Isle of Man Solar Sprint Race

Tom Durrant of the Manx Energy and Natural Resources Society says:

"The only thing we were concerned about was a sudden improvement in sunshine half way through event where competitors would be shouting foul! Especially parents."

"Last years control was simple, fishing lines on tarmac at 30 metres 100mm high and tight. Two lanes at a time. Start line judges shout - quiet, ready, go, which judges on finishing lines hear & press stop watch. Each competitor given unique number which is given finishing judge. Finishing judge writes this number + time in secs+ judge signature. Competitor then brings result to control where it is diplayed on board."

"Each competitor is given 3 chances of a run and can modify car between runs to improve their chances. Adults, teachers, experts allowed to assist improvements - sometimes with dubious results. Best individual time is winner."

"Winner this last year was an 8 year old girl who keeps cup etched with her name at home for a year. We give them each £5 back out of cost for turning up on the day. We are so confident about childrens skills we are attempting to make it an allcomers event in 2001."