Nelson Trolley Derby Media Release
Feb 23 2009

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From garages and sheds around Nelson, they are rolling out on wheels large and small, in styles that range from the simple to the super stylish…it’s Nelson’s annual celebration of gravity-driven racing – the South Canterbury Finance Nelson Trolley Derby.

Event coordinator Antony Hodgson said there’s all day action on Saturday (28 Feb) starting with the heats at 10.30 on through to the finals in the afternoon.

“This year the derby has taken on a life of its own with new aspects like a ride through with people in Edwardian dress on penny-farthings, moto-cross demonstrations, a demo race from the Smith and Son Wheelbarrow Classic and of course the running of the balls,” he said. “Our entrants are really going all out with themed entries like the Aircraft of Doom, the Bed Buggy and the Flight of the Accountants.”

When the races are over it’s time for the inaugural Child Cancer Running of the Balls competition, where numbered balls will roll down the hill and into a capture chute at the bottom, with some great prizes at stake, all valued over $300 - such as tickets to Circus Oz when it comes to Nelson in March. Balls can be registered for a minimum donation of $2 at various outlets around Nelson or on the day.

Other new features this year include more sponsored prizes for individual events and a kids’ design competition for a ‘dream trolley’ to be built with the help of a mentor for the 2010 derby.

The Nelson Trolley Derby is on Saturday 28 Feb, 10am – 3.30pm in Collingwood Street, central Nelson. Registrations have now closed with 88 drivers registered in 69 trolleys. More info at http://www.derby.co.nz

The Collingwood Street Trolley Derby is presented by the Nelson City Council as part of the Summer in Nelson programme - a celebration for locals and an added attraction for visitors.

ENDS

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