North Wales

Our Mud Buggy Racing is great fun, a little background from the instructor, exclusive to Shaggy Sheep customers - When the group arrives we start with a bit of banter straight away. Once the hello's are done we get them to 'sign their lives away' and get kitted up with helmets, balaclavas, gloves and if required waterproofs. We then walk to the safe area at the start and on the way chat about what they are expecting. Once they see the track it is usually a good surprise. Once at the safe area they have a short safety briefing then crack on. There is the opportunity for bonding and banter in the safe area when they are not driving. They are having a race each time they go out. The track is set up as a rally sprint/super special/Race of Champions. This means there are 2 courses and one buggy goes on each then crosses to the other one by means of a bridge. The effect is that both buggies cover the same distance without the possibility of hitting each other hence the course is far more extreme than it would be otherwise.

Photos are taken which are sent later by email. The buggies have 150CC engines that rev to 7500RPM although the automatic clutch and CVT transmission means that even non drivers can manage them. They do have roll over cages, full harness belts and side netting to keep drivers safe. On leaving the start each time a distance of close to a mile is covered before returning. Depending on the route for the session this means somewhere between 60 and 93 corners are negotiated. As the venue is an old quarry the course has great variety. It is mentioned at the briefing that a magnificent prize will be given to the driver voted 'star' by the marshals. It is also explained that we take liberties with the word magnificent. At the end of the session we usually say we can't find a suitable prize and ask if my hearty congratulations will do. The answer is always yes. We then bring out a magnum of bubbly if there is a large group and within the next couple of weeks will have medals with Star Driver on.