The year five student is, like many of his Yackandandah Primary School peers, swept up in the excitement of this weekend’s events.

The Great Yackandandah Billy Cart Race is upon us once again, bringing downhill daredevils, young and old, to the North East to see who will be crowned an aerodynamic ace on the town’s main street.

Roughly 600 bales of straw will line the street as competitors hit speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour – as clocked by local police on radar.

Organiser Bronwyn Nolan said the event promoted a unique sense of community.

“The main reason the school gets involved every year is because it does promote a sense of community,” she said.

“We get kids of all ages, from four to 74, getting out and giving it a go.

“It really does become the talk of the town as the week goes on.” 

There have been a few extra reasons behind the heightened interest from school students ahead of this year’s showdown.

An interschool challenge between teachers from the town’s two schools has had students talking, while the local men’s shed has been helping year four students construct their carts for competition.

“It’s quite interesting, the kids aren’t really focused on winning,” Ms Nolan said.

“Their main goal is just to get down the hill.” 

The races attract hundreds of spectators each year, and are set to kick off once again from 9am on Sunday.