It’s time to get pumped up for a great time and a great cause Folsom. The 31st running of the Folsom Handcar Derby is ready for action this weekend, on the tracks in front of Broadstone Marketplace on East Bidwell Street. Action takes place on both Saturday and Sunday and it’s not too late to enter a team.
Sunday, May 5, the day starts off at 9 a.m. with the pusher’s contest where anyone wanting to push the 850-pound handcar for distance is welcome to compete. Competitors are separated by various weight classes in each of the men’s and women’s categories.
Competition picks up immediately after with the handcar races as each team of five has one shot to be the best in their division and set the fastest time. A handcar team consists of one pusher to get the handcar started from a dead stop and four pumpers to propel it down the tracks. Multiple divisions including men, women, co-ed and masters will face off and pump the handcar down the 800-foot track with times separated electronically by 1/1000th of a second.
The final event is two contestants piloting the world’s only racing quadripede down the course. This is the 10th year for this event, with the past nine years resulting in a huge success for participants and fans alike. The day ends with the medal awards ceremony for all of the competing divisions.
Saturday, May 4, is a practice day where each team is required to attend a safety orientation and make one full timed run down the course.
Throughout the day there is fun for all that come to watch or race. Admission is free. The location is in the heart of the Folsom shopping and food centers. All proceeds from the event benefit the Folsom, El Dorado, Sacramento Historical Railroad Association. For more information visit HandcarDerby.com or call (916) 985-6001.
