For Chris Pitcher and his 12-year-old son C.J. the clock is ticking and the final checks and preparations for tomorrow’s Mohawk Grand Prix are already well under way.

The four-time champion is looking to make it five when he gets behind the wheel of his wooden push cart and hurtles downhill from the St David’s Lighthouse to the cricket club. The race may take just a minute but since he first took part in the annual event in 2009, Mr Pitcher, 36, has developed a knack for coming out on top at the Gilbert Lamb day.

“I remember watching the race as a kid,” Mr Pitcher said. “I always wanted to be part of it since back in the day.

“It’s so important that these kinds of community events go on to strengthen our community and our families, especially with all the violence we are seeing in Bermuda these days.

“My son is just desperate to take part, but he has to wait til he’s 16 so there’s a few years to go. For now he helps me get the cart ready for race day and just loves being a part of it.”

Gilbert Lamb fun day runs from 10am to 6pm at St David’s Cricket Club and includes a host of family activities such as kite-flying, football, bouncy castles and the Gombeys.

A range of vendors are set up at the cricket club during the day, while the racing schedule begins at 4pm.

“It’s a great day for the family,” Mr Pitcher said. “It’s a lot of fun and everyone enjoys themselves.

“A lot of work goes into the carts themselves and people take a lot of pride in what they do.

“I have some great sponsors in Mohawk Trucking, Autobahn, Gorham’s, Fast Forward Freight, Butterfield and Vallis, Bermuda Flag and Signs and Rock Art Graphics; and some of them provide me with candies and gifts to give to the children at the bottom of the racetrack.

“We can’t wait until Friday; I’m hoping I can make it five, I’ll just do my best.”