We have mostly only come across car and motorcycle championships. They are popular, conducted on a massive scale and garner the attention of many enthusiasts across the world. But, championships are not just limited to cars, motorcycles or bicycles. Some championships race vehicles that you would not even think of pitting against each other. And you won’t believe, there are proper events organised around these that see many participations from the vehicle owners. Let’s take a look at three of such championships that race vehicles other than cars and bikes.
Lawn Mower Racing
Lawnmower racing is a motorsport championship in which competitors race lawnmowers of the ride-on or self-propelled variety that are modified for the race. While the original mower engines are retained, the blades are removed for safety. The sport attracts all ages, and is usually entered into with a spirit of fun rather than extreme competitiveness. However, with its gaining popularity over time, many participants have started to take it seriously. Lawn mower racing essentially started in the United Kingdom in as early as 1968. However, it is now also conducted in a couple of states in the United States and Australia.
Truck Racing
Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.org
ETRC or European Truck Racing Championship is a unique spectacle in which highly-tuned semi-tractors compete against each other in a serious contest for various forms of reward and recognition. It is conducted pan-Europe and sees participation from hundreds of truck drivers. What makes it even more interesting is the fact that when you’re racing trucks, many factors come into consideration. For instance, you need to control the temperature of your brakes so that they don’t overheat, monitor tyre wear, control the weight while cornering and also find the best tactics for overtaking. And, can you believe that the first truck racing championship was held in 1985 and it’s been held every year since then?
Soap Box Racing
Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.org
Soap box racing or is a youth soap box car racing program which is being conducted in the United States since 1933. Teams of amateur racers design and build their own gravity-powered, engine-less soapbox vehicles and race them against the clock in an extreme downhill battle in front of thousands of fans. The soap box cars range from realistic replicas to anything the imagination can conjure up. It first started in Akron, Ohio which has a permanent facility for soap box derby. Moreover, soap boxes that win in the final stages find their place in the soap box derby hall of fame. While it’s definitely unique and mostly unheard of India, it has a lot of popularity and fan following in the United States. Also, interestingly, the racers in this derby are usually kids and teenagers who build their own customised soap box.
So, which among these did you find the most interesting and would like to witness in real life? Comment and let us know in the comment section below.
Highlights
- People race their lawn mowers in the United Kingdom
- Semi-tractors compete against each other in a popular championship
- Kids make their own soapboxes and race in them to win trophies