Tunbridge Wells’ first soapbox kart race has been hailed ‘a roaring success’ with plans already underway for a similar event next year.
Around 5,000 people turned out to enjoy the Crazy Jean’s Kart Race on Saturday [June 16] and witnessed a display of wacky and wonderful karts going head-to-head on a track through Dunorlan Park.
A total of 40 local businesses and organisations took part, adding the finishing touches their karts, which had been made by students at West Kent College.
The teams also had to complete a lap around the lake in a handalo (a hand version of a pedalo) after driving the karts down a hill. A number ended up in the lake.
Henry Paul Funerals scooped first prize, while three further teams were awarded the Wackiest Kart prize – an Only Fools And Horses van by Jack Upstone and team, Hospice Heroes’ army tank and Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys’ racing car.
Sponsored by Markerstudy, the event included a food village and a fun space for children.
Local celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager opened and closed the event, riding down the racetrack on a motorbike driven by local ‘superhero’ Ringpull Man [right].
The event was co-organised by Garry Jeffery of Jean’s Kitchen and PR firm Chatty Hatter.
The all-day extravaganza raised ‘thousands of pounds’ for the two charities – Hospice in the Weald and ellenor.
Mr Jeffery said: ‘What an incredible day – it really was worth all the blood, sweat and tears that went into making what I’d always wanted to host in Tunbridge Wells – an event for the whole community to come together, have fun and to raise money for those amongst us who really need our help.’
See all the images from the day in our gallery, by following this link:
