BROADCAST

IDON’T for a moment wish to downplay the impact COVID-19 has had on Australia and New Zealand, but it seems to me that things may have turned a corner. In terms of the raw number of cases, we’ve done a great job of minimising the spread of the virus relative to most other countries. This has come at a great economic cost to many – including people and businesses dear to us at Street Machine – but it’s pleasing that restrictions have begun to gradually ease.

Businesses in many sectors have been able to resume trading (even if not on their usual terms), and that has seen plenty of people return to work, bringing welcome financial relief to families. The road to economic recovery will be long, but it seems like we’re tracking in the right direction for the first time in a long time. And pubs are open!

As we go to print, some state borders remain closed, but regional travel is permitted. This allows us the opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, and, importantly, we can get our toys out of the shed for a recreational drive. For some people, the effect that alone will have on their wellbeing cannot be overstated.

Carsforhope.com.au is a hub for car enthusiasts with an emphasis on channelling support to those struggling with mental health issues. It features plenty of stories from people for whom cars have served as an outlet and helped them manage their situation. I’d encourage you to check out the website and support their cause, if you’re able.

There is so much to look forward to as we begin to navigate our way out of this coronavirus mess. I hope your isolation projects are progressing well – they were seriously inspirational last issue, and we’re back with another round of them this month, from page 64.

The guys and girls from Summernats are staging the first major car event to occur in Australia in months – a Burnout Masters qualifier at Sydney Dragway on 18-19 July. For us, this is akin to footy kicking off again, and we can’t wait! You can get the details on page 12.

We were forced to shelve plans for our own Drag Challenge Weekend due to the coronavirus, and while we’re yet to lock in dates and tracks for the next DC event, just know that discussions are taking place and we’re chomping at the bit to make it happen just as soon as we’re able to do it safely and provide value for our entrants, crew and

DOM HOPES THE HARROP-BLOWN LS-POWERED VK WILL RUN LIKE CLOCKWORK AND POWER INTO THE EIGHTS AT THE NEXT DRAG CHALLENGE

spectators. I can’t help but grin like an idiot when I think about how good DC is going to be after this forced hiatus.

One guy who will sure as hell be ready is Dom Luci, whose purpose-built Drag Challenge VK (page 38) was unveiled at Street Machine Summernats 33. Dom hopes the Harrop-blown Ls-powered stunner will run like clockwork and power into the eights, which should make it competitive in the 235 Blown class. It’s a well thought-out DC special right down to the towbar, airconditioning system, practical interior and useable boot space, but it also made the Elite Top 20 at Summernats and damn-near won Grand Champion, despite Dom never having driven it before the event. What a kick-arse, versatile, genuine street car! Cheers,

Broads