Connor McKinney didn’t sprint over to one of the pedal cars that awaited him on the speedway at Dell’Osso Farms, but he didn’t quite walk either.

Even with one of the rides already reserved for him after standing in line for 15 minutes, McKinney – quiet but entitled, ready to take this new world by storm – was equal parts fascinated by the new arena aimed at giving people who had otherwise never been in a real dogfight race the chance to feel what it’s like and equal parts ready to make sure he was the one who’s arm was raised once everything was said and done.

Despite his best intentions, McKinney finished fourth and immediately wanted a rematch against those that he thought he could have beaten.

“I’ve got to do this again,” he said as he got himself ready for another go-round. “I’ve got this.”

Welcome to the modern world where scares and speed go hand-in-hand – a place where attractions like McKinney’s racetrack are a perfect opportunity for younger kids that can’t quite fully take advantage of the haunted house or the corn maze that helped put Dell’Osso Farms in Lathrop on the map 15 years ago.

Welcome to the world where fall reigns supreme.

In just a few paces you can order yourself a turkey leg and a slice of pumpkin pie and be on a streetcar that laps the massive corn maze.You can get scared out of your wits in the haunted house – where professional grade makeup makes every ghoul look like they’re movie quality – or pack up your family and head over to the pumpkin patch and pick out that perfect gourd that’ll end up carved and ready on your front doorstep after a night of family fun.

“It’s kind of a tradition for us to come out here and spend the day with our two young kids,” said Tracy resident Mya Janner. “This is one of those places that’s truly unique and special and local and when you start coming for a few years you can’t imagine not coming.

“You’ve got the fun and the food and everything you’d think of putting together with Halloween and Thanksgiving – all in one place. How do you not take advantage of that when it’s right in your backyard?”

Unique special attractions like a Tea Party offering for young girls was new last year. It was so successful they’ve brought bit back plus added pirate training for boys. Face painting, rides and attractions are all available during regular business hours, and additional information can be found at www.pumpkinmaze.com.