This weekend’s soapbox derby in Peel has been postponed.

A shortage of entries and a forecast for bad weather on Sunday have forced organisers to cancel the event.

It will now be held either on Sunday, October 1, or the following Sunday, giving would-be competitors plenty of time to get their carts ready.

Ian Davison, chairman of Peel Commissioners, said: ’It’s a great shame but there weren’t enough entries. We needed a minimum of 20 entries but we got 17.

’It’s disappointing but the weather forecast for Sunday is miserable anyway. The carts have got only thin tyres and you can’t steer them properly when it’s wet and they’ve got hand or foot operated brakes.

’So from a safety point of view there is no point sending a cart down a really steep hill when it can’t steer and it can’t stop. You have to think of the spectators too.’

He added: ’We’re close to the numbers we need and three have promised they will get their carts ready for October.’

Meanwhile, the inaugural Ramsey soapbox derby is due to be held on September 24, from 2 to 3pm, on a course that runs from Windsor Mount and down Ballacloan Road at the back of Mooragh Park.