Barrow-in-Furness town turns into race track as soapbox derby returns

The winners of a town's annual soapbox derby say coming first was "the icing on the cake".

Businesses in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, wheeled their way through the town on Saturday in homemade, human-powered karts.

The event attracted a record number of teams who took on the 340m (1,115ft) track that runs from Dalton Road to the Townhouse.

Spectators lined the streets to watch racers navigate obstacles such as ramps, straw bale chicanes and foam chutes.

Roy Mowbray of Furness Plastics, whose team The Desert Rats took first place, said that winning was "the icing on the cake".

"Regardless of which team won we loved seeing everyone work together to make a great event.

"We were happy to be able to help out fellow team Devil's Haircut Racing and the other teams get their karts up the ramp.

"It was great to see so many people in the town centre cheering everyone on!"

Racers headed to the starting line from 10:00 BST, rolling down the 5m high ramp and setting their first time of the day.

Each team took multiple runs throughout the day, aiming to achieve the fastest time.

The route included a number of themed zones containing obstacles, including the "Construction Zone" where racers encountered construction worker mannequins and diversions.

Paul Hodgson, Barrow BID Manager, said the event was "one of our biggest events in the calendar".

"This year's race has seen 18 teams compete, one of our biggest numbers of teams yet, and we're delighted to welcome new and returning teams.

"We're always looking to make the race even bigger and better, adding new obstacles each year - we don't want to make it too easy for our returning teams after all!

"Seeing the town centre full of people enjoying the day and using our local businesses is what Barrow BID is about - celebrating the very best of Barrow town centre and having a great day out with the family!"

The day wasn't without its drama, as last year's winning team The Wet Room suffered a flat tyre on their first run down the ramp. The wheel was quickly replaced with a wheelbarrow wheel, and the team continued to race.

Teams also battled for titles including "Joker of the Day", won by BAE Systems team Gru's Gang and "Most Innovative Kart", which was claimed by Restoration Rangers.

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