A downhill road race complete with wacky designs, chicanes and jumps can only mean one thing, a soapbox derby.

This weekend Peel plays host to the race as competitors seek to be the quickest individual or team to achieve the highest speed and be the best novelty entry.

The race is due to begin on Sunday, August 19, at 2pm

Peel commissioner Ian Davison said: ’The course is the same as last year with the start at the top of Derby Drive with a series of chicanes and jumps with the end being on the promenade, it is a fast action afternoon of family entertainment.

’The whole course offers great spectating points with running commentary by Brian Diehl and safety by Event Safety Management Ltd.’

Mr Davison added that parking would be available on the promenade and in the field on the headland.

The 2017 race was won by Danny Ennett who set the fastest times during the three runs of the singles race at 81.83 seconds. And Kirsty Russell and Gavin Wilby were the fastest over three runs in the team event.

The best novelty soapbox award was shared between Peel and Ramsey RNLI crews, both teams racing in lifeboat themed karts.

While Jamie Teare lost the singles race by less than half a second, he was clocked as achieving the quickest speed of 30 mph.

Mr Davison added he is looking forward to ’a great afternoon of racing’.

The event is being sponsored by Red Scaffolding, with other sponsors including Peel Fisheries, Peter Dawson Tyres, Davison’s Ice Cream, Peel Commissioners and Energy FM.

Peel is not the only place to be running a soapbox derby, with the Douglas Soapbox Derby scheduled for Sunday, September 1. It is still possible to apply for the Douglas race, which will run down Upper Church Street.