PREPARATIONS are hotting up for this year’s Ringwood Brewery British Pedal Car Grand Prix.

A total of 35 teams, with participants of all ages, will be racing for two hours non-stop.

Work mates, families, friends, youth groups and businesses will be hoping the cobbles and corners of the Market Square won’t break the cars many have made with their own hands, in garages and sheds around the area.

Gareth Marriott, one of the organisers, said: “This year’s favourites are car five, New Milton Health and Leisure.

“Led by Rob Mangles, the team won last year’s race in New Milton and will be pushing hard for another win.

“Long-time competitors, Christchurch Bicycle Club, will draw on thousands of training miles to make them an equal threat, as will the ever-present Royce team in car seven, captained by Cliff Polton.

“The pedal car race is a family affair for Cliff, whose daughter Steph Mills is captain of the top ladies’ team ‘Squeals on Wheels’. Last year they finished third overall with help from Commonwealth, Olympic and World road race champion Nicole Cooke.

“Car 45, ‘Flaming Cheaters’, is a team of Ringwood firefighters who’ve made their car in to a mini fire engine with help from local firm, Doughty Engineering.”

An historic Formula 5000 car will lead the parade lap. The car was originally owned and raced by Terry Sanger and, on its debut at Mallory Park, ended up in a lake. After removal from the lake and being rebuilt, the car subsequently finished seventh at Snetterton – its best ever result.

Terry Sanger died last year at the age of 79 and now, with the help and support of The Lamb Inn of Ringwood, Barry le Prevost can continue the legacy that Terry left behind.

There will be a chance to see the car up close at the Ringwood Brewery British Pedal Car Grand Prix on Sunday, July 13. The parade lap starts at 1.20pm and the race kicks off at 2pm.