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Annual Bug Jam Festival Celebrates Human-Powered Race At Santa Pod
Santa Pod Raceway, Europe's fastest racetrack, is known for cars reaching 300mph. However, once a year, it's the sound of feet that captures attention. Bug Jam, Santa Pod's annual Volkswagen festival, has been running for 37 years. During this event, the Human-Powered Race takes place on Saturday lunchtime, where motors pause and humans take over the track.
This year's Bug Jam Festival occurred from 26th to 28th July and saw record participation in the Human-Powered Race. Nearly 1,000 people took on the challenge of traversing the famous quarter-mile track. The crowd was so large that some individuals accidentally joined while navigating the venue.
The level of preparation for the race is impressive. One group nearly won the "Most Imaginative Entry" trophy with a homemade pedal-powered VW Golf with a trailer. However, the "Wheel of Misfortune" claimed that title. Despite elaborate entries, any human-powered vehicle can participate.
A Santa Pod Raceway spokesperson mentioned, "We see everything from walkers and runners with buggies and prams to skateboards, scooters, roller bladers, bicycles and just about everything in between. Even though there are trophies for each category of vessel, some are in it just for the experience, and with an event of this size it’s just as well because some people were only just starting as the winners were crossing the finish line!"
Participants bring various modes of transport like trainers, bikes, trikes, scooters, skateboards, and even Zorbs to navigate the quarter-mile track. The event resembles a miniature London Marathon but with Santa Pod’s unique glued track surface adding an extra challenge.
Age is no barrier at Bug Jam; both young and old enjoy either hurrying or strolling along the dragstrip. It offers a leisurely way to experience what racers usually see at high speeds.
Santa Pod Raceway Background
Santa Pod Raceway opened in 1966 on a former World War II airfield. The name 'Santa' evokes Southern California's drag racing roots while 'Pod' refers to Podington airfield and nearby village. The venue operates year-round with over 70 events annually from February to November.
The calendar includes major events like two FIA/FIM European Drag Racing Championship rounds and Bug Jam. Other events include national drag races, modified car shows, specialist family events, and public track days known as ‘Run What Ya Brungs’.
Located near Wellingborough on the Bedfordshire-Northamptonshire border (NN29 7XA), Santa Pod Raceway remains a hub for motorsport enthusiasts.
The Human-Powered Race at Bug Jam continues to be a highlight for many attendees. It allows participants to engage with Santa Pod's iconic track in a fun and unique way each year.
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