Daniel Severinsen, of Ashley Clinton, in his eye-catching mode of transport at the trolley derby on Pukeora Hill, near Waipukurau. Photo/Duncan Brown
Drivers and carts at the second annual CHB Fast n' Furious Trolley Derby hit speeds of 50km/h as they hurtled 1.3km down Pukeora Hill, just south of Waipukurau.
The downhill derby on October 28 was another "great day out", according to organisers, with more than 50 carts providing a full day's racing excitement for competitors and spectators alike.
The downhill run consisted of four classes: 7-11 years, 12-15 years, 16 years and over, and a corporate F1 class.
Heats were run in the morning through to mid-afternoon, followed by finals featuring the fastest three carts in each class to decide the class winners and overall fastest cart.
Organised by St Andrew's Church in CHB, funds from the event will go to its Epic Ministries for their local youth work and the church's ongoing overseas mission work in northern Thailand, where St Andrew's has funded clean-water systems, schools and a medical centre.
"We've set out to make this a family fun event," said event manager Kevin Davidson.
"Sure, we're trying to make money for a worthy cause, but really it's about community.
"When competitors and spectators come back to you and say, 'What a great day, count us in for next year', we know we're on to a good thing.
Raced down 1.3km of the winding Pukeora Hill road, the carts had to navigate challenging corners and steep straights at speeds of up to 50km/h.
Despite the hazards, the day is run professionally with safety a priority.
Involving months of planning, a "pit crew" of more than 40 volunteers, and hundreds of tyres and hay bales, the derby is a "huge challenge", according to race marshal Murray Kenderdine.
"It's a lot of hours and commitment but everyone does their bit.
"We're particularly grateful to the local businesses who have got behind us, with materials, sponsorship and race entries.
"We could not do it without them."
• 2017 CHB Fast N Furious Trolley Derby results: Most creative cart using recycled materials: Daniel Severinsen. 7-11 years class: 1st Charlie Stephenson, 2nd Laura Ellwood, 3rd Sean Eagle; 12-15 years: 1st Joe Tylee, 2nd Harry Stephenson, 3rd Zac Cadman; 16 years and over: 1st James Hulena, 2nd Beven Jacobs, 3rd Todd Stephenson; Corporate: 1st Bridgestone, 2nd Waipukurau Motors, 3rd Ben Allen/Wilton Engineering; King of the Mountain (fastest individual time) Garth Tippett, Bridgestone in 1min 36.88 secs.