SOUTHERN SENSATION

On 27 January, Pegasus Bay Drag Racing Club (PBDRC) played host to one of its biggest meets in years, the IHRA Southern Nationals including the Outlaw 71 class. With hot weather predicted, the club was hoping for a great turnout not only in the pits but also on the banks — it wasn’t disappointed. The club did an exceptional job leading up to the event, which resulted in a fantastic turnout of cars from the North Island and as far south as Riverton. Sadly, it wasn’t all plain sailing for some. Rana Davis had a run that he probably wishes he could forget. Running in lane one up against Mark Gapp’s ’41 Willys, both burnouts went as planned. Cars staged and on the green both left the line with wheels up. With the Willys slightly ahead, something appeared to go wrong with the ’55 Chev at half-track, and the car drifted over lane two and off the track into the tyre wall. Emergency staff were quickly on the scene, by which time Rana had exited the vehicle. A little bit bruised, he got off lightly, all things considered. It turns out that there had been a steering failure, but, reportedly, the car can be fixed and will see another race day. On a slightly different note, there was also a rather bizarre incident that happened in the staging area of the pits. David Thelin from Nelson was being towed to the staging area when the tow vehicle swung into the return road before the Camaro had been unhitched, resulting in the car being pulled over onto its side. Luckily, the loud voices of the pit crew were able to stop the tow car before the Camaro ended up on its roof. The vehicle was put back onto its wheels, with the driver still strapped in, but its day was done. Some of the North Island crews wish to pass on their thanks to the PBDRC for a great day and awesome hospitality.