WACKY racers are being sought for this year’s British Pedal Car Grand Prix.

Thousands are expected to line the streets of Ringwood to watch a crazy collection of homemade vehicles take part in the event on Sunday, July 8.

Market Square and other roads in the town centre will be closed to traffic to enable the two-hour contest to take place.

The pedal cars will be on show at the Furlong Centre between 10am and 2.30pm, with the race itself starting at 3pm.

Spectators will be able to walk along the course and watch the action from various vantage points.

Race director Tony Butterworth said: “It’s tended to get a little more serious in recent years.

“We want the 2018 competition to be more of a fun event and are encouraging people to decorate their cars. In the past we’ve had vehicles that looked like ladybirds and bees - we’ve even had a banana car.”

The race switches between two venues, with New Milton and Ringwood taking it in turns to host the event.

This year’s main sponsor is Ringwood Brewery, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Mr Butterworth said: “Thousands of people turn up to watch, with most people picking their favourite car and cheering it on.

“It’s always a lot of fun and generates a carnival-type atmosphere.”

Competitors come from across the UK and even Europe, with at least one of the competitions attracting entrants from Germany.

The first British Pedal Car Grand Prix took place in Ringwood in 1987 and now attracts thousands of spectators.

The event also raises sponsorship money which is then donated to two various charities decided by the pedal car committee.

Each car has a team of up to four people who can change over during the race as many times as they like.

To register a team, visit http://britishpedalcargrandprix.org/