Fast n' Furious day for Waipukurau trolley derby

Competitors pulled on helmets and lowered themselves into their seats before they sped down the Pukeora Hill in their decorated trolleys at the weekend.

Only in its third year, The Fast n' Furious Trolley Derby takes place at Pukeora Estate near Waipukurau every year and always has an impressive turnout.

The charity-based event is Hawke's Bay's longest and fastest gravity race, with a track of 1.3 kilometres, challenging both experienced and amateur drivers.

Competitors both design and build their own trolleys in an attempt to beat the clock.

The downhill run consists of four classes: 7-11 years, 12-15 years, 16 years and over, and a corporate F1 class.

Despite the hazards, the day is run professionally with safety a key priority.

Hundreds of spectators had the pleasure of watching trolleys designed as steam engines, muscle cars and rockets, zipping down the hill.

Drivers had the battle of weaving their way down steep hills, navigating tight corners and rolling over an uneven surfaces as they jetted off down an elevated wooden ramp and on to the tarmac.

All proceeds from the derby go towards Epic Youth Ministries along with other associated overseas-related missions.

The event is locally sponsored and is organised by volunteers from St Andrew's Church and members of the wider Central Hawke's Bay community.

Organiser Kevin Davidson says although the event is new, it has proved popular among the community and they are encouraging more people to get involved every year.

Davidson says organisers work hard to make it a family fun event and they work tirelessly every year to make it memorable.