Scouts get revved up for pedal car race day

While Lewis Hamilton was charging to victory in the British Grand Prix and the Tour de France launched in the Netherlands, another special series of races were being held right here on the Fylde coast.

More than 60 Cub Scouts, Scouts and Explorers from across the UK came to Jubilee Gardens in Cleveleys on Sunday for a full day of pedal car racing. Teams travelled from as far away as Manchester and Scarborough for the event, with local organiser Steve Williamson hailing a “brilliant day.”

He added: “We had good weather and had a tremendous turnout.

“We had 60 teams involved. Being in the middle of Cleveleys we got a lot of support from local people.

“We started around 9.30am and continued right through to 4pm, fitting in around 100 races.

“There was a big programme to get through with some local success, including Bipsham, which came third in the Grand Prix, Norbreck, which finished second in the Championship event and 44th Blackpool which won best newcomer.”

The annual competition dates back to the early 1950s.

The Fylde coast is one of four venues – alongside York, Manchester and Ashbourne in Derbyshire – which help to host the event on a rotational basis.

Competitors in this year’s event ranged from eight to 18, with teams streamlining carts to make the vehicles quicker.

Steve added: “What most of the teams have got is a car every year which they use.

“They use it year on year but tend to make modifications – much like a Formula One team – to make it faster.

“Everyone had a great day and we can’t wait for next year now.”