Teapot Racing
What is Teapot Racing?
Teapot Racing is one of steampunk’s most delightfully inventive sports. Competitors build remote-controlled vehicles topped with teapots and race them through an obstacle course against the clock. Whether you are a seasoned RC car enthusiast, a creative maker, or a first-time racer, Teapot Racing is designed to be fun and inclusive for all ages and skill levels. The emphasis is always on participation, creativity, and having a jolly splendid time.
Building Your Racer
What is a Teapot Racer?
A teapot racer is a teapot mounted on a remote-controlled chassis, driven by the competitor. The vehicle may have wheels, tracks, or legs. Flying drones are not permitted.
A teapot racer is a teapot mounted on a remote-controlled chassis, driven by the competitor. The vehicle may have wheels, tracks, or legs. Flying drones are not permitted.
Racer Requirements
- The teapot must be prominently displayed on the racer. It may not simply be a small decorative element.
- The racer must fit within the following maximum dimensions: 40cm (length) x 30cm (width) x 30cm (height).
- The racer must be self-propelled and remotely controlled. Competitors may not push or pull their racer along the course.
- Racers may be controlled by one or more drivers.
- Steampunk theming and decoration are strongly encouraged and will be judged for splendidness!
The Course
The race course is designed and controlled by the Race Director. It will consist of a marked area with a series of obstacles. The Race Director will explain the full course and all rules to competitors at the start of the competition. The course layout may vary on race day at the Race Director’s discretion.
The race course is designed and controlled by the Race Director. It will consist of a marked area with a series of obstacles. The Race Director will explain the full course and all rules to competitors at the start of the competition. The course layout may vary on race day at the Race Director’s discretion.
How the Race Works
- One racer at a time attempts to navigate the full obstacle course.
- Each racer has 2 minutes to complete the course.
- The fastest time to complete the full course wins. If no racer completes the full course, the winner is the racer that travels the furthest within the allotted time.
- Drivers may walk alongside their racer on the course during their run.
- If a racer drives outside the boundary markers of the course, the timer is stopped and that run ends.
Penalties
Penalties may be awarded by the Race Director for infractions such as failing to follow the course correctly, knocking over obstacles, or becoming stuck. Five penalty flags result in immediate disqualification.
Penalties may be awarded by the Race Director for infractions such as failing to follow the course correctly, knocking over obstacles, or becoming stuck. Five penalty flags result in immediate disqualification.
Judging and Scoring
Teapot Racing is about more than just speed! Scoring takes into account:
Teapot Racing is about more than just speed! Scoring takes into account:
- Race results (time and course completion)
- Splendidness of the racer (design, theming, creativity)
- Driver appearance and showmanship
- Sportsmanship and participation
- Bribes (yes, really, see below)
On the Matter of Bribes
Bribing the judges is a cherished and time-honored tradition in Teapot Racing. Bribes should be fun, lighthearted, and ideally themed to your racer or team. Originality and creativity are rewarded far more than extravagance. Past successful bribes have included handmade items, themed poems, and baked goods. The Race Director’s acceptance of a bribe does not guarantee favorable results, but it does guarantee goodwill.
Prizes
Prizes may be awarded at the Race Director’s discretion for categories including but not limited to: fastest time, most splendid racer, best themed racer, most entertaining run, best bribe, and best young driver.
General Rules
- The Race Director’s decisions are final in all matters.
- Good sportsmanship and a spirit of fun are required at all times.
- Audience cheering and enthusiastic encouragement are not just permitted, they are expected.
- Sign up at the Teapot Racing station on festival day. Free to enter!
Start your engines. Warm up your teapots. Let the racing commence!
