It was all over in less than 12 seconds, but that didn't stop 70 drivers making a day of it at the 23rd Wanganui Street Drags yesterday.
Hundreds of spectators lined Taupo Quay to watch American muscle cars, Japanese imports and the odd European banger whiz along a 200m stretch of
road in the blink of an eye.
For most drivers, it is the one chance they have all year to open their cars up and push them to the limit.
Rod Sklenars took out the title of fastest Ford in his coupe, clocking 8.265 seconds along the course.
"I just bring it out every so often for cruises, and only race it one a year or so," he said as he inspected the engine.
"It's a Ford so you don't need to work on it," he joked.
There was a strong feeling of camaraderie among the racers, most of whom were more concerned about showing off their rides than the actual results.
Paul McLeod, who took out the 10-11 second bracket in his Mazda truck, said the races were a chance to show off his handiwork.
He had been working on his heavily modified B1600 for several months and was putting it one display for the first time.
"I always wanted to do something a bit different.
"It's an opportunity to display my craft.
"Its nice to be involved with a group of like-minded people."
Although intermittent downpours threatened to put a dampner on the racing, organiser Grant Rivers said everything eventually went ahead and a fun day was had by drivers and spectators alike.
"Once we got through [the rain] it was great.
"Thanks all our local sponsors too."
And it wasn't just for the real speedsters.
Ross Couper's Mini made it to finish line in 11.6 seconds - four seconds slower than the fastest car on the road.
