Race cars that sprint without engines    Courage to challenge super steep slopes

▲ The Horse Gallop Racing competition judges popularity and creativity. (Photo / Siraya National Scenic Area website)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

How fast can engine-less vehicles go? The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Siraya National Scenic Area Administration, is hosting"Horse Gallop Racing"— this year offering a total prize pool of up to NT$500,000, including a first-place gold award of NT$250,000. In addition to speed, the event also evaluates popularity, teamwork, and creativity.

The race starts at the steepest slope within the venue. Support team members push the driver and their custom-built vehicle to the 400-meter track. The course includes crash pads, right-angle turns, and distractions from spectators, testing not only the performance of the custom vehicles but also the driver’s skill and coordination.

The Horse Gallop Racing event originates from a children's DIY toy car racing activity found abroad, with similar competitions held in cities across Europe and America. These self-made vehicle events are safer than regular races because they lack engine power and rely solely on gravity, terrain, and gravitational force. They are also conducted on closed courses. However, speeds can still reach 50–60 km/h, so drivers must remain cautious. To ensure rider safety, the organizers will arrange protective measures such as straw bales, traffic cones, warning lines, and barriers around the course as needed, to protect participants and prevent accidental spectator entry.

▲ Facing 400 meters of obstacles, drivers' teamwork is put to the test. (Photo / Siraya National Scenic Area website)

The "Horse Gallop Racing" competition is part of the 2014 Taiwan Bicycle Festival series. Teams of four can register before September 5, and the event will take place on November 16 at the Zuomalan Farm in Tainan. Organizers stipulate that homemade custom vehicles must not have any power equipment but must include directional control and an independent braking system to qualify. Any stopping during the run or if any part of the body touches the ground will result in disqualification.

For more event information, please visitthe official event websiteor theTourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Siraya National Scenic Area Administration website.Search.