adminexpected to throng Donnybrook today for the launch of the Dragpro Club 2013 Drag Racing Series.
This year is set to take up where last year left off – with record spectator and competitor numbers at the November 2012 event, a clear indicator that the sport of drag racing is increasing in popularity in this country.
The last event of the 2012 drag racing season attracted a record spectator crowd of more than 4 000 and 67 vehicles participated in the drags, and there will, once again, be a hive of activity at Donnybrook today as the sport returns for the its first event of the new season.
Susan Zevgolis the secretary of the Dragpro Club who run the sport of drag racing in this country, said yesterday that they were hoping to encourage new competitors to sign up this year for the drag racing, “as it is an affordable sport which does not only attract high performance or modified vehicles, but alsoeveryday run around vehicles and first-time motorsport competitors.”
“And if the adrenaline of racing is not enough, or the personal triumph when winning a grudge match, then perhaps the enticement of the generous prizes and trophies up for grabs to the top placed three competitors in each class are an inticement,” Zevgolis said.
Prizes are on offer in all eight vehicle classes and two bike classes, made possible by the incredible generosity of sponsors – hp lubes/Castrol, Belts ‘n’ Hoses, RAM Petroleum, Turbo Solutions Africa, Autobusiness Magazine, Spraytech and Faithwear.
Today will see cars ranging from the turbo-charged Subarus, Nissans, Toyotas, VWs, BMW M3s, AC Cobras, Skylines, Foresters, Corollas and even a Datsun 140Y burning the track.
These cars will burn or spin tyres at high revs before the start of the race to warm them up for better grip on the trap. For those who don’t know what drag racing is, a drag race is an acceleration contest hosted on a track called a drag strip.
This race, which is always only between two vehicles at a time, begins from a standing start and is contested over standard distance commonly 400m. The losing racer in each heat is eliminated and the winner progresses to meet the next challenger until one overall winner emerges the grand champion.
Zevgolis said apart from drag racing, they’ve also lined-up a number off other entertaining events for the competitors and spectators alike.
“If your interest is in car stereos and you have one certain to impress, then bring your vehicle along and enter the Sound Off competition being run on the same day by Venom Customs in conjunction with the drag racing. Professional equipment means that you will walk away with an accurate decibel reading to quote to your friends or to base further audio developments on.
“If you’re looking for a bit of alternative motor excitement, then spinning fans will be delighted to welcome Fat Cat, Maurice, & Anonymous (Spin Kid) on Saturday (today) for an exciting spinning display,” Zevgolis said.
Meanwhile, the yellow Chevrolet beach buggy, which was a regular feature during last year’s drag racing season, is unlikely to take part in today’s meet after its owner, Patrick O’Hara, passed on towards the end of last month after a long battle with cancer.
O’Hara was, in fact, one of the pioneers of drag racing in this country and he won numerous races with his yellow Chevrolet beach buggy code named Dragstar according to the personalised number plates.
This road going car was so fast it qualified to compete on the strip with motor bikes. O’Hara, who enjoyed racing for the most part of his life, had an immensely successful season last year and he will definitely be missed at Donnybrook this year.
Zevgolis, however, said the absence of O’Hara is unlikely to dampen the spirits of the other regular competitors and they were expecting to see some current drivers “up their game” to a degree.
“We are also anticipating the entry of some very interesting new competition and drag projects as the year progresses. So, whether you are an existing racing fan or wanting to find out what all the buzz is about, come to Donnybrook this Saturday (today) and witness what is likely to be a fun-filled day,” Zevgolis said.
Among the “regulars” who will be in action today will be Phil Archenoul, a former motor rallying navigator who is now riding bikes at drag racing events. Archenoul swapped the rally car for a motor bike last year after having helped Jamie Whyte to win two African motor rallying titles in 2009 and 2010. During last year’s drag racing season, Archenoul won a number of races and he will, once again, be the man to beat in the bike class of this event.
Archenoul will today be rekindling his rivalry with Donovan Maxfield who, in November last year, took the well-deserved prize of first place with a fastest quarter mile time of 10.719 seconds at a top speed of 213.23 km/hr.
In the vehicle section, the spotlight will, once again, fall on the blue Subaru driven by Kevin Allmark who recorded the fastest quarter mile time of 11.633 seconds at a top speed of 202.06 km/hr during the last event of the season in November last year.
Gates open at 10am today at Donnybrook and racing starts from 11am. Admission is US$5 per person (children under 10 years get in for free).
Donnybrook motor racing circuit is just adjacent to Harare’s eastern suburb of Mabvuku and is accessible through Mutare Road or Arcturus Road.
Online Reporter