A Port Douglas local has taken out the World Title for Motorised Esky Racing at the sport’s inaugural championship event over the first weekend of Carnivale. 

Darren Thompson took to the unique combination of racing vehicle and convenient drinks cooler with ease, clocking out a time of 2 minutes and 17 seconds along the 105-metre course set up at the Reef Marina. 

Coming in second out the field of 42 competitors was Japan’s Tadayoshi Hattori, on 2 minutes and 37 seconds, with Jarrod Tesch from Mossman narrowly behind in third on 2 minutes and 42 seconds. 

The motorised eskies, which can reach a top speed of 35 kilometres per hour, made their debut on Friday night during the Carnivale Street Parade, where a host of superheros - including Superman, Wonder Woman and Iron Man - showed off the eskies to the delight of attendees. 

The Esky championship even received national-level coverage from Seven News. 

Carnivale Manager Roy Weavers said the Esky Racing had been a great success and he was looking forward to the rest of Carnivale’s events. 

“I think we’ve had a great turnout, it’s wonderful to see how many people not just from Port Douglas but indeed all over the world have had a go at the motorised eskies,” Mr Weavers said. 

“It’s been a lot of fun and I think that everyone’s had a good time.

“I am very much looking forward to the over events we have planned for Carnivale, including the Clipper Cup, the Seafood Extravaganza and many more.”