Ready, set, roll! Zuchinni cart race rules

Courtney Mathew
Feb 23
2 min read

Start your… zucchinis? That’s right - the countdown to Harfest 2026 is on, and the First ever Zucchini Cart Race Competition is rolling onto the ramp!

It’s bold, it’s bumpy, and it’s hands-down the most entertaining 10 seconds of vegetable-based racing you’ll ever witness.

If you’ve ever looked at your garden produce and thought, “Hmm… that could really go places,” this is your moment.

How to build your mean green racing machine

First things first, you’ll need a zucchini (or a squash if you’re feeling fancy). But not just any old veg. It must be whole, fresh, and ready to roll. No cut-and-paste cucumber hacks here!

Wheels & axles: Your wheels must be attached with proper axles that go through the zucchini body. No duct-taping it to a skateboard, roller skate, or your kid’s Hot Wheels.

Propulsion: It’s gravity all the way, baby. No motors, no rubber bands, and definitely no hidden pushers at the start line.

Decorations: Go wild, but keep it safe, nothing sticking out more than 3 cm past the front. Paint, sequins, googly eyes, even a tiny driver in a helmet are all fair game. .

Naming: Give your zucchini a name worthy of the track! Keep it PG, but make it fun. Bonus points for puns, we love a good veggie pun.

Don’t let your racer grow too big

Max width: 30 cm (including wheels)
Max length: 40 cm (because no one likes a space-hog at the start line)

Keep it speedy, sleek, and ramp-ready.

Race day rules

Your zucchini racer starts from stillness, no pushing, flicking, or overly enthusiastic “accidental bumps.” Racers compete in heats, with the best rolling on to glory.

And yes, we’ve got prizes!

Fastest Racer: The veggie with true need for speed
Best Crash: For the most spectacular failure (crowd favourites, every year)
Most Creative/Best Decorated: Because style points matter

Insider tips from the masters of the slope

Keep your axles straight or your zucchini will take a detour into the neighbouring lane.
Even out your weight so you don’t wobble your way into a crash.
Test run your racer at home (driveways and cardboard ramps are fair game).

Everyone’s invited

Got little ones? Bring them. Got big ones? Drag them along. Got a competitive uncle who still talks about his high school go-kart wins? Oh, he needs this. The Great Zucchini Racer Competition is for all ages, all abilities, and all levels of veggie ambition.

So pick your produce, polish your wheels, and prepare for greatness. Because at Harfest, when the zucchinis hit the slope… it’s anyone’s race.

See you (and your squash) at the starting line!