, there is more than just pride at stake.

A workshop will be held for budding Trolley Builders in mid June.

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

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

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EBBETT TAUPO TROLLEY DERBY INFORMATION

Ebbett Taupo Trolley Derby:

Trolley Derby race as part of Winterfest Celebrations

Saturday 10 July 2010

Registration from 10.00am

Commence heats at 11.00am

Depending on number of heats, event should be finished by 1.00pm

COURSE:

Ferry Road, Taupo

Meet in large car park area at top of Ferry Road for registration & scrutineering

Race will start half way along Ferry Road

Cart can only be pushed in the ‘push zone’ then must be let go

Finish line at bottom of hill in Boat Harbour Carpark

Course length – approx 150 metres

RULES:

Each cart shall have a driver and a pusher.

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

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. Pusher any adult (over 16 years). Tot trolleys can have a rope attached to the back to help brake (as the littlies can’t brake!).

Kids: Any two children. Minimum age of 7 years, one maximum age of 16 years and one maximum age 12 years.

Father & Son: Any combination of child and adult. Maximum age for child 12 years on race day. Adult shall be the pusher.

Mum and Dad: Any two adults – but must be 1 male and 1 female.

Open: Any combination of adult and child with minimum age of driver of 7 years on race day.

PRIZES:

Heats will be conducted in each class, with a final race. Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third in the final of each class.

All carts that pass the scrutineers tests and enter at least one race will be eligible for the Grand Draw. This will consist of 1 prize of $300 and 2 prizes of $100. 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 Taupo.

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