Wacky races pulls in a stunning £30k

THOUSANDS of race-goers have gathered to witness the wackiness of the annual Hoar Cross downhill soapbox race.

According to organisers, 4,000 spectators flocked to the village, near Burton, where a day’s entertainment culminated in a minute of madness when contestants driving their homemade karts raced down a half-mile hill.

The winners were Mike Smith and Dan Cox, from Birmingham, whose ambulance-themed team, The Paramedics, smashed the course record by eight seconds, finishing in just 50.37 seconds.

Organisers handed the best-dressed kart award to Gavin Mottram and Karen Hayward, representing Abbots Bromley firefighters.

Their Wallace and Gromit-themed kart, complete with stunt sheep, wowed and amused spectators throughout the day.

The wooden spoon award for the shortest distance travelled was decided when Pete Weaver and Steve Lester’s Locomotion kart careered off the track after only 200 yards.

It was later dumped unceremoniously in a nearby field.

After Wednesday’s race, which organisers the Mad Club predict will have raised around £30,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, spectators enjoyed food, beverages and a charity auction at the Meynell Ingram Arms.

John Gallagher, of the Mad Club, said: “Mike has always been obsessed with winning this race — and he did it in some style.

“His team finished eight seconds ahead of the second-placed kart and smashed the course record in the process. That’s not too bad an effort from a 60-something-year-old.

“The auction was fantastic, too, with some great prizes, including tickets for England rugby internationals and tickets to Uttoxeter races.

“We managed to raise more than £12,000 with that alone, which is a great effort from everyone.”

Guy Wallis, landlord of the Meynell, said: “We don’t know exactly how much has been raised yet, but it was a fantastic day.

“Considering the weather was so damp and horrible, we had a fantastic attendance, which meant it was very hard work for the staff at the pub.”