AMATEUR racers are set to take over a thriving high street with their best wacky creations.

Northallerton Soapbox Challenge will entice the best petrol heads in the region to try their hand at designing and building racing vehicles.

Around 50 teams will be selected to compete in the race through the high street on Sunday, July 29.

Racing in vehicles fuelled by nothing but courage, contestants will be judged on a knockout time trial.

Organised by Northallerton Business Improvement District (BID), it is hoped the event will bring businesses together to make the most of the added visitors.

Julia Chance, Northallerton BID manager, said: “We are really looking forward to the first event of its kind in the town – we promise there will be lots of thrills and spills.

“This is just one of our new and exciting events to encourage people to compete from the town but also entice keen racers from further afield.

“A lot of businesses have shown interest in supporting the event. Amazingly since we launched the website last week we have had over 18,000 hits.”

The launch follows the success of the Micklegate Run Soapbox Challenge in York, which is entering its third year.

The race of the homemade soap boxes will start near Betty's Cafe and proceed to the Town Hall with a right-hand bend at the pedestrian crossing which will take drivers towards the Black Bull.

They will continue past Santander and the Central Arcade into the ‘Cool Runnings’ straights past The Fleece and the Town Hall with a right hand turn into the finish line opposite Grovers.

Prizes will be handed to the fastest adult team, fastest young persons team and fastest corporate team.

There will be special awards for the most spectacular crash and best soapbox design.

The event is in partnership with Viking Productions Ltd.

There will be music from Jake and Elwood Blues, and numerous stalls will be selling street food and drink.

Entry for an adult team is £120, young persons team £60 and corporate team £200.

There will be a practice and pitts inspection from 10am, with the race starting at noon.

Application forms can be collected from Jo Cornish Gallery at www.northallertonsoapboxchallenge.co.uk

They must be completed by March 24, and successful teams will be chosen by April 24.