Despite hopes running high that a 12-year-old course record would be broken at the Lawrence Quarter Mile Drags on Saturday, the town's Wetherstons Straight remained stubbornly unvanquished.
Among contenders vying to beat Lawrence friends Chook Ryder and Roger Binnema's 9.4-second record, set in a T-Bucket in 2007, was Lawrence man Dave Brydie.
Driving an eardrum-battering Holden Ute enlivened with a blown 406 Chevy engine, thanks to extensive modifications from Lawrence engineer Darcy Win, Brydie certainly thrilled the crowds at the start line.
However, despite near perfect conditions, the closest challenge he could muster was a 12.85-second run - although Brydie himself declared he was "happy with progress".
The best I've had out of her in the past has been in the 15-second range, so that's a big improvement this year.
"We might not have broken the record, but we've already got plans on the drawing board to come back bigger and stronger in 2020."
This year had not been without its competitive highlights, however.
"Hopefully I've won the burn-out.
"I went a bit nuts and blew the tyres."
Event spokesman Bill Bazley said attendance at the event seemed unaffected by the Otago Rally, which ran in parallel on Saturday.
"We've got more than 60 participants, which is slightly above average, and a good crowd along the bank, so we're pretty happy. Everyone's been fantastic today."
Slightly slippy road conditions mid-track left some drivers grasping for traction as they reached top speeds, a factor which may have contributed to a win for a four-wheel-drive entry this year.
Dunedin Mitsubishi Evo driver Mike Scholten took top honours in a time of 10.47sec, mirroring precisely his winning time under similar road conditions in 2017.
Second was perennial drags contender Eric Eaves, notching up 10.49sec in his T-Bucket, and third was Milton Corvette maestro Steve McLay, in 11.44sec.
Mr Bazley said all proceeds from the event would be given to support local good causes.
