Radio Features

Pre-race preparation

Our team; Ray, Claire, Alison, Nick, Paul and driver Telephone Stu arrived early in Pebmarsh. By 9am the temperature was so high that the asphalt surface of the road through the village, which was to become the race track, was shimmering.

The Planet Ray Racing Team

All eyes were on the road from Halstead as we waited to see the finished Planet Ray Billy Cart for the first time. Built in Southend by our Scrapheap Challenge team, one of their members, Ian, arrived with the machine.

The vehicle looked amazing and once the BBC Essex logos had been added it looked a worthy challenger for the title.

Next step was to pass the safety inspection. The cart passed with flying colours, but our driver, Telephone Stu, failed the test and was forbidden from taking part until we had 'blagged' a proper crash helmet.

The Pits!

By 11am the heat was truly on with temperatures in the high 20's (very hot in fahrenheit). Our guess was around 2,000 spectators, many hearing of the event on The Ray Clark Breakfast Show and came from all over the county.

The engineless carts were towed to the top of the hill, ready for the race to start.

The action was fast and furious, and in some cases surprisingly fast... though sadly speed wasn't our strong point.

Countdown to victory... or not!

After whizzing through to the second round (we got a bye in the first!) we were eventually beaten in our heat by a very mean looking red machine. Things weren't helped by Telephone Stu grinding to a halt and needing a push over the line!

Looks, sleek lines, bodywork... but next year we need more speed. Already we're talking tactics for next year's event; more weight and bigger wheels are favourites.

The Pebmarsh Billy Cart Grand Prix was a great day out, raising in the region of £2,500 (early estimates) for local charities and showing just how good it can be to live in our county.

I can't wait till next year!

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