admin
Lovert Mafukure
The import scene in Bulawayo is looking quite beautiful lately. The exposure we have of the Japanese used car market is quite immense. We have all kinds of tuner cars coming straight out of Japan. Some are finding their racing parts here for marriage and some are literally slowly becoming proper thoroughbred race cars. The passion and love can be felt even from a distance and it has led to the formation of car crews that include the Mighty Car Maniacs Zim, Alteza crew, VW crew, BMW crew to name a few.
All these car crews pride themselves with their fleets. Be it the brand name or the modes or the different abilities — we all love to be part of our crews and we all love our cars. Different as they are, they bring about that sense of uniqueness. That pride though, brings about the itch, the edge, the wanting to please and the need to be better than all. Sometimes we eventually have illegal street racing. Apart from it being illegal — street racing is dangerous and we have quite a few fatalities to prove the fact. But what if we could all race in a controlled environment? On a track? The Bulawayo Motoring Club has designed such an event for all the pedal happy petrol heads that believe their cars have what it takes. It’s all been made possible by Castrol Lubes sponsoring the event.
The concept
The idea is to bring all the street racers to a controlled environment where they can race legally and safely. Now to spice things up we are inviting all the car crews out there to come and battle it out and see which crew has the fastest cars and the fastest drivers. Winning always takes a combination of the two and not one. There are fast cars and fast drivers then fast cars and slow drivers. A combination of both fast cars and fast drivers is the real deal. Remember it’s never about the car alone but the driver too, the skill and the precision. Winning is nice but that’s not all racing is about; it’s also about the experience and surpassing your own previous records and eventually becoming a better driver on public roads. Racing takes a lot of skill that cannot be attained overnight, gradually make it a culture and who knows where it can get you?
What is drag racing?
For those that may not know, drag racing is a type of motorsport that involves two cars or bikes competing to be the first to cross the finish line over a short set distance. It’s more like how petrol-heads meet by the traffic lights and rev up their engines to signal the intention to size each other up to the next light, whoever gets there first wins. On public roads it’s dangerous because it exposes pedestrians and other motorists to some unnecessary dangers.
The event
This event is completely free and competitors only need to pay for medical insurance, which is only $10.00. Should the club manage to get sponsorship for the insurance then the event will be completely free. There are a few rules that all competitors will need to adhere to because above all, safety is the club’s biggest concern.
Drivers of closed cars are required to wear helmets, closed shoes, and safety belts if the vehicle is equipped with some. Those with no access to helmets can come and borrow from the club. Drivers of open cars on the other hand are required to wear helmets, long sleeves, long trousers, gloves, closed shoes and safety belts if the vehicle is equipped with some.
All competitors will maintain safety standards so that the club can also maintain its safety records. Riders of motorcycles must wear helmets, gloves, full-length trousers, long-sleeved jackets and closed shoes minimum boots preferred. Leather is preferred for riders because it offers better protection. Lastly, competitors in the bakkie category must ensure that there is nothing loose in the back of their vehicles.
Apart from ability and passion, all drivers must be at least 16 years of age and in possession of a valid driver’s licence. Riders under 16 years of age must be in possession of a valid ZMSF competition licence. Any other rider must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence.
The whole idea of having such a public drag event is to promote motor racing in a safe and controlled environment.
Do not race on the streets, bring your street car to the Bulawayo Motorsport Park — Africa Day 25 May. See you there!
All the car crews or individuals that want to participate in the event can contact The BMC or the following Numbers.
Get there early for registration. Contact, Leonora: 0712609431,Darren: 0773288916,Lovert: 0772339938.
Feedback Motoring
Whatsapp: +263 772 33 9938
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: motoringwithlovert
Twitter: @lovert116
Online Reporter