Pedal car teams ready to race in weekend's New Forest grand prix

THE chequered flag will be waved in New Milton once again when the town takes its turn to host the thrills and spills of the New Forest’s annual pedal car grand prix.

Spectators will line Station Road as competitors battle it out on the track on Sunday in their bid for a place on the winners’ podium.

The race forms part of a weekend of vehicle-related events organised by the New Milton Jubilee Fund.

The grand prix, which the town shares biennially with Ringwood, will begin with practice sessions from 1pm before mayor Cllr Alvin Reid waves the drivers off with the flag an hour later.

Robin Ede, who chairs the New Milton Jubilee Fund which organises the event, said: "We are pleased to have raised the funds through wonderful sponsors to help us run this eighth biennial great weekend alternating with a similar event in Ringwood.

“It provides an opportunity for younger people to put aside their phones and actually discuss, talk and mingle with the older generation, for this event brings all ages together in a positive and fun way, boosts the local economy and provides great entertainment for visitors and locals alike."

Teams taking part in the two-hour race include those from local pubs, ladies’ teams and under-18 competitors.

The cars will switch drivers in the pits at the northern end of Station Road, and by the end of the race teams are expected to have clocked distances of around 60km in total to be in with a chance of claiming the winner’s trophy.

The grand prix will follow a large display of classic cars on the recreation ground on Saturday 13 July.

The display is being put together by the Three Counties Classic and Vintage Car Club, and those wishing to show off their vehicles are asked to contact it by emailing postmaster@3cvccc.co.uk.

Across both days, the recreation ground will also host a display of new cars covering a range of eight brands all from New Forest distributors.

As well as this, there will be commercial and community stalls, along with family entertainment throughout Saturday afternoon including live music and a large fun fair with rides, trampolines and inflatables.