Team Lindum is revved up and ready to roll at Lincoln Krazy Races soapbox derby next weekend.
Led by Plant division apprentice Charlotte Kaynes (pictured), our daring crew is gearing up to race down Flaxengate in the city centre.
They will be competing against 30 other teams as they navigate down the road and past the Lincoln Museum in a bid to record the quickest time.
The custom-built soapbox was built in Plant’s vehicle workshop in North Hykeham and is made from two repurposed old go-karts. It is designed to resemble the iconic red and yellow Lindum company vehicles.
But don’t let its charm fool you – the team has engineered the soapbox for speed. Powered by nothing more than gravity (and a good dose of competitive spirit), the Lindum Plant team intends to zoom to victory.
Charlotte said: “It’s taken a few months to build as we’ve been fitting it in around the day job. The toughest bit was making sure the brakes worked well. We had to buy the tyres from eBay but most of the materials have been recycled.
“I’ve been welding, painting and fixing bits together and was helped by other Lindum apprentices as well as Plant Fitter Shane Leary, too.”
Charlotte is a business administration apprentice but said working in the workshop wasn’t too far out of her comfort zone.
“I grew up helping at my dad’s garage and I studied engineering at school, plus my nan worked for a skip hire company and my grandad ran a tool hire firm, so I think it’s in my blood!” she added.
A soapbox car is a motorless vehicle which is propelled by gravity. Ours will race down the hill to the tune of Bob the Builder, showcasing our team’s creativity and sense of humour.
Office manager Jo Carter said: “Our team is all about problem-solving, innovation, and, of course, having a bit of fun
“They took the bones of two old go-karts and gave them new life by combining them into something that’s both fast and fantastic.
“And what better way to represent Lindum Plant than by making it look like a mini version of one of our trusted vans!”
Although the soapbox challenge is a fun event, it is also designed to raise money for charity. Lindum is using its involvement in the race to support the Lincoln City Foundation, based Lincoln City Football Club.
The Foundation, which recently received keys to its new Lindum-built HQ, strives to create happier, healthier, inspired communities across Lincolnshire by delivering a range of programmes under the key areas of, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Community Cohesion, Education and Employability, and Sport and Physical Activity.
Its mission aligns with Lindum’s desire to support the communities in which we live and work.
To support our fundraising effort, click here: Joanna Carter is fundraising for Lincoln City Foundation (justgiving.com)
Krazy Races Lincoln will be held on Sunday, September 15 and the event is free to attend. The opening procession takes place at 10.45am and the first race will be held at 11am. The final race takes place at 4pm ahead of the prizegiving ceremony at 4.30pm.
Whether they take home the trophy or not, one thing is certain: Lindum Plant’s dedication to teamwork, creativity, and having fun will be on full display!
