THERE were thrills and spills galore at the third Brockweir Soapbox Derby on Saturday (September 15) as kart daredevils hurtled downhill at breakneck speed in homebuilt machines.

More than 20 karters launched off the start beside the village’s Mackenzie Hall in two races against the clock, watched down ‘the last hill in England’ by a crowd of around. 2,500.

The course included two chicanes and two jumps as the drivers zoomed to the finish beside the Brockweir Inn.

The downhill rush ended prematurely for some as they span out of control and took a tumble, while others just about managed to ‘Brake for the Border’ before Bigsweir Bridge.

Adam Sinfield of the Brockweir Community Interest Company’s organising team said: “We’re really happy with how it went. There were some big crashes and flips, but no one was injured thanks to our safety procedures, and everything went smoothly thanks to the team of 60 volunteers.”

‘Magnificent machines’ included Bu-gatti, Zombie, Grim Reaper, Animal, Umpa Lumpa, Titanic and dragster-style creations, with the fastest reaching speeds over 40mph.

The overall winner, for speed, style, creativity and effort was Brockweir driver Mick Peacey and his Mutts Nutts dog-themed kart.

Champagne moment went to Hillcrest Hotwheels, who suffered a ‘spectacular wipeout’ landing upside down, but re-righted to finish.

The ‘Shard’ kart of Bruce, Fiona and Duncan May of Brockweir Glass ‘shattered’ the course record with Lydney’s Steve Bearcroft at the wheel, clocking 46 seconds to pip villager Rob Brown’s ‘Blue Bug’ by a second.

Junior karters raced over a shorter course, with St Briavels’ Henry Hutchins in Striker fastest in 41 seconds, a second up on Luke Peters’ Grim Reaper, with Scarlett Starr’s Great Bee third in 47 seconds.

Many karters used the chance to raise cash for charity, while profits from the event will be ploughed back into local community projects.

See www.brockweirsoapboxderby.co.uk and the event’s Facebook page for more details.

•Pictures: Heidi Marriott-Trevains.