Clearly not every form of motorsport requires, well, a motor, as this gravity-powered race demonstrates. Filmed in Ecuador, it takes place on a serious-looking mountain road but obviously only in the one direction. The karts themselves are two-person affairs, a bit like toboggans with wheels, with the second rider acting as both propulsion during the start and on flatter, slower sections and as movable ballast, shifting their weight for stability in the corners.
We are riding along with the eventual winner and it is a great lesson in the picking the smoothest line, maintaining momentum and giving your fellow competitors plenty of space. It looks like the ideal sport to make it big in the South Downs. Anyone want a go?
Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: 11 minutes of rally drivers getting it wrong
Elevenses
Video
Onboard
Karting