Iconic Flintstone’s car may not have been the fastest but it stole the hearts of the spectators
It was one of those days when things just didn’t go to plan.
Technical hitches, a broken suspension and crashes into straw bales did nothing to dent the enthusiasm of Colchester Soapbox Rally heroes KAT Marketing.
Months of work had gone into creating the fantastic Flintstone’s car to take on challengers in the wackiest of all races. And while hopes of winning the race were soon dashed, there were celebrations all round as it was voted the People’s Champion.
Designer David McGill had laboured long into the night to ensure KAT Marketing’s chariot was ready for battle, supported by artistic members of the KAT Marketing team.
And when race day came, KAT Marketing managing director Katie Skingle – aka Wilma Flintstone – was behind the wheel, ready on the start line to bid for fame and glory.
However, plans lay in tatters after a technical hitch which no-one had predicted. When Katie put on her helmet, it pushed her bright orange wig over her eyes and she could see precisely nothing.
As the Flintstone’s car careered down North Hill, a straw bale got caught underneath it and it juddered to a halt.
Organisers leapt to the rescue and set her on her way again and she coasted to the finish line, cheered on by the hundreds of spectators.
However, all was not lost… soon it was time for round two when two karts dashed down the hill side by side.
The Flintstone car lined up against seasoned racers Gravitron which took the Bone Rattler obstacle in style. Sadly, the Flintstone car was not so lucky…as it landed after the jump, the suspension gave up the ghost and the race was over, the kart dragging along the ground to standing stop.
But never one to be downhearted, thanks to the efforts of innovative farmers K Drury & Sons Hay Straw and machinery, and sturdy straps, the suspension was lifted and Katie sailed down the full course in style.
While the honours for the fastest kart when to Gravitron, the Flintstone car won the hearts and minds of rally supporters, taking the People’s Choice prize.
Delighted Katie said: “We knew we weren’t built for speed but we were aiming to take the theming category by storm! It was a fantastic event and we were delighted to be part of it.
“To win the People’s Choice prize via the public was brilliant and we are so grateful for the support of everyone who voted for us.
“As an agency, creativity is one of our driving principles and that underpinned our approach to the rally too.
“It was also marvellous to see so many people in the city and there was such an awesome atmosphere.
“We are already thinking about next year’s race and plans for something spectacular are afoot.”
The Soapbox Rally was organised by the Colchester BID with hundreds of spectators lining the route so see the karts negotiate obstacles along the route. It had previously been held in Colchester High Street but was moved to North Hill to help the racers build up speed and supply more thrills and spills.