THE first Page Park Billy Kart Derby has been hailed as a success by organisers, who are already planning to bring it back next year.
The path between South View and the park’s clock tower was turned into a race circuit for the day on September 9, as eight teams raced push karts they had designed and built themselves.
Teams from businesses and community groups lined up against friends and families to test their strength and driving skills.
The event was organised for the Friends of Page Park by Tom and Melody Beard of the park’s Bean Tree Cafe.
Split into two groups, each team had a head-to-head race with every other team in their group before the two group leaders, based on wins and fastest lap times, went through to the final.
There the Draig Goch (Red Dragon) team, with members from Mangotsfield, Emersons Green and Winterbourne, beat Staple Hill’s Billy Whizz team to be crowned overall champions.
The Draig Goch team also won the best kart award, while the best dressed team was the Mario and Luigi-themed Window Hubber Bros, from Staple Hill company The Window Hub.
The award for best competitors went to the Payne Doggs team from South Gloucestershire Race Equality Network.
The other teams were from the park’s Bean Tree Cafe, the Scrap Racers from Downend, BM Motoring and the Boarding School at the YOU Foundation in Staple Hill.
Bristol comedian Mark Olver compered, with cheerleading from Victoria Feltham of Page Park Players and music from Joe Trudgeon and Pasquale Votino.
Tom said there had been a “great response”.
He said: “The majority of competitors said they are looking forward to next year and will be coming back. Lots of the public also said they would like to be involved next year.”
Tom and Melody are looking for more sponsors for next year, so they can improve the safety barriers and extend the track, and more volunteers.
They are also inviting schools and scout groups to get involved.
Friends vice-chair Steph Purser said the event had been “very, very successful”, after a great deal of time and discussion to set it up.
She said: “A really big thanks to Tom and Melody for organising what I think is now going to be an annual event in the park.”
Contact the Bean Tree Cafe or email pageparkbillykarts@gmail.com to get involved with next year’s event.