The 9th Ponta do Sol Road Race goes to the road at 4:00 p.m., this Sunday, but the ‘bolides’ are already beginning to give an air of grace.
Organized by the Canhas Cultural and Sports Center (CCDA), the so-called Ponta do Sol ramp has the support of the Associação de Pau Association responsible for the championship of the sport.
The race includes two descents (2,500 meters), starting at Entroncamento – Volta da Vila and arriving at Avenida 1º de Maio, in the center of the village.
The stick cars are very traditional in Portugal and especially in the island of Madeira, because they have been toy of many generations, being very frequent to see them until the decade of 80.
“All of its construction is manual, using a variety of techniques that focus on the development of a braking and steering system, usually by using a steel brake cable, connecting a pedal in front of the car to a metal plate or wood on the back of the wheels, and a steering rope linking a steering wheel to the ends of the front axle, “explains the CCDA on its Facebook page.
Techniques aside, the cars of stick stand out also for the creativity put in the bodies and in the good disposition of the teams that proudly show them in the asfalta.
Of prevention are the Volunteer Firefighters of Ribeira Brava so that everything runs ‘on wheels’.
It is worth mentioning that this event is integrated in the festivals of the Ponta do Sol county, which today concludes with a Festival of Philharmonic Bands, another event that will keep the town alive until late.
