Robin Williamson aka "Mad Aunt" taking flight in her four-wheeled contraption. Photo / Lewis Gardner
Robin Williamson aka "Mad Aunt" taking flight in her four-wheeled contraption. Photo / Lewis Gardner
Thousands of keen locals gathered on the banks and streets around Pukenamu Queen's Park for the return of the Soap Box Derby.
The street race returned to the centre of Whanganui for the first time since 2018, with Dan Goldsworthy (Plumber Dan) taking over the reins for this year's event.
About 80 entered the derby which was part of Bayleys Whanganui Vintage Weekend.
Starting at the top of Pukenamu, a wide variety of homemade carts and drift trikes raced down the winding road before getting onto Drews Ave and finishing on Rutland St.
After sorting out wads of paperwork and pre-safety checks, the street race was ready to be bought back, Goldsworthy said.
"A lot of these carts are repeats, a lot of them have raced before. A lot of new ones too which is good."
Thousands of eager locals gathered on the streets around Pukenamu for the street racing action. Photo / Lewis Gardner
Flynn Whittaker, who was driving a hot rod-styled vehicle said this was the first time he had driven it since he crashed it in the last Soap Box Derby in 2018.
"We've put heaps of work into rebuilding it but she's back up and running. Last time I just went straight up the Wall of Death."
A former member of the Scout group, Whittaker said the group and his father helped build the vehicle.
"Trusty ol' dad. Hopefully I'll go up a few more times, unless my brother crashes it."
It wouldn't be the Soap Box Derby without a number of crashes to entertain those in attendance. Photo / Lewis Gardner
Sitting more than 2m above the ground in his Scottish inspired "Bagmobile", Andrew Taylor said it's always an enjoyable day out.
A member of the Wanganui Highland Pipeband, Taylor said it was good to see the race hit streets again.
"The cart has taken a few injuries over the years. I entered in the last race, it's always a good day. Great day for it."
