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Believe it or not, one year a home-made Popemobile was in the running...!
The statesmanlike contraption was just one of hundreds of rare and exotic designs that have been seen in the Downhill on the slopes of Hoar Cross over the years.Ìý
Yes, it's a celebration of mad Englishmen (and women) and their incredible modes of transport.

Home-made

But, simply because they are home-made doesn't mean they aren't sturdy - and they have to be as they can career down the the open road (on the steep hill outside the village), achieving speeds up to 35 miles an hour!

What's more, both competitors and spectators alike get to enjoy quite an adrenalin rush.
This half-mile long stretch of road, with a gradient of 1 in 5 at its steepest point, can be incredibly demanding of the drivers and co-drivers - with no sure prospect of completing the race intact...Ìý so spectators are guaranteed thrills.
To add to the tension, there is a Le Mans style start, and a bell to ring at the finish…. a nerve-wracking experience!

To see some of the crazy contraptions and some of the crazier competitors, just click on the link below

Mad English

As one competitor explained: “As well as prizes for winning the race in terms of speed, there is a prestigious prize for the best kart.Ìý Each kart is built especially for the race, and they are coerced down the hill by a driver and co-driver – usually attired in outlandish fancy dress.Ìý It’s quite crazy, but wonderful fun.

“The event has now taken on a life of its own and we hope to see even more people year by year.Ìý We’ve arranged for giant screens so that people can see all the action, and we’ve got even more entertainment for the children.Ìý We’re reliably told that it is the best Christmas fun of the whole festive period and we rarely disappoint.“

Morning start

The event usually starts at 11.00am, when the first kart starts its descent, and the karts are available for inspection from 9.30am onwards.Ìý Entrance is free for spectators.

Every year there are around 50 entries and if it’s icy, that could mean a lot of crashes! Parking is available of course, and there are refreshments,Ìý and extra entertainments for the children, such as a merry-go-round, face painting etc. Later in the day, around 4pm, there is also a 'Pitstop Party' with disco and auction

Up to three thousand people come along, so we try to put on good facilities for spectators.

Charity

The proceeds from sponsorship, entry fees and donations will raise much needed funds for local charities including the Acorns Children’s Hospice.Ìý Following previous years’ success the organisers set themselves an ambitious £75,000 target.

Acorns Children's Hospice Trust cares for life-limited children and their families from across the West Midlands region. Since 1988 more than 1,100 families have been helped by Acorns but we know there are many more who need the care Acorns offers.
If you come along, please donate if you can.

I hope to see you there!

Sallie

More information can be obtained from the website www.themadclub.com or telephone 07791 609695.