MORE than 4,000 spectators turned out on Saturday to watch thrills and spills galore in The White Horse Soap Box Derby at Westbury.

Up to 18 hand-built soapbox vehicles took part in the one-day event to test their bravery and engineering skills down the White Horse hill at Bratton.

They careered down “the steepest and most challenging course in the country” at speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour.

The eventual winner, C12, took just 25.79 seconds to complete the 850-metre course which has an average gradient of 8.4 per cent and a maximum gradient of 18.4 per cent.

But it was not plain sailing – Team Savage driven by James Savage - lost a wheel on the second run and was unable to take part in the third and final run.

Team Savage still managed to finish second in 27.59 seconds, while Acceleramus was finished third in 27.99 seconds.

And there were gasps from the crowd when Sam Kelly, driving The Bistro Boys soapbox from Bristol cartwheeled after hitting straw bales in the chicane.

Sam, 28, from Carmarthen in west Wales, said: “I did as somersault and landed in the straw bales and everyone went quiet.

“But when I got out and stood up and gave them a thumbs up everybody cheered.”

Mr Kelly, a service engineer with Rolls-Royce in Bristol, added: “It was great fun and a fantastic day. There was a lot of people there.

“The course was great. I had expected a few ramps but thankfully there were none.

“The soapbox was well below my safety expectations. It looked as if it had been made at home. I would definitely build my own next time.”

Ryan Child, the event organiser for Westbury Town Council, said: “We have many lessons from our first event and will endeavour to do better next year! Always tricky to run a brand new event and we appreciate your patience!

“Apart from the obvious we hope those that made it had a brilliant day, over 4,000 people turned up so a good 25 per cent more than we'd hoped. Thanks Westbury, you have been amazing!”

The event included an engineering fair on the Westbury White Horse Hill providing a practical introduction to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics for young people.

It was sponsored by Westbury Town Council, Daykin Estates, Arke Ltd and Torn; and supported by AB Dynamics, Pierre Cochon, The Duke at Bratton, The Paper Bag Company, Western Skip Hire, White Horse CAD and the Westbury Festival.