Themed karts were the order of the day, with ideas including vampires, trifles, The Flintstones, hotdogs, snails and countless others. The winners, 'The Volvet Underground', triumphed as they glided past the finish line claiming first place position in their vole-mouse themed kart. SSE provided a Nexo Geo T system for the event. The mix was handled digitally using an Innovason Compact Live SY40.
SSE Director Chris Beale commented: "Everyone had a great time. The weather was hot and so were the drivers! The Geo T system covered Knebworth Park perfectly and Murray Walker's commentary came over loud and clear."
Star Events Group built the gigantic ramp that formed the starting grid for the 'oddball' collection of vehicles at this year's Red Bull Soap Box Race.
Star Events Group constructed a 12.5m high ramp, working to accurately create the dimensions from the drawings of the designer Brian Heritage. The 150 ton ramp took 10 km of scaffolding, 4km of timber and 500 sheets of plywood to build, delivered to the site by seven artic lorries. Competitors accessed the platform via staircases, and their vehicles were lifted onto the rear of the solid structure by hydraulic lifts, where they could ready themselves for their big moment on a 25m platform, behind the start line. Attached to the platform was a VerTech support, adorned by a giant Red Bull Logo, along with a giant LED screen (supplied by XL Video) and the Nexo line array pa. Once the start lights went on Murray Walker provided the commentary as the carts raced down the 45m ramp, which at its steepest point was at an angle of 32 degrees, the equivalent of 1 to 1.5. The ramp was dressed in flame resistant black cladding, supplied by Sunbaba Screens.
Star Events Group director Roger Barrett, who project managed the design and installation of the structure, commented: "Red Bull once again created a very zany event and we were delighted to work with their team to create what was the focal point for most of the audience. There were quite a number of health and safety issues we had to consider surrounding the structure, ensuring it was fully in compliance with the guidance published by the Institution of Structural Engineers (called 'Temporary Demountable Structures'). We also had to plan contingencies for the structure to withstand vehicle collisions and allow for rescue team access to all areas should it be necessary. I'm delighted to say the whole day ran very smoothly, the ramp behaved as we expected and I'm looking forward to driving in my four-wheel drive again!"(Lee Baldock)
