MTV brings racing hamsters to screens

MTV Overdrive is preparing to bring the phenomena of hamster racing to our screens with the Hamtrak '06 tournament.

Apparently already an underground hit, the network has decided the public are now ready to experience hamster racing. And big money is involved – the eight competitors are sponsored by big names from The Sun to Pimp My Ride.

Four races will take place on consecutive Fridays from May 19 – at "infamous Hamtrak destinations including Baja Beach, Hamsterdam Raceway and The Chequered Floor".

A spokesman said: "Incorporating some of the biggest names on the speed-loving hamster circuit, Hamtrak `06 promises to be the highlight of this year's rodent racing calendar.

"For everyone that's ever owned a hamster, you'll know how much they love to race. MTV has decided to make them go pro, in what promises to be an all out action packed four-race tournament for the coveted Overdrive Cup."

He added: "No hamsters were harmed in the making of these races, but when you get them together the competition is definitely fierce and the competitors have
been pulling out all the stops to win."

Keen hamster fans can even bet on their favourites and monitor their progress at www.mtv.co.uk/Hamtrak06. As well as on MTV Overdrive, races will be available to view on <"a href=http://www.mtv.co.uk/overdrive" target="_blank">www.mtv.co.uk/overdrive.

Hamster teams and sponsors:

The Overtaker - Team XFM, last seen driving a hearse over a competitor.
Captain Hamster - Team The Sun, sporting a dragster.
Hillbilly Hamster - Team Hick, rolling around in a pick-up with a hip-flask.
Rocket Rodent - Team Nuts, definitely not shooting blanks.
Surfster - Team Pimp My Ride, hanging ten on a yellow beach buggy.
Hot Rodent - Team NMA, decked out digitally with on board sat nav
Hamsterminator - Team NME, with its black/red/yellow flame tank.
Rocket Rodent - Team Carisma, a lean green exploding machine