Some of the mainland's top grass karters converged near Milton over the weekend for the sport's South Island championships - an event that attracted the very young and those who are at an age where they could be putting their feet up instead of hurtling around farm paddocks at high speeds just millimetres from the ground.
At one end of the grass kart racing spectrum were four young children, appropriately tagged "midgets" who ranged in age from 5 to 7 years.
At the other end was 64-year-old Jack Gibb, of Dunedin, who has been hooked by the grass kart bug for many years.
Ask either the experienced rider or the young novice why they do this, and you tend to get the answer - it is is just a whole lot of fun.
More than 100 racers took part in the two-day event which was staged on two different tracks over the two days.
People from all kinds of backgrounds competed - from farmers and accountants to a Clutha district councillor, Gaynor Finch.
For Gibb, life in the fast lane began more than 16 years ago when his sons convinced him to try the sport they had already been competing in for years.
"Now, I'm just addicted, I guess," he said.
Everyone involved in the sport helped everyone else and there was also very little red tape compared with many other motor-related activities, Gibb said.
Speeds of up to 140kmh were not uncommon although the Milton course demanded more than just out and out speed.
There were winding and sweeping corners, a long straight and other interesting features along the way that kept the mind alert at all times.
The main aim was to cross the finish line first.
No times were kept.
The sport was all about fun, Gibb said.
Crowds of more than 100 lined up at various vantage points to take in the dozens of races.
The 2010 South Island championships will be held in Christchurch.
