With Lovert Mafukure

Castrol Drag Racing Series

TO MANY, 25 May’s significance ends with it being Africa Day. To us motor racing fans it’s the day we get to test our machines on the track, it’s the day we get to lay some rubber on the tarmac, it’s the day the engines come out to roar — its Africa day Drags and Castrol is making it all possible.

Last year’s drags brought many enthusiasts out of their shells with a lot of competitors also coming from the capital. The Bulawayo Motoring Club (BMC) continues this year on the same race the track and not the streets motto.

Drag racing is a sport and by all means requires a certain level of skill but above all, it requires two balls unlike other sports that require players to haggle around a field with one ball, so if you have a set see you there.

Street racing is dangerous and we have had quite a number of 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.

Last year, Zimbabwe’s fastest car on the track The Toyota MR2 belonging to Mano Zevgolis proved that there is indeed replacement for displacement . . . the 1600cc turbocharged 4A GZE motor is still fighting to better its own times.

Terry Alberry was there at the last Harare drags and is expected to bring out his AC cobra boasting of a carburetted 5,7litre small block V8 Chevy, nitrous oxide injection, 2-speed Chevy automatic transmission and some Mickey Tomson drag slicks.

Bulawayo’s main man Darren Pragji will with no doubt be there as well. Maybe he will bring out his single turbo Subaru Imprezza WRX. He calls it the Endless killer because it comes boasting of all the HKS performance parts you can think of. However, he is a mystery man, he always puts up a show. Let’s see which beast he brings out.

The idea behind drag racing series is to bring all the street racers to a controlled environment where they can race legally and safely and gain points. It’s a championship out of the 4 drag events this year. One gains points at each event and stand to win more prizes at the end of the year.

Now, to spice things up all the car crews out there are invited to come and battle it out and see which crew has the fastest cars and the fastest drivers. Some say it’s all about the car, some say it’s all about the driver . . . why don’t you come out and show us guys?

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 and that is why the BMC is encouraging all the speed freaks out there to come out and participate at the public drags.

This event costs only $5 to compete and competitors need to pay $10 for medical insurance. 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, fulllength 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 at 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.

As usual there are different classes with the Class A Cars with engines upto 1600cc, Class B cars with up to 2000c, class C cars with engines up to 2500, class D cars with engines up to 3000cc then E is open class with all other bigger engines.

Turbocharged vehicles only have two classes. Those with up to 2000cc and those over 2000cc.

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! .

Feedback — lovert10@gmail.com / www.facebook. com/automartzimbabwe