Yabba Dabba Do! Work is underway to build a crazy Flintstones themed kart to race in Colchester’s much anticipated Soapbox Rally.
Scores of daredevils are set to test their karts – and their mettle – as they career down North Hill in search of victory and glory.
Creative marketing agency KAT Marketing was one of the first teams to sign up to compete in the madcap race following on from its previous entry in the 2023 race which was based on the theme of 101 Dalmatians.
This time, its mean lean racing machine will be centred on Fred Flintstone’s famous car and has been designed by David McGill.
David, 21, from Little Baddow, is a former student at the Royal Hospital School in Holbrook and has just completed a Product and Industrial Design degree at Central St Martins, part of the University of the Arts London.
He has just launched his own business McGill Industrial Design which specialises in bespoke installations, making unique products which are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
He said: “We are taking a metal sub frame from another go kart, which is safe and sustainable, and we will be creating a timber frame and then turning into the familiar Flintstones car using expandable foam.”
He added: “Don’t worry! We will also be including a braking system so it can be stopped when it gets to the bottom of the hill.”
KAT Marketing MD Katie Skingle, who appeared as Cruella De Vil in the previous Colchester Soapbox Rally, will again be at the wheel of the go kart in this year’s competition.
She said: “We are so looking forward to it. It’s going to be a fantastic event for everyone.
“KAT prides itself on being an agency for the community and we are keen to be part of the Colchester Soapbox action again.”
Thousands of spectators are expected to line the route as competitors get under starters’ orders on Sunday September 14. This year, the event will feature time trials and a side-by-side tournament along the 230m track down North Hill.
The rules say karts must all be handmade and non-motorised and will have a maximum of one driver and one passenger.
The family friendly event has been organised by Our Colchester Bid and will be free to watch with food and market stalls. The event takes place on the same weekend as the ALB Festival in Castle Park.
