Drag races set for early March

THE Bulawayo Motoring Club (BMC) will on March 9 hold a HP Lubes Castrol drag racing series that is expected to attract a number of participants from all over the country.

In an interview recently, elected BMC vice president David Mouat said, like in the previous years they are also expecting the event to be graced by a number of spectators.

“The upcoming drag meeting is a typical year opener event which is always well supported by spectators. Moreso, those who are just ordinary citizens that want to make their Vitz or BMW drive fast under control and managed circumstances for the day are always welcome. It must be a wonderful social day, with adrenaline pumping,” said Mouat.

Graham Mellors, who is the head marshal ensuring safety of the drivers and the crowd, said they were expecting a full house of participants.

Last year’s overall winner Dylan Pragji was honoured for his tireless efforts at an event that was held in the city this past weekend.

It was an event held by Motorsport Zimbabwe for the Annual Prize Giving for National Championship Winners for the year 2023.

Young Dylan Pragji, who was the overall winner, was rewarded for his tireless efforts in the races.

Pragji (17) is proceeding to South Africa where he is expected to further his career.

An exciting 2024 season is planned for Pragji who has been selected to participate in the Toyota GR Cup Race Series in South Africa.

This category in the National Extreme Festival comprises seven rounds hosted country wide starting in March through to the end of October 2024.

In 2023, the up and coming racer won three prestigious titles after he scooped the first accolade in the Champion 2000cc Saloon Cars, Champion of Champions Four Wheels and Champion of Champions Overall.

It was a year that saw Pragji move up to the 2000cc Saloon Car Category with his VW Polo 6R.

This was reportedly a big change from the Class D 1400cc category in which his racing career started in 2021 placing him second overall and winning the championship title in the 2022 season.

Pragji also raced his second VW Polo 6R Turbo in the Three-Hour Endurance race winning the BT Category. While qualifying in second starting position on the grid with 31 vehicles in the endurance race, he finished 11th overall.

Pragji participates in a lot of motorsport activities including drag racing events in the City of Kings and Queens and also social karting to keep his race skills and fitness up.

The season calendar has events in both Harare and Bulawayo.

The highlights of the year include Harare races in which Pragji in the last year won the One Hour Endurance event for the Class B Category as well as the sprint races.

The big one on the calendar is the Three-Hour-Endurance race