They are fast, rough riding, exhilarating and frightening all at the same time. That is the world of Superkarts. It is high performance, affordable motorsport – cheap racing that is second to none when compared to any other form of motor racing.

These “go-karts on steroids” feature engines up to 250cc in capacity, six-speed gearboxes, bodywork, four-wheel disc brakes and wings, and are fast, have no suspension and can lap fast circuits like Sydney Motorsport Park and Phillip Island only a couple of seconds slower than the country’s best Sports Sedans – all that and just five centremetres off the ground.

Superkarts have been around as a national category since 1989 and features classes for 250cc (two cylinder) International, 250cc (single cylinder) National and 125cc engines which mainly come from specialist karting engine Rotax but can be motorcycle-sourced such as Husqvarna, Kawasaki and Yamaha.

Queenslander Jason Smith, Victorian Brendan Luneman and New South Welshman Jeff Reed were the series winners at the end of racing on Sunday, each of the three with different tales of how it came to pass as the sixth round of the Shannons Nationals Motor Racing Championships presented by Hi-Tec Oils concluded at Queensland Raceway.

Smith and the Fuji Xerox/Zahl 1 Karting team broke a 20-year drought for Queenslanders in 250 International to claim the championship. A consistent run at Phillip Island set it up and his pole position, particularly the margin, at Queensland Raceway surprised many. Of the top three drivers he was the only one to finish all eight races and seven top three finishes was also unmatched. He also set the fastest ever lap at Queensland Raceway for a Superkart with his pole position lap.