Featured Teapot Racer: Tankpot

We had three tank based teapot racers at Renninger's Steampunk and Industrial Show on October 20th.



Tankpot was built and driven by Lord Theodore Puddleton and sponsored by Aethertopia.

There was plenty of time to practice before the races.

Introducing our esteemed judges, John Sprocket of the band, The Cog is Dead, Heidi Icenogle of the Cowford Steampunk Society, and time keeper, Clete Rooney. 

Tankpot was the first contestant of the day and was a first time racer. Lord Puddleton had to help his racer out a bit towards the end of the course, but did it with such panache that he received a full 10 points for showmanship and a medal for being the "Most Dastardly Driver". 

Tea Dueling at SWFL SteamCon

The first duel:





















The final match:

Featured Teapot Racer: Snitzer Friz Von Tea

Baron Von Spear created and drove this robotic rodent at SWFL SteamCon in Fort Myers, Florida on October 13, 2018.

The judges awarded extra points for showmanship and the quality of the bribe, which was beautiful rosewood boxes, filled with chocolate coins.



He finished the race in 1-minute, 15-seconds and won the coveted, "Most Splendid Design" ribbon.



The slide whistle accompaniment to this race was really perfect!

Featured Splendid Teapot Racer: Earl Grey 2nd

Earl Grey 2nd is a work of engineering genius!

I'm constantly telling people to keep their racers light, so that the weak remote control car engines can move them. That was not an issue for this racer. It was very heavy, but it didn't matter, since it had powerful duel engines.

Steering was accomplished by slowing down one engine, while speeding up the other.



David Aldridge had traveled all the way from California to race Earl Grey 2nd at the Big River Steampunk Festival in Hannibal, Missouri. I asked him if the TSA had questioned what the teapot racer was and he said, "No, but they insisted on making sure there was nothing in the pot."

David raced both Saturday and Sunday of the Festival.





He received the Most Splendid Course Completion ribbon for this race.


Earl Grey 2nd returned on Sunday with a new addition, flickering "flames" in the coals under the teapot.





David earned the Most Splendid Speed ribbon on Sunday.

Sunday's drag race:

FeaturedTeapot Racer: The Itty Bitty Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Teakini

Rachel Benson's cute little racer had children squealing with laughter at Big River Steampunk Festival on Sept. 1, 2018. As the "Penguin", Rachel entertained the audience, but her uncontrollable teapot racer really stole the show.






It's hard for evil villains to find reliable minions. Penguin's little racer had no desire to follow directions, but she managed to take home the ribbon for "Most Dastardly Driver," which is awarded to the most entertaining cheat.

This video includes the presenting of the the judges' bribes:


The camera overheated and shut down at that point, but she finish the course in 2-minutes, 45-seconds, thanks to the aforementioned cheating.