37 March 4, 2015 Mahurangi Matters trolley derby Sunday March 8

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downhilldash FEATURE

Backyard engineers countdown to Warkworth derby dayThe race is on for the creative and mechanically minded to finish their designs for this year’s Warkworth Trolley Derby on March 8.After last year’s event featured trolleys made out of everything including the kitchen sink, even more wacky creations are expected this year.Organiser Craig Powell says the derby is a chance to have fun. “It’s not just about getting to the finishing line, it’s about doing it in style.”The derby has quickly become a highlight on the local calendar, after the first event last year attracted about 30 entrants from throughout Auckland.“Everyone wanted to know straight after last year’s event if we were doing it again as they already had ideas for their new trolleys, so we had to keep going.”Craig says many people work on their entries all year, and others pull something together at the last minute, which is fine as long as they meet the race rules and design guides (see p41).He has been building a trolley for his nine-year-old son Ben, after last year’s attempt made with bike wheels buckled at the end of the race. Craig was perfecting this year’s design in his head, but two weeks out from the derby was only just starting to build it.He says he’s carrying on a tradition

after his father made a trolley for him, and even their own racetrack, when he was a child.“Every kid should experience going down a hill with no motor and only gravity.”As a grown-up trolley enthusiast, Craig has spent most of his time organising the event, which he says is easier after the first one went off without a hitch last year. They based their rules on the Nelson Derby which has been running for 12 years, and

includes safety precautions such as a maximum weight of 50kg, no rope steering, effective breaks and proper helmets. Craig says it would not be possible without the backing of local businesses, who have contributed financially and with favours, and the Warkworth Area Business Association.Association secretary and derby committee member Nicola Jones says the event helps bring attention to

businesses in the industrial area but is also a chance to have fun.She says now the public just need to support it by coming along on the day to Morrison Drive.The derby includes three race categories – 6-10 year olds (rippers), 11-17 year olds (blazers) and an open limos category. There are placing awards for each category and prizes for creative, decorated, style and people’s choice. Info: wwtrolleyderby.co.nz

Derby organiser Craig Powell (right) with son Ben, along with derby committee member and Repco manager Galvin Milich.

38 Mahurangi Matters March 4, 2015 trolley derbyfeature

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Snells Beach granddad fired up for repeat track challengeAs soon as the Warkworth Trolley Derby was over last year, Keith McCullough was already designing his next trolley for his grandsons.His 2014 design for grandson Ari Corlett, named Bat Out of Hell after granddad’s favourite band Meat Loaf, was too small for the now 10-year-old.Ari won a $100 Mitre 10 Mega voucher for the trolley and gave it back to his granddad to help make a new one, called Bat Out of Hell 2. This year his younger brother, six-year-old Callum, has inherited the first trolley with a few improvements including wheels with bearings.“The derby is a great day for us because the whole family comes up. It’s really about the kids and just seeing the look on their faces,” Keith says.“They start off a little bit frightened but once they get cracking they can’t wait to have another go.”Both trolleys are made out of donated Mason wheelie bins. Keith has then used a combination of materials from op-shops including mountain buggies for wheels and roll bars, and curtains for seat upholstery. He’s also created the chassis, brakes, steering and lifting devices.It has kept the retired Snells Beach resident occupied in his garage for at least the last six months. While he makes it sound easy, Keith has utilised the skills developed in his working life including panel beating, painting, truck and boat building.Not that the boys, who live in

Auckland, necessarily understand the work involved.“They think they are Formula 1 drivers. They just take all the pictures and take off while the worker just stands there.”

The last time Keith made a trolley was 40 years ago for his own children. He has used some of the same design techniques all these years later. He says the Warkworth Trolley Derby has given

Retiree Keith McCullough has put his panel beating, engineering and boat building skills to use to build his trolleys. He thinks he’s “gone a little bit overboard” for his second trolley Bat Out of Hell 2. Brothers Ari, 10, and Callum, 6, (insert) visited their granddad Keith McCullough in Snells Beach to try out their trolleys before the big race.

viewonline localmatters.co.nzWatch a video of Keith explaining how he built the trolleys.

him a chance to experiment again and spend time with the grandchildren.

39 March 4, 2015 Mahurangi Matters trolley derbyfeature

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Snells Beach granddad fired up for repeat track challenge Industrial area backs derbyBusinesses in Warkworth’s industrial area have rallied to bring about the Warkworth Trolley Derby this year.With naming rights going to Mason Contractors, the two race lanes have been sponsored by Mason Containers and Warkworth Locksmiths. About 12 other businesses are supporting the derby with everything from the prizes to hay bales and traffic management, and at least 30 people are volunteering to help on the day.Warkworth Area Business Association secretary and derby committee member Nicola Jones says it’s a chance for the businesses to support a local event and have some fun.She says many community events such as the Santa Parade highlight the retail district in the main township, but it was time the industrial area got some of the spotlight.The derby, which will take over part of Morrison and Glenmore Drives, is also a rare chance to get foot traffic past shop fronts.“People will be out of their cars and wandering around, and will probably discover businesses they might not have realised are up there.”

Nicola says along with the traditional trade and engineering shops, the industrial area has changed in the past five years and has a mix of businesses including retail, a surgical centre, gyms, sign-writers, accountants, cafes and hairdressers.She says while the event helps bring exposure to businesses, it is also a chance for owners and employees to connect with each other.“It’s just fun and about taking a break and some light relief.”Info: wwtrolleyderby.co.nz

Nicola jones

Brakes from a winnerNelson Trolley Derby Stylemeister, Brian (Fangio) Smith who won the derby from 2005, to 2008, offers a few tips on installing brakes: us good free running wheels (bearings if possible); if using inflatable tyres pump them up hard; narrow tyres reduce resistance (drag) friction (but they don’t look very cool!); make sure the wheels are aligned properly (running in a straight line).

40 Mahurangi Matters March 4, 2015 trolley derbyfeature

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Race day rulesGeneral:• No Push starts• Drivers must have forward facing

vision at all times during the race• Drivers must stay within their

starting lanes for the duration of the lane length.

Trolley Design:Size• Width: No more than 1.2m• Length: No more than 3m

maximumWheels• Each trolley must have a minimum

of three wheels which must touch the ground at all times.

BrakesEach trolley must have a braking system that:• acts on at least two wheels or is

capable of holding the trolley on a 20 degree slope.

• can be applied in a controlled and progressive manner.

• provide stable and efficient braking without adverse effect on the directional control of the trolley.

SteeringAll trolleys are required to have a steering system capable of manoeuvring at a speed. That is, you are able to avoid a trolley in front of you if it crashes.Because trolleys with old- fashioned rope steering have proven to be

dangerous rope steering is NOT permitted.Roll barsWe recommend trolley’s incorporate a roll-bar to protect the driver’s head.Weight• Trolleys must not weigh more

than 50kg (due to safety reasons).• Trolleys must be the same weight

at the finish line as they were at the start line.

Protective Clothing:HeadgearEveryone must have head protection which is either a motorbike or BMX helmet (NO cycle helmets).Drivers of open trolleys must have:• elbow and knee pads• enclosed shoes• long sleeve shirts• trousers• gloves

Scrutineering:Both trolleys and drivers must be scrutineered before racing starts and if they pass scrutineering they will receive two stickers, one to be placed on the trolley and one to be placed on the head gear worn by the driver during the racing. The Scrutineer has the right to test run each trolley (driver approval is required for test runs).