For the past four years in Christchurch I have missed this annual event, when the upper reaches of a popular city street are taken over by racers. The residents are happy to be shut in for a day while the street is closed off. This year 79 trolleys and 90 drivers took part, the fastest reaching speeds of almost 70 km/hr. Serious stuff!
The kids had a great time. For example Xan Twissell in her two-seater “Bug-eyed”:
It was surprisingly fast until the speed got up and the wind resistance of the flags became important. Still, “bug-eyed” was enjoying it too and kept winking at us.
Some were beautifully streamlined (note the concentration at this, the fastest section of the course):
while the driver of this lovely little Ferrari had time to check out the competition:
But it was not just kids driving. Four vintage racers from Christchurch modeller Brian Smith were stunning:
Just look at the detail!
The Bentley couldn’t quite match his Bugatti:
while the Auto Union was faster still:
Some designers preferred the ‘face forward’ layout. This next one looked rather like a coffin and was quite fast,
but hard to steer!
Finally, this next one summed up the whole spirit of the event: kids of all ages having a lot of fun!
