Some strategically-placed rubber tubes, side panel from a truck and clever engineering was all it took for four Wagga boys to win last year’s Gumi Race.
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Dave Smit has captained the team that has won four times and come second once since the popular river race made a comeback in 2011.
Mr Smit participated in the Gumi Race in its original form when he was about 14 and has participated ever since it was revamped six years ago.
“We just wanted to support an event that never should have been cancelled in the first place,” he said.
“It’s a good thing to do with a bunch of mates.
“And it’s probably the most exercise we do all year.”
Minor adjustments have been made to the craft over the years but not much tampering has gone into this year’s final product.
Mr Smit said he would like to defend the title with his team this year, which includes his brother John Smit and friends Chris Bartlett and Scott Hooper.
But even more so, he wants to see more teams get involved and show a competitive side.
“Most people aren’t in it to win it … but I’d like to see some other people get more competitive,” Mr Smit said.
His team will join the estimated hundreds of people who are expected to compete on February 19 and more who are expected to spectate.
Registrations are being taken at www.waggagumi.org.au.