Aleisha MacPherson, Kayla Whaley and Krystal Gilmore drive their 1200cc-engined youth mini stock speedway cars against the boys and occasionally into the boys.
Rivalries are rife and can be divided into locals against out-of-towners, North Islanders versus South Islanders at national meets, or just protecting a mate.
Other racers roaring around the clay track are to be given room to manoeuvre - to a degree.
"If they can't respect your lines, then its tough luck, you are just going to have a hit," Wanaka-based Krystal said.
The three agree that the hyped-up nature of oval racing leaves little room for thoughts of self-preservation.
"The guys get all self-conscious when they get beaten by us. They think because we are girls, we can't take the hits," Aleisha said.
"But we dish them out just as well as they do," Kayla added.
Now in her second season, Krystal has had her fair share of hard knocks, including a run-in with the wall, which left her with cracked ribs.
"Yes, it hurts but you just want to get back out there."
That her mini stock was damaged was more upsetting.
Her father, David, bought it for her after an impressive seventh placing in the national youth mini stocks title in her debut year.
She heads away to the same meeting next weekend to try for a higher result, buoyed by a class win at the last race meeting of the season at the Central Motor Speedway in Cromwell on Saturday.
Aleisha and Kayla are in their first year of racing and are also supported by their fathers.
In Kayla's case, her brother, Mark, also drives in the adult mini stocks class and her father, Rob, in the super saloons.
They are adept at looking after themselves.
Krystal performs most of the panel-straightening work and changes her tyres over.
Handy with a socket spanner, Aleisha can whip out her seat, steering wheel and gearbox, when adjustments need to be made.
They can reach speeds of up to 100km, but are quick to point out the safety features which include helmets, fireproof overalls, arm restraints, and a five-way harness.
Do you have to be tough to be a speedway racer? Their unanimous answer is no, but that a passion for motor sport, plus the ability to look after yourself on the racetrack are the required attributes.
