Drags rev off at Donnybrook

Collin Matiza Sports Editor
THE home of local motorsport — Donnybrook Raceway — will be bearing under the pressure again tomorrow as the third round of the 2015 Telecel Drag Racing Series revs off at 9:30am.

After a six-week break since the last event, and with a great Sables main circuit racing event at Donnybrook last Sunday, petrol heads will be keen for more action, this time around from Zimbabwe’s most popular motorsport, drag racing.

For the past four years, drag racing has maintained its place on top of all other forms of motorsport as it continues to draw record numbers of spectators and competitors alike.

Drag racing in Harare offers the motoring public the chance to run any type of motor vehicle or motorcycle on the track (subject to safety regulations), creating an entry level to the motorsport arena.

“The main draw to the sport for spectators, other than the obvious fast paced racing, is the fact that they can relate to the vehicles on the track, as nearly all of them are road going vehicles, unlike other motorsports where vehicles are specially prepared single purpose racers,” commented Susan Zevgolis from the Dragpro Club.

“Over the past two years, the top end competitors have taken drag racing more seriously, pouring more funds and time into their vehicles as competition from other racers gets tougher. Make no mistake, there are some very fast road cars in Harare that are now capable of embarrassing some of the top, exotic sports cars,” continued Zevgolis.

South African drag racing legend Reg Murray returns to Donnybrook tomorrow with his purpose-built, class-winning and methanol-fuelled V8 Chevy Chevair with the hopes of setting the fastest time of the day for the third year running.

Many locals in the drag racing scene feel that for the first time, Murray may meet his match in Harare this time! Local heroes Alana Cacace and Terry Allberry in their nitrous breathing V8 AC Cobras offer the biggest threat to the South African tomorrow.

Murray and his monster car are already in Harare and drag racing fans can first interact with him at Jaggers Pick ‘n Pay in Msasa at 10am today where he will be signing autographs, according to Temba Mazvimbakupa of the Zimbabwe Motorsport Federation.

The Dragpro Club expects a field of around 60 to 80 competitors tomorrow, and the usual spectator crowds of 4 000 plus people should be there enjoying the vastly improved facilities at Donnybrook.

For an action packed Sunday for the whole family, Donnybrook Raceway is the place to go tomorrow.

Entry fee has been pegged at $5 per person while children under the age of 12 get in for free.

Meanwhile, September 6 will see Zimbabwe’s first “Festival of Speed” incorporating drifting (four top South African competitors will be attending this event), drag racing, circuit racing and a motor vehicle exhibition at Donnybrook.

This is the first time that such an event will be staged in this country.