1990 Suncoast National Trolley Derby

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1990 Suncoast National Trolley Derby
Kaiti Hill
Gisborne Kaiti Hill in Gisborne offers 1.2 km of winding downhill racing - the perfect venue for serious trolley derby enthusiasts whose trolleys can reach speeds of around 80 km/h.

The inaugural event was held in 1983 and competitors kept returning year after year in pursuit of the title.

I do not know if there have been any more derbies there since 1990 when my family attended. Three of us raced two trolleys and were among a large field of entries that came from as far away as Whangarei and Christchurch.

Anna Clarke leading the pack over the cattle stop during the Junior heats. Notes: The Ambulance is well off the course.
Hay bales in front of bridge rails and on the outside of a fast corner.

Eventual winner, Colin MacDonald, of the Horse Trough Racing Team, negotiating the fastest corner.
This was the sixth time he had won the title in seven years.

His trolley gets up to 80 km/h on the fastest sections.

Second place getter, John Bennet, braking after the finish line.
Fibreglass body, moulded in a jet aircraft canopy. Hydraulic brakes.
Trolleys need to be quite rugged to be competitive in this 1.2 km run.

Specifications for the 1990 Suncoast National Trolley Derby

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