WESTBURY WHITEHORSE SOAPBOX DERBY

An all day event which includes music, food, funfair and science fair. Plus a slalom race down possibly the steepest gradient on the calendar

It's an early start for this event; arrival is no later than 9.00am. Scrutineering together with a compulsory brake test on the course means it's all a bit frantic if you're not an early riser. The races are scheduled for 10.30, 1.00 and 3.30 so there are lulls after your first and second runs. Between runs the course is dismantled to allow buses to transport spectators to and from the festival. There's music, food and drink stalls, as well as entertainment for young and old. There is also an area showcasing a number of Westbury's science and engineering firms so plenty to do while waiting. The organisers are now well able to cope with the constant course shifting, especially as buses don't adhere to a rigid schedule. The road down the hill runs in a cutting and is shielded from the extremes of the winds. However, the top of the course where the pits and the festival activities are located is flat and treeless so come prepared for all weather conditions.

This is a genuine slalom course, perhaps unique in Britain. The driver constantly has to steer left or right to negotiate a route between the obstacles. These are either long pneumatic 'sausages' or plastic roadworks-type barriers. Fortunately, they are all lightweight and soft so there's no damage suffered if one is clipped or brushed aside.

The timing beam is about 60cm in front of the start line. Thereafter, there's a 50m run to the start of the slalom. The gradient is up to 18% so your speed will pick up quickly and be around 40mph by the finish line. Immediately after crossing the line apply the brakes. There's only about 100m before the road is blocked by some very substantial straw bales. Karts are parked to the left of this barrier until all runs are completed. Recovery back up the hill, after the obstacles are moved to the sides of the road, is by tow behind a quad bike. In order to speed up your return I suggest you bring your own tow strap and snap hooks as there always seem to be a shortage of these essential items. Awards are presented on the main stage by the town's mayor at around 5.00pm.