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THE 2014 Telecel Drag Racing Series got off to a rousing start at Donnybrook Racetrack on Sunday when over 2 500 racing fans turned up to watch 65 registered car and motorcycle competitors battle it out in exciting, non-stop racing.
A wide array of vehicles competed throughout the day from small, naturally aspirated cars through to high performance four-wheel drive cars and V8 Cobras.
Terry Allberry, an avid drag racing competitor from Bulawayo, returned with his impressive green AC Cobra showing an overall improvement in performance and vastly improved times (12.205 secs). In the car classes it was Alan Cacace, in his menacing V8 powered Cobra, who deservedly walked away as the winner. He achieved a fastest time of the day of 11.758 seconds and securing the title of Top Eliminator Car.
The motorcycle classes enjoyed some highly competitive representation which saw Leslie Carlsson knocking the famous Phil Archenoul off his perch with an unbeatable time of 10.52 seconds in the qualifying stages.
Carlsson did not compete in the end of day Eliminator although there was some very exciting racing among the top riders, resulting ultimately in Archenoul retaining his crown as Eliminator Motorcycle of the Day.
Other competitors wowed the crowds throughout the day with some very exciting and sometimes very serious grudge matches, as drivers and riders pushed their vehicles to the limits.
Sunday featured for the first time the introduction of Handicap Racing which was trialled out for three quarters of an hour with great success, with competitors and spectators alike enjoying this staggered start racing which adds a whole new dimension to the sport.
A noticeable development in drag racing came in the form of some individually sponsored vehicles participating on Sunday – De Walt Suzuki and Safeguard Blackbird motorcycles and Castrol Toyota MR2 and Castrol Mitsubishi Evo cars; this is a positive sign of growth in the sport as companies recognise and seize the opportunity to support upcoming competitors.
“The success of the 2014 Drag Racing Series would not be possible without the incredible support of its partners, motor racing fans and competitors.
“The Series is partnered by Telecel, hp lubes/Castrol, Turbo Solutions Africa, Financial Gazette and Autobusiness Magazine,” said Susan Zevgolis of the Dragpro Club who run drag racing in Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter