Read about how we got going for our inaugural event, and the support we got from Sponsors and Press.
Sub-menu items take you to the Race Report or to Photos of the day.
The Beginning !
Having decided to organise a race, the first consideration was to find a suitable course.We looked at several options, both tarmac public roads and off-road rough tracks before deciding on a course which started on a rough footpath before descending down a short hill normally used by kids for winter-sledging, then across and down part of the playing fields.Besides seeming to be a pretty good course, being off-road meant there was no need for police involvement, road closures etc. It was just long enough to give a 30 to 40 second run and to incorporate a few bends.
Then we had to decide on how to manage the event.We developed basic construction and race rules and our first fun event was planned for September 2006.The plan was that each cartie would get 3 runs against the clock, with prizes for the best single time, and for the best aggregate of all 3 times.
Two weeks before the event we had a “Scrutineering” where all entrants turned up to have their cartie inspected, and where they could check out the proposed course and even have a practice run. Teams had built their own carties - some basic traditional style, others sophisticated feats of imagination and engineering.There was a range of steering and braking capabilities, as well as driver ages so we decided to have 3 different starting lines, and a short and long course.Entrants were assigned a starting position and course according to age, capabilities and standard of cartie.There would be appropriate time penalties depending on starting line in order that all entrants could be judged equally.
Sponsors
The 2006 event could not have happened without help from our generous sponsors. For example insurance cost around £300, so we are indebted to:
- Stonehaven Taxis, Heugh Hotel, Rufftrack Bikes, Shell Hoosie, Deeside Timberhomes, Connons, First Drive, Creel Inn, Mackinnon solicitors, café Boheme and Kwikfit for their financial support. - Babes in the Wood Childcare for the trophies - Allan from St Leonards Hotel and Geordie from Davidson & Murison for lending trailers for moving stuff around - Cowton Stables for lending hay bales, Deeside Timberhomes for posts, KwikFit for tyres - Aberdeenshire Council for permitting us to use the track, and for ensuring that the track was in good shape
The Press
Throughout our planning for our inaugural event, and on the day itself, we were well supported by The Leader which ran several articles charting our progress. http://www.mearnstoday.co.uk
Video
Aly Black came along to film part of the event and compiled a dvd of the activities. He managed to capture ??? demolishing the starting lights, Heather emerging slightly bruised but defiant from a roll in 4x0 and many other thrills and spills. The video, as well as showing the fun of the day, also serves to illustrate the nature of the course, and good and bad cartie designs for those interested in taking part in future events.
The video lasts for 13 minutes and may be viewed at …..
