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Description
A gravity racer is a motorless vehicle capable of holding a driver (usually a child) built for the purpose of racing or recreation. They are propelled by gravity and can achieve speeds upwards of 112 km/h (70 miles per hour).
Originally, gravity racer cars were built from wooden soap (or apple) crates and rollerskate wheels, but have grown more sophisticated over time, with materials like aluminium, fiberglass and even CFRP being used.
In the United Kingdom a Gravity racer car has been called a buggy, trolley, cart. It is currently popularly called a go-cart, although that now more often refers to a similar vehicle with a motor, spelt "go kart". In Scotland and northern England it has also been called a bogie, cartie/cairtie, guider or piler. In Wales it is often referred to as a gambo. In Australia they are called billy-carts.
In addition to being built by children, there are organised competitions and races ("soapbox or billycart derby") that often engage the enthusiasm of adults. However, these things are usually entered into in a spirit of fun rather than serious competition. Often they will be fund-raisers for charity. Many, but not all, events impose the following rules:
The car must have no motor
The car must have at least 4 wheels
The car may have to have some type of brakes
The driver must wear a helmet
A push at the top is allowed for extra speed
Soapbox cars weigh an average of 150 pounds (68 kg) Many cities have permanent tracks where drivers compete for prizes.
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Comments (9)
alanwilliams
formula 1 beckons, charming
jayfar
Super shot and I want to have a go at that. Heard this morning that F1 team Williams have a female testing their cars now and she wants to become a racer.
GARAGELAND
Nothing wrong with a lady at the wheel !!!!
blinkings
Go you good thing!
durleybeachbum
Now THAT is a sport, unlike the 'hideous game'.
MrsRatbag
Great capture of these young sportsmen! I love seeing some of the entries in the annual soapbox derby here.
rhol_figament
I bet he was mad when they taped that number over his super fly paint job. I know I would be... :)
wysiwig
A fantastic image. Such a determined look on the face of that lad.
Juliette.Gribnau
adorable capture !! I love the concentration on the kid's face
photosynthesis
Nice to see that kids can still enjoy themselves without electronic devices...