Gravity Racer - Gravity Racer Cars

Gravity Racer Cars

Originally, Gravity racer cars were built from wooden soap (or orange) crates and rollerskate wheels, but have grown more sophisticated over time, with materials like aluminum, fiberglass and even CFRP being utilized.

In the United Kingdom a Gravity racer car has been called a buggy, trolley, cart. It is currently popularly called a go-cart, although that now more often refers to a similar vehicle with a motor, spelt "go kart". In Scotland and northern England it has also been called a bogie, cartie/cairtie, guider or piler. In Wales it is often referred to as a gambo. In Australia they are called billy-carts.

In addition to being built by children, there are organised competitions and races ("soapbox or billycart derby") that often engage the enthusiasm of adults. However, these things are usually entered into in a spirit of fun rather than serious competition. Often they will be fund-raisers for charity. Many, but not all, events impose the following rules:

• The car must have no motor
• The car must have at least 4 wheels
• The car may have to have some type of brakes
• The driver must wear a helmet
• A push at the top is allowed for extra speed

Soapbox cars weigh an average of 150 pounds (68 kg) and reach top speeds of 20 to 30 mph (30 to 50 km/h). Many cities have permanent tracks where drivers compete for prizes.