A HAMPSHIRE town will resemble the millionaires’ playground of Monaco today as teams battle it out in the British Pedal Car Grand Prix.

More than 10,000 people are expected to line the streets of Ringwood to watch a colourful collection of homemade vehicles take part in the annual spectacle.

The High Street and other roads in the town centre will be closed to traffic to enable the two-hour competition to take place.

A Formula 5000 car restored with the help of staff at The Lamb Inn, Ringwood, will lead a prerace parade.

Cllr Mike Thierry, who represents Ringwood North, said: “It’s a tremendous day out.

“Competitors go to great lengths to make their cars as interesting as possible and some even dress up, which adds to the carnival atmosphere.

“The race has all the elements of a real grand prix, including bits coming off the vehicles and straw bales for safety.”

Race director Gareth Marriott added: “Entrants will be hoping the cobbles and corners of the market square won’t break the cars many have made with their own hands in garages and sheds.”

About 35 teams of four will tackle a 900-metre course for two hours non-stop as thousands of spectators cheer them on.

This year’s favourites are the defending champions New Milton Health and Leisure, who are renewing their rivalry with the 2013 runners-up, Christchurch Bicycle Club.

Race timetable:

  • 10am: Roads closed.
  • 1.20pm: Parade lap starts.
  • 1.45pm: Cars line up on starting grid.
  • 2pm: Race starts.
  • 4pm: Race finishes.
  • 4.30pm: Prizes presented in the market place.
  • 5pm: Roads re-open.