ONE man is keeping his vocal chords fresh ahead of the British Pedal Car Grand Prix at Ringwood on Sunday, July 15.

Commentator Michael Lingam-Willgoss has been the voice of the biennial event since 1987.

So while the 56 teams of competitors are gearing up for a test of their physical endurance, he’s more concerned about keeping his sight and speech sharp.

Mr Lingam-Willgoss, from Rockford, in the New Forest, recalls being ‘called up’ for the first pedal car Grand Prix.

Already an old hand at public speaking at big events, he was at a Moyles Court School fair when he got the call to say a commentator was urgently needed in Ringwood.

“I was suddenly being asked to jump in at the deep end,” Mr Lingam-Willgoss said.

“As soon as the race started, in Ringwood’s long stay car park, it seemed to be very successful.

“It became very evident very quickly that this was a possible vehicle for doing all sorts of things.”

The grand prix began life as a twinning event with Pont Audemer, in France.

Mr Lingam-Willgoss found himself presiding over a battle between Ringwood residents and around 120 French guests in 18 cars.

“Each race has been memorable, they have all been good successes and have become bigger and bigger,” he added.

“I love it because charities benefit, on top of thousands of people having good family fun day and watching the spectacle.”

Now 69 years old, he sees his role as being the “eyes” of the crowd.

“A lot of spectators just see cars flying past them at one spot on the course,” Mr Lingam-Willgoss said.

“I have to make sure they understand the whole spectacle, what is going on the whole way around the circuit.”