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About the Barnstaple Grand Prix

The Barnstaple Grand Prix 2012 saw the town centre transformed into a high speed race track for pedal car teams and lawnmower racers on Sunday May 13. The event, organised by Petroc and BID Barnstaple, saw the streets lined with hundreds of spectators, cheering and waving flags to support the competitors.

With the sun beating down, the day kicked off with the fancy dress scooter and skateboard race, as children hurtled round the circuit in a variety of costumes. Harry Dowling sped to victory with a clear margin from the other competitors and Jim Turner, a ‘knight in shining armour’, won the best-dressed prize.

The sound of revving engines then echoed through the town, as lawnmower drivers warmed up for the only street race of its kind in the UK. For a whole hour, they raced around the 600 metre track, to see who could complete the most laps.
The daredevil drivers negotiated hair pin bends, threaded through sweeping chicanes, and carried out sneaky overtaking manoeuvres to clock up the laps.

The gruelling race took its toll on the lawnmowers. By the end of the second race, only four of the original 13 machines were still in a fit state to compete.

Triple 666 clocked an impressive 173 laps throughout the day to win, followed by Team Eleanor who completed 156.

At 1.30pm, pedal car teams took to the track, in vehicles they had been constructing in the weeks and months leading up to the event.

The race was packed with drama, as chains broke and cars toppled over. However, the competitors showed real resilience and team members rushed to the aid of flailing team mates to give encouragement and get them going again.
Petroc’s former Babcock Marine apprentices put in an impressive performance, winning the senior class.

Hot on their heels was the Williams F1 team, a group of 20 young men from London who had travelled down to Devon to compete as part of a stag weekend.

Braunton School, who had built a car from recycled materials found around their school, had a few problems with their chain throughout the race. However, they battled on and won the youth class.

Alan Goodman, who took part in the entire race single-handedly and completed more laps than anyone else, took the solo prize.

This was the second Barnstaple Grand Prix and Petroc’s race co-ordinator, Sam Medcraft, was pleased with the turnout. He said: “There was a real buzz in Barnstaple during the whole day. The sun was shining and the Strand was packed with families soaking up the atmosphere.

“All the competitors showed such determination and enthusiasm, putting on a fantastic show for the spectators.

“We are very grateful to everyone who helped make the day possible, including our partners, BID Barnstaple, together with our main sponsors Silver Street Automotive, the 999 Academy and all the dedicated volunteers.”

Visitors were kept up-to-date throughout the day by Liam Jenkins, a Petroc student who delivered fantastic F1-style commentary during every race.

Following the races, visitors were treated to an afternoon of live music on the Square, to wind down after all the excitement.