Families lined the sidewalks around the racetrack at 2 p.m. sharp on Saturday, anxiously awaiting the start of the Big Wheel 500 at the Brookfield Municipal Center.
The three- and four-year-olds were the first to take their marks, followed soon after by the five- and six-year-old division. Some were revved up for the race, but a few rookie racers were hesitant and unsure about the competition.
There were a number of minor accidents, but none dangerous enough to warrant a yellow flag or pause the race. No spin-outs were caught on camera and no driver injuries were sustained, although several parents were spotted limping away at the end of the event.
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A few younger drivers appeared to be tuckered out after the first lap. Numerous veteran racers (older siblings) were on hand to aid them with a good push and a loud cheer to keep them going through the grueling second lap.
The hairpin turn on the back half of the track — which serves as a parking lot for town employees on non-race days — proved hazardous to a few inexperienced drivers, who found themselves piled up in a corner parking space. Their pit crew (mom and dad) came to the rescue, freeing the tangled mess of big wheels and laughing children to continue unscathed down the final straight away to victory.
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All racers are winners at the Big Wheel 500 and all drivers came through the finish line to a cheering crowd and high fives. Drivers were filled with fresh new energy when invited to choose their prize from a big box containing assorted toy race cars.
For some longtime 500 competitors, the victory was bittersweet. Following two, three and even four year careers in racing, six-year-old drivers will be forced into an early retirement, as age seven is deemed too old for the Big Wheel 500.
An anonymous driver said of the age discrimination issue that she is hoping she doesn't "grow too much during the off season, so she can still pass for six."
The race is a BYOB (bring your own bike) event, but a few extra big wheels were provided for those who needed a ride, and participants were happy to share when their race was complete. The Big Wheel 500 is a free annual event held by the Parks and Recreation Department and is open to all Brookfield residents between the ages of three and six.
