Greetings, thrill-seekers! Prepare to be grossed out (and maybe a little intrigued) as we delve into the peculiar world of cockroach racing! Last week, we explored the bone-crunching world of Shin-Kicking. This week, we’re getting down and dirty with the six-legged speedsters – cockroaches!
COCKROACH RACING
Aussie Origins and Charity Races:
Our story starts in 1982, in the heart of Brisbane, Australia, at the lively Story Bridge Hotel. Legend has it that two patrons, fueled by a few too many beers, got into a heated debate. The topic? Whose neighborhood boasted the fastest cockroaches. Unable to settle the dispute verbally, they decided to let the roaches themselves settle the score in the hotel’s parking lot. Thus, the “greatest gathering of thoroughbred cockroaches in the world” (as it’s now fondly called) was born!
This quirky event quickly gained popularity, becoming an annual Australia Day tradition. The races are held in a special 6-meter ring, with the roaches, carefully housed in glass bottles beforehand, released in the center. The first roach to reach the edge of the ring is crowned the champion. It’s not just about bragging rights, though. Proceeds from the event go to charity, adding a touch of heart (or perhaps a dash of guilt?) to the whole spectacle.
Fast Facts and Famous Roaches:
Cockroaches are nature’s sprinters, boasting speeds of up to 50 body lengths per second! To put that in perspective, that’s the equivalent of a human runner covering 100 meters in under a second – mind-boggling! This impressive speed makes them perfect candidates for the racetrack (well, a miniature racetrack, anyway).
The races have a rich history, with champions immortalized in the “Hall of Fame” with names like “Soft Cocky,” “Cocky Balboa,” and even “Priscila-Queen of the Drains!” These champions aren’t just bred for speed; some roach owners choose to bring their own “stable” of champions, adding a personal touch to the competition.
Global Craze: From Student Science Projects to Political Predictions:
Cockroach racing isn’t just an Aussie phenomenon. Students at Loyola University Maryland hold an event called “Madagascar Madness: The Running of the Roaches,” where they train Madagascar cockroaches for both sprints and marathons – talk about dedication!
The United States also has its own unique take on cockroach racing. Every four years, the Pest Control Association of New Jersey holds a race to “predict” the winner of the Democratic presidential nomination. In 1999, Al Gore’s roach “outran” Bill Bradley’s, and in 1992, Bill Clinton was declared the victor “by an antenna.” More recently, in 2008, cockroaches named after Barack Obama and John McCain raced at the Toms River Rotary Club’s Bugfest, with the proceeds going towards scholarships for local students.
From Roaches to Race Cars:
The influence of cockroach racing extends beyond the racetrack. The 1995 film “Race the Sun” featured a solar-powered race car named “Cockroach,” inspired by the swift, aerodynamic shape of the speedy insect. This connection between the little bug and high-tech racing is a testament to the unexpected impact of these tiny creatures.
Even the world of television has been touched by cockroach racing. In an episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, the usually stoic forensic entomologist, Gil Grissom, takes a detour from solving murders to participate in a cockroach racing conference. While his roaches didn’t win first place, their participation highlights the unexpected allure of this bizarre sport.
So, there you have it! From humble pub arguments to charitable events and even presidential predictions, the world of cockroach racing is a surprisingly diverse and fascinating one. Whether you find it thrilling, hilarious, or just plain weird, there’s no denying that these speedy insects have carved their own unique niche in the world of unconventional sports.
