The Potjie Boytjies from Stellenbosch may have had all the ingredients needed to win the Red Bull Box Cart Race in Cape Town on November 6, but the Street in Law from Benoni had an incredible experience.
Navigating through the potholes, cobblestones and unfinished bridges on the 600m steep track on the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap made the event one to remember for the Benonians.
With over 20 000 spectators watching the thrills and spills, it would have been a wonderful title defence for the five-member team.
“The event felt extra special for us. The amazing scenery and the colourful people and houses of the Bo-Kaap made it one to remember.
“The event itself is always great fun to be part of. Meeting all the other teams and having a few laughs at the various carts as many seem like they wouldn’t make it past the first corner,” said Gareth Turner.
On a course designed by the legendary racer Giniel de Villers, racing in their cart influenced by the Fast and Furious movie franchise, the team found the obstacles rather slack. That was until they came across the ‘pothole’.
“The obstacles also didn’t seem as tough as the 2018 race, until we went over the ‘pothole’, which very nearly taught us how to do cartwheels in our late 30s.
“Although we would have liked to bring home another trophy, we are thankful for all the laughs and are proud of what we achieved. There is always the next race to try again.”
They put extra effort into the cart because they wanted to celebrate their families.
“We would like to thank our friends and families for putting up with us during the seemingly endless building of our cart and for supporting us all the way.
“Also a big thank you to AngelShack for the generous use of their 3D printers, which made our amazing cart possible,” Gareth said.
Would they encourage anyone to take part in the race?
“Absolutely,” said Gareth. Participating in the race is just about having fun. If you don’t want to drive down a hill in a cart with sketchy brakes you built yourself, just get someone else to drive.
“At worst, it’s a great family day out for spectators. Everyone can enjoy the race.”
Also Read: Benoni team takes on Box Cart race
