Ryebridge has taken the chequered flag in becoming headline sponsor for the British Pedal Car Grand Prix.
This high speed event – on Sunday July 13 - sees up to 40 teams of daredevils race their pedal-powered hot-rods around a two-hour street circuit through the market town of Ringwood in Hampshire.
Inspired by the Pedal Car Races held in the twin town of Pont-Audemer in Normandy, Ringwood Round Table decided to organise a similar event back in 1987, and it has now been going for 36 years.
But last year’s event was cancelled with just two weeks to go after the organisers ran into financial difficulties.
They said at the time: “This decision was not made lightly and comes after extensive deliberation and consultation with all stakeholders involved. Several unforeseen circumstances have forced our hand, the foremost being the financial challenges driven by significant increases in the costs of holding the event, coupled with a significant number of local businesses having to reduce or cease sponsoring the event due to the current economic climate.
“Despite the best efforts of our volunteer team to address these issues, it has become clear that proceeding with the event as planned would compromise the quality and safety that participants and spectators expect.”
Determined that this year’s race should take place as planned, Ryebridge Construction put the pedal to the metal and stepped in as headline sponsor.
Managing director Sean Scully said: “As part of our ongoing investment into the Southampton area, Ryebridge is continuing to build bridges within communities around the city, and this event stood out as one in need of our support.
“We’re all really excited about getting behind the British Pedal Car Grand Prix, and hope this is the start of a long relationship.”
The organisers said: “Our sponsors, along with our race teams, are the lifeblood of the British Pedal Car Grand Prix. Costing in excess of £10,000 per year to run, our corporate sponsorship represents the bulk of the income of the event, and ensures that we’re able to deliver the event in the way that it deserves to be delivered! We are so grateful to our lovely sponsors like Ryebridge Construction.”
