Windrunners

As the racers near the finish line, Hammer Martel's Sidewinder edges closer to Dash Fyora's Starlighter in a bid to snatch the wind from its sail. These light recreational vehicles are a common sight in Dessication as they provide a cheap alternative to powered racers like the Hellhound.

Design Features:

- Windrunners must be light, strong and stable. Most have one front steering wheel and two rear wheels on long outriggers. Materials used range from cloth and bamboo to scavenged alloys and ceramics.

- Windrunners work best in wide open spaces. The saltpans and dry lake beds of Dessication are ideal, but many racing courses stray through more difficult terrain. Thinner, higher pressure tyres allow higher speeds on firm ground while thicker, lower pressure ones decrease the chance of getting bogged. Most drivers opt for compromise and success or failure in a race often hinges on an accurate reading of the conditions they will face.

- The best sails are made from cord and fabric recovered from Veyon parachutes, which are lighter and stronger than traditional rope and canvas. Most one-seat racers have one mast and sail. The Sidewinder's simple triangular sail allows faster cornering while the Starlighter has an extra boom; this increases sail area but adds weight and complexity, increasing top speed at the cost of wider, slower turns.

- Drivers wear safety harnesses, light hand, knee and elbow protection, and open helmets. Masks and visors help ward off dust, glare and wind chill. Outfits and vehicles are usually colour-coded to aid recognition at long distances. Personal motifs tend to be much brigher and more elaborate than those seen on combat vehicles.