The Bedrock Racing: Yaba Daba Do team from Red Stag Timber take up the challenge of defending their title at the Red Bull Trolley Grand Prix. Pictured from left are Graeme Tremain, Paul Laing, Jamahl Peneamene, Josh Blundell and Brad Johns.
The Bedrock Racing: Yaba Daba Do team from Red Stag Timber take up the challenge of defending their title at the Red Bull Trolley Grand Prix. Pictured from left are Graeme Tremain, Paul Laing, Jamahl Peneamene, Josh Blundell and Brad Johns.
Of course it’s just a race. But the team at Rotorua’s Red Stag Timber have a bit of skin in the game and want to win – again.
The Red Bull Trolley Grand Prix, a national trolley derby in Auckland that attracts thousands of spectators, is back this month after a 10-year hiatus.
The grand prix sees two team members sit in the trolleys while the other three push them to propel their starts.
It’s gravity and momentum – and a well-designed trolley – that determines who is the fastest.
But the first-place getter isn’t always the winner. Showmanship and trolley design also come into the judge’s decisions when picking the overall first place.
Organisers say it is one of the biggest events in Auckland over the summer and estimate up to 30,000 people will be there. It’s part of an international series known as the Red Bull Soap Box, which is hosted in 90 countries worldwide.
Red Stag Hunters celebrate their win at the Red Bull Trolley Grand Prix in 2015. Photo / Miles Holden
In 2015, the Red Stag Hunters took out the title with their expertly crafted trolley that brought a giant red stag to life.
This year, they have a Flintstones theme and are going under the name Bedrock Racing: Yaba Daba Do.
Red Stab Timber commercial manager Paul Laing said their team was excited to defend their title.
Red Stag Hunters celebrate their win at the Red Bull Trolley Grand Prix in 2015. Photo / Miles Holden
“Our team of smarter, younger staff is super-keen and motivated to retain the trophy if they can.”
When the Rotorua Daily Post visited Red Stag Timber, the team’s trolley was coming along nicely.
Brad Johns, Red Stag Timber’s reliability project co-ordinator, is the brains behind the design and seemed to know what he was doing.
He used some big words to explain how the BMX wheels combined with the steering and something to do with the alignment meant the trolley should be quick.
Laing said it was pretty exciting as the trolleys flew down the hill at estimated speeds of up to 60km/h.
“Sometimes there’s bits flying off the trolleys, the crowds just love it ... Last time we nearly crashed, so this time we’re doing dual tyres.”
While they admit it’s a lot of fuss, it’s a heap of fun for their 30 seconds of glory.
Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.
