Jul 17, 2014 6:30 AM

Gallery: Australians Get Really Weird With Their Hot Rod Races

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All of Hijano's photos were taken during the Australian version of Speed Week, which is held at Lake Gairdner in South Australia.
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Hijano says it was easy to take portraits because everyone was dressed up in in protective gear or some sort of colorful clothing.

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The clean, white backdrop provided by the salt flats also facilitated the process of making pictures.
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Even though the Australian version of Speed Week is smaller than the American event, participants take it just as seriously.

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The average temperature during the event was somewhere around 105 degrees.
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Hijano has never photographed the larger Speed Week in Bonneville, but hopes to eventually.

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Hijano says he liked how alien the place looked, with people walking around in helmets and protective clothing.
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The racing is serious during Speed Week, but Hijano says the event is also one big party.

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Hijano used a flash to make his photos, but the light also reflected nicely off the salt flats.
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It takes several hours of driving on dirts roads to reach Lake Gairdner, so those who participate in Speed Week really want to be there.

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Hijano says people in Australia really get into character for events like Speed Week.
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Shade is hard to come by out on the salt flats. It was so hot that Hijano's camera equipment constantly overheated.

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Hijano estimates that about 3,000 people showed up to this year's Speed Week in Australia.
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The next Speed Week in Australia takes place from March 23-27, 2015.

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