Design Standards
Rules aimed at making trolley racing fun, fair and (reasonably) safe
To pass scrutineering, all trolleys and drivers must comply with the following:
If you come up with a cunning plan to bend ANY of the rules, then you'll be cheating
Gravity Only
Trolley racing is a gravity powered activity
All trolleys line up on the start line with their brakes on
When a race starts, the brakes are released and the trolleys roll down the hill due to gravity and gravity alone
It's that simple!
Wheels
Three Wheels
Trolleys must have a minimum of three wheels.
That's it.
No fine print.
Plain and simple.
No tricks.
Brakes
Despite using the best brakes, some of the faster trolleys still hit the hay bales 100m beyond the finish line!
Each trolley is required to have a braking system that
- act on at least two wheels
- can hold the trolley at rest on a slope of 1 in 5
- can be applied in a controlled and progressive manner
- provide stable and efficient braking without adverse effect on the directional control of the trolley
- is capable of stopping the trolley within a distance of:
- 30m from a speed of 30km/h
- 50m from a speed of 50km/h
- 80m from a speed of 80km/h
- etc
Safety Gear
Helmets
Safety Gear
Drivers must wear an approved safety helmet
Cycle helmets are acceptable
Clothing
The weather is often 'changeable', so consider gear that is quick and easy to put on/take off - skateboard gear (elbow & knee pads etc) is ideal
We strongly recommend that all drivers wear long trousers, jackets and gloves
Steering
Pivot Point Steering
All trolleys are required to have steering systems capable of manœuvring at speed
i.e. good enough to swerve out of the way if/when someone crashes!
Rope Steering
Because trolleys with 'old-fashioned' Rope Steering have proven to be dangerous (especially for younger and/or inexperienced drivers) Rope steering systems will be looked at very closely during scrutineering
Trolleys deemed by the Scrutineers to be unsafe/uncontrollable will not be allowed to take part in the derby
Trolley Numbers
When two or more trolleys hurtle across the line together reading their numbers ain't easy!
To accurately record the results, the crew at the finish line need to see your trolley number
We strongly recommend that, as a minimum, your number is clearly displayed on the left and rear of your trolley
Numbers that are as big as a 2-litre ice-cream container lid are recommended
If we can't read your number, your results will NOT be recorded
Maximum Dimensions
There's only enough room on the start line for six narrow(ish) trolleys
- Length
- 300cm
- Width
- 120cm
- Weight
- 40kg