'Largest ever' number of karts entered for The Gravity Grand Prix

The 'largest ever' number of karts will be whizzing downhill in Cookham Dean next month as The Gravity Grand Prix returns for another year.

The popular soap box race is organised annually by The Cherry Pickers of Cookham Dean and will kick off on Sunday, September 15.

The event will see colourful karts race one at a time from the start at the junction of Church Road to the finish just uphill from Uncle Tom’s Cabin on Hills Lane.

The quickest karts can take on the course in just over a minute, reaching speeds of more than 30mph.

While the more exotic karts need up to four minutes to make their way down course.

Upwards of 3,000 spectators are expected at the event, with the largest crowds on the Old Cricket Common where a host of festivities will be available to enjoy.

These include a beer and Pimm’s tent and a variety of food stalls offering tasty treats such as roast pork, pizzas and burgers.

Racing kicks off from 1pm until about 4.30pm and karts can be viewed in the pits at the top of Spring Lane from around 10am.

Max Stevenson, chair of The Gravity Grand Prix, said: “We’re really pleased to have such a large entry with a great variety of karts.

“Designs vary from the super sleek racers who are aiming to get the fastest time down the course to the amazing creations that will amuse and entertain watchers.

“In the past we have had grand pianos, double decker buses, fire engines, bathtubs, porcupines, fairy castles and many more wonderful conceptions.”

Now in its 17th year, the event has been held every year since 2007, except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, more than 3,000 people lined the streets to watch a ‘record’ 31 karts take on the thrilling 700m race.

Through the event, organisers aim to raise around £16,000 for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance and other causes in the area.

Since the start of the event more than a decade ago, more than £200,000 has been raised for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

The event programme and entry to The Gravity Grand Prix are both free and parking is available, with an area reserved for those with mobility difficulties. 

For more information, visit: www.gravitygrandprix.co.uk