adminwill first see Donnybrook welcoming the drag racing family for their third event of the year before they make way for the karting fans who are expected to throng the same venue the following day for the Hplubes Race day.
But it is drag racing, which is getting popular in this country by each event, which is likely to draw hundreds of local motor racing fans at Donnybrook on Saturday.
In fact drag racing, which this year has been staged by the Dragpro Club who run this exciting motor racing sport in this country, is definitely becoming more and more popular in Zimbabwe, especially as these events are the equivalent of what is known as “Run What Ya Brung” (RWYB) in other countries which makes racing accessible to the general public.
This name (RWYB) refers to public test days where the track (in this case, Donnybrook Raceway) is open to anyone with a driving licence to run their car or motorcycle down the track.
RWYB is as simple or scientific as you want it to be. These competitions can be attended to either just have fun with friends or as serious test days, whether your vehicle is for road or track.
The mission is to accelerate from a standing start and cover the 1/4 mile in the shortest possible time.
A full performance printout after each run gives the driver their reaction time, speed and elapsed time.
What do you need to have a go? A vehicle which is safe, a driving licence suitable for the type of vehicle you are driving, day or annual compulsory personal accident insurance and compliance with the event’s rules and regulations.
A crash helmet is also compulsory but if you don’t have one, you can purchase or borrow one on the day at the track.
Bikers need suitable protective clothing and an approved helmet.
Susan Zevgolis, the Dragpro Club secretary, said all vehicles are welcome to participate; anything from Minis, Mazda 323s and Toyota Corollas to trucks, luxury
cars, performance cars and motorbikes, all are welcome to race against the clock including Modifieds, Imports, Circuit and Oval Track Race Cars.
“It is not actually necessary to ‘compete’ in the final elimination event, you can just enjoy a few runs and call it a day when you’ve had enough. Also, don’t worry if you have a small or slow car; it’s great fun whatever you drive and there is always someone slower than you! RWYB is also a marvelous way to test any modifications you have made to your car, whether it’s tuning, different tyres or a new turbo.
“A printed out slip with your times is provided to you after every run so that you can check your performance throughout the day and compare against previous events.
“The competition itself is split into classes so you can see how similar cars compare to your own, and of course there are trophies, certificates and prizes for the best in class which are handed out at the end of the event at a prize-giving ceremony.
“The best thing is, whether you are testing modifications, trying to better your previous times, or are simply after a faster time than your mates, RWYB events are great fun and an opportunity to be involved in possibly the safest and most accessible form of motorsport there is,” Zevgolis said.
Full bar and catering will be on hand as well as entertainment for the kids on Saturday at Donnybrook. Saturday’s drag racing will be followed by a karting event, which will be hosted by the Harare Karting Club on Sunday at the same venue.
Entrance fees on both days will be US$5 per car.
Online Reporter