Splendid Teapot Racing!
Get ready to “Steep Your Racers!” and adventure through the stars to explore strange new hazards, to seek out new feats of whimsy, and to boldly go where no Teapot has gone before! The A.S.E. Tea Ambassadors, Madame Askew and the Grand Arbiter, host and judge this year’s cosmic Splendid Teapot Race.
What is Teapot RacinG?
Conceived by Steampunk enthusiast Simone Montgomery (or Countess Simona du Montgomerie as she’s known in Steampunk circles), the first Splendid Teapot Race kicked off at the Oamaru Steampunk Festival in New Zealand in 2014. It has since spread to other steampunk groups around the world.
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In a nutshell... Splendid Teapot Racing involves radio-controlled teapots negotiating an obstacle course within a set time. The vehicle is simply a teapot of the entrants’ choice attached to a radio-controlled car or truck and embellished to taste. Keeping the size of vehicles within the limits stated in the rules helps ensure a fairer and more entertaining contest. The teapot doesn’t still have to function as a teapot!
Although it’s called ‘racing’ and contestants compete against the clock, the course is set so that sheer speed isn’t an advantage. There will be obstacles included that racers will need to maneuver, but it isn't too daunting for inexperienced drivers. Obstacles might include a curved ramp, a tunnel and/or a (gentle) jump. The main set of obstacles are a slalom course comprised of cups and saucers, sugar bowls, etc., balanced on brass vases or candlesticks. Teapots are sent one at a time through the course, and their progress is timed. Contestants gain points for style (this is steampunk, after all) and successfully completing the course. They will also be judged on other criteria, such as humor and ingenuity. Really, it's all for good silly fun!
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Everyone is invited to participate, regardless of budget, technical skill or driving ability. Points are gained and lost at the discretion of the judges, who welcome bribes from contestants (such as chocolates, baubles, and tipples). (Source.)
What are the ruleS?
1. The Vehicle:
Vehicles shall consist of a Teapot of the Contestant’s choice, mounted upon a radio-controlled chassis. It is recommended that Contestants consult their local hobby or toy shop for a suitable base vehicle, which may then be modified, tittivated or accessorised as the Contestant sees fit. Multi-band controls are available for some brands of radio-controlled vehicles, which may be useful should they wish to compete in any drag race. No vehicle shall exceed 30 centimetres in height, 30 centimetres in width or 40 centimetres in length (including any flags, aerials, &c.). Vehicles which exceed these measurements will be permitted to compete, but will be penalised and may encounter difficulties in negotiating the Hazards noted below.
2. The Course:
The Course, which shall be laid out according to the whim of the Judges and without regard to the wishes of any other party, shall consist of a number of Hazards, possibly including a Ramp, a Tunnel, a Jump and/or divers Obstacles of a breakable nature. Vehicles must negotiate the Course as specified by the Judges, one Vehicle at a time, within the allotted time of two minutes. Points will be deducted for every 10 seconds over the allotted time. Vehicles which have not completed the course within three minutes will be disqualified. Contestants may, if they wish, walk with their Vehicle as it negotiates the Course. At the discretion of the Judges, the contest may also include a drag race. This will partly depend upon there being Vehicles capable of racing together without interference to each other’s radio control systems, although exceptions may be made in the interests of amusement.
3. Points:
Points will be awarded for:
☆ the overall look of the Vehicle
☆ each Hazard successfully negotiated
☆ completion of the Course
☆ bribery of the Judges
☆ showmanship (dress, singing, dancing, jokes, &c.).
Points will be deducted for:
☆ any manual assistance given to the Vehicle (whether by the Contestant or another party)
☆ failure to negotiate a Hazard
☆ exceeding the specified two minutes’ time limit
☆ exceeding the specified size limits
☆ inadequate bribery of the Judges, or in any other way vexing said Judges.
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4. Prizes: All contestants compete for clout and bragging rights. Other prizes may be awarded at the Judges’ discretion for categories such as:
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☆ Best overall Vehicle
☆ Best first-time Contestant
☆ Most entertaining attempt at the Course
☆ Most rapid completion of the Course
☆ Most rapid drag
☆ or any other category the Judges decide.
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Sound simple enough? Our Tea Ambassadors will go over all rules of play, including any special themed events or changes for this year's Exposition at the beginning of the competition. You may register to race onsite, or proceed to the form below.
And May the Best Teapot Win!
Racers, steep your TeapotS!
