The streets of the Cessnock CBD will reverberate to the sounds of 110cc motorcycles chasing glory this Sunday when the Cessnock Mitsubishi Australian Postie Bike Grand Prix returns for its sixth year.
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And after last year's successful debut, the program will once again feature what's believed to be the world's only all-female motorcycle street race.
The top five riders from last year's female race will return for the 20-rider event.
Lining up for the first time is Amy Watson - a former St Joseph's Lochinvar student and daughter of Cessnock motorcycling legend Chris Watson.
Having never raced competitively, Amy said she hopes she has inherited some of her father's genetics when it comes to racing.
"I'm always here watching or scoring for Dad, so I thought I'd get out and try," she said. 'It's something different, and a bit of fun."
Contesting the women's race again is Nulkaba's Gina Baillie, who placed seventh in last year's event after a 40-year absence from from competitive motorcycle racing.
A former dirt bike champion, Gina had never ridden a postie bike until last year - and now she has signed up for not just the women's event on Sunday, but the main race as well.
"You feel like you're flying," she said. "It was a real adrenaline rush, that's why I'm back, and I'm also going in the main race."
Gina is teaming up with Mat Lane for the main race, and she'll be competing against her son Ethan, who has teamed up with Cessnock Goannas backrower Reed Hugo.
There are several family combinations in the 80-team event, including father-daughter duos Phil and Sophie Lovett and Robert and Karina Bailey.
Two-time champs Josh Pickering and Brody Nowlan will be vying for their third straight Australian Postie Bike Grand Prix victory.
Luke Richards and Chris Watson are another team to look out for, having won three trophies between them (Richards with Marty McNamara in the event's first two years, and Watson with Michael Kirkness in 2016).
Multiple national motocross and supercross champion Craig Anderson will pair up with three-time world speedway champion Jason Crump.
It's a rare opportunity for families to see world-class riders in action, and up close, for no cost.
Australian Postie Bike Grand Prix chairperson Dave Robinson said the event was born in 2014 out of a desire to create something for the community .
"It's a cost-free, outdoor family activity, and an opportunity for the kids to see motorcycle riders that would never normally see racing each other," he said.
