The 18th Gravity Grand Prix will take place in Cookham Dean on Sunday, 14th September 2025, bringing another thrilling day of gravity-powered racing to the heart of the community. Entries will open on 1st May 2025, welcoming teams eager to take on the challenge.
Organized by The Cherry Pickers of Cookham Dean, this exciting event is more than just a race—it’s a charity fundraiser, with proceeds primarily benefiting Thames Valley Air Ambulance and other local causes. Competitors will tackle the downhill course from the junction of Church Road and Spring Lane to Uncle Tom’s Cabin, navigating twists and turns in their homemade karts.
With up to thirty teams competing for a range of prizes, the Gravity Grand Prix promises a day full of action, creativity, and community spirit. Get ready for an unforgettable event!
Themed karts will be encouraged since they provide the most interest to spectators.
PRIZE CATEGORIES
Spirit of the Event – Presented by the organisers to the team that best embodies the fun, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship of the Gravity Grand Prix.
The Peter Bartlett Memorial Award – Founders Trophy – Honouring the event’s visionary founder, this prestigious award celebrates the most memorable moment of the race weekend.
Fastest Single Time on the Day – Awarded to the top three teams with the quickest recorded run. (1st, 2nd, 3rd place)
Best Engineered Kart – Recognising outstanding design, innovation, and craftsmanship. (1st, 2nd, 3rd place)
Best Novelty Kart – Celebrating the most creative and entertaining kart designs. (1st, 2nd, 3rd place)
Important Note: Each team may win only one award—except for additional prizes resulting from timed runs.
HOW TO ENTER
Read the Information – Make sure to review all the details provided on this website.
Complete the Entry Form – Submit your application through the website to secure your place.
Entry Fees & Additional Benefits
Entry Fee: £60
Exclusive Promotion Package: For an additional £50 (special discounted rate), entrants can have their own banner displayed along the course and receive mentions by the event commentator throughout the afternoon.
Make It a Team Experience!
The Gravity Grand Prix isn’t just a race—it’s a fantastic team-building opportunity! Whether you’re competing with colleagues, friends, or family, entering a kart brings people together for a day of excitement and camaraderie. Plus, teams can raise funds by selling space on their kart or helmet to sponsors or supporters.
Limited Spaces—Act Fast!
Please note: Entries are limited to 30 karts, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Enjoy the Day!
Whether you're racing, supporting a team, or cheering from the sidelines, we guarantee an unforgettable experience at the Gravity Grand Prix!
HOW TO RAISE MONEY
A Community Event with a Purpose
The Gravity Grand Prix is designed as a free, family-friendly event for local residents, bringing the community together for a day of excitement and fun. Held at the end of summer, it provides families and individuals with a creative project to work on throughout the long summer months, making the anticipation for race day even more special.
Beyond the thrills of gravity-powered racing, the Gravity Grand Prix serves a greater purpose—raising money for worthy local causes. Thanks to the incredible support of participants, sponsors, and spectators, the event has already raised over £250,000 in previous years! This year, we’re aiming for another milestone, with a £15,000 fundraising target.
And remember—it’s all for charity. Every single person involved in organizing this event is a volunteer, working tirelessly to bring this incredible day to life for the benefit of the community.
As an entrant, you can help to reach our target in three easy ways:
- Get sponsors for your kart
Turn your kart into a fundraising powerhouse by securing sponsorship from family and friends! Recognize the time and effort that goes into building and racing your soapbox kart by inviting loved ones to support your journey.
Once you enter, you’ll receive a sponsorship form to help track contributions. While setting a fundraising goal is not a requirement, we encourage teams to aim high—some have raised as much as £2,000!
- Corporate Entry
Businesses can get involved by sponsoring a kart, making the Gravity Grand Prix both a fantastic promotional opportunity and a great team-building experience. For an additional £50 (special discounted rate), entrants can have their own banner displayed along the course and receive mentions by the event commentator throughout the afternoon.
Plus, teams can generate extra funds by selling advertising space on their kart or helmet—a great way to maximize support while adding an extra competitive edge!
- Sell or buy advertisement space in our Event Guide
Want to reach thousands of spectators? Secure advertisement space in our official Event Guide! Various positions are available—contact us for rates and details.