There will be large teapots buzzing around Queens Park on Sunday and MC Darren Ludlow will be giving live commentary on the racing.
This year’s annual Teapot Racing by The Southern Society of Steampunk Steamologists has stepped up a notch, in preparation for the New Zealand festival in Oamaru at King’s Birthday weekend.
Last year the group was invited to help run the Teapot Racing at the national event after the past organiser retired.
Gail Mackintosh said 25 members went from Invercargill, which also involved running a ‘have a go’ event for people new to teapot racing.
Teapot racing originated in Dunedin and had its first public outing at the 2014 Steampunk New Zealand Festival.
The Southern group – which has 584 followers worldwide, jumped on the teapot bandwagon a year later in 2015.
Teapot racing often attracts more spectators than it does competitors, but organisers always love the response from the public.
The event involves racing customised teapots around an obstacle course to gain points – you can also bribe the judges, and manipulate the rules.
Gail said with the weather forecast not looking flash, this year they had a backup plan, having booked the UFS Hall as well.
The youngest southern steampunker was just 16 and the club was hoping to keep building its junior membership, and encourage whole families to get involved.
“We need them to revitalise the club.”
Teapot racing entry Information.
Southern Society of Steampunk Steamologists Teapot Racing Carnival – Presented by What’s On Invers.
Join us for a fun afternoon of Teapot Racing on Sunday, March 17th at 2 PM, with the event MC, Invercargill City Councillor Darren Ludlow.
Rules for Teapot Racing.
1. The Vehicle
Vehicles shall consist of a teapot of the Contestant’s choice, mounted upon a radio-controlled chassis. It is recommended that Contestants consult their local hobby shop or electronics shop for a suitable base vehicle, which may then be modified, tittivated or accessorised as the Contestant sees fit.
Multi-band controls are available for some brands of radio-controlled vehicles, which may be useful should they wish to compete in any drag race.
No vehicle shall exceed 30 centimetres in height, 30 centimetres in width or 40 centimetres in length (including any flags, aerials, etc.). Vehicles which exceed these measurements will be permitted to compete, but will be penalised and may encounter difficulties in negotiating the Hazards noted below.
2. The Course
The Course, which shall be laid out according to the whim of the Judges and without regard to the wishes of any other party, shall consist of a number of Hazards, possibly including a Ramp, a Tunnel, a Jump and/or drivers Obstacles of a breakable nature.
Vehicles must negotiate the Course as specified by the Judges, one Vehicle at a time, within the allotted time of two minutes. Points will be deducted for every 10 seconds over the allotted time. Vehicles which have not completed the course within three minutes will be disqualified. Contestants may, if they wish, walk with their Vehicle as it negotiates the Course.
At the discretion of the Judges, the contest may also include a drag race. This will partly depend upon there being Vehicles capable of racing together without interference to each other’s radio control systems, although exceptions may be made in the interests of amusement.
3. Points
Points will be awarded for:
1. The overall look of the Vehicle
2. Each Hazard successfully negotiated
3. Completion of the Course
4. Bribery of the Judges
5. Showmanship (dress, singing, dancing, jokes, etc)
Points will be deducted for:
1. Any manual assistance given to the Vehicle (whether by the Contestant or another party)
2. Failure to negotiate a Hazard
3. Exceeding the specified two minutes time limit
4. Exceeding the specified size limits
5. Inadequate bribery of the Judges, or in any other way vexing said Judges.
4. Prizes
Prizes may be awarded at the Judge discretion for:
1. Best overall Vehicle
2. Best first-time Contestant
3. Most entertaining attempt at the Course
4. Most rapid completion of the Course
5. Most rapid drag
6. Most entertaining overall