NERVE wrecking speed and adrenaline rush are the ingredients that made prefect outing last week at the Telecel 2015 Drag Racing Series at Donny Brook in Borrowdale, Harare.
With speeds of over 200 kilometres per hour achieved over a quarter mile (402m), the sport is more about showing off prowess on the wheel.
Control is the name of the game.
With a good vehicle, certified fit by organisers, registration fees and a driver’s licence, those that find thrill in speed can partake in drag racing.
And many came forth to show off skills and the power of their vehicles last week.
Wikipedia defines drag racing as motor racing in which automobiles or motorcycles usually specially prepared for the purpose to compete, usually two at a time, to be first to cross a set finish line.
The sport is recognised by the Federation Internationale De L’Automobile- FIA.
Speaking to The Patriot, Zimbabwe Motor Sport Federation’s media liaison manager, Temba Mazvimbakupa said drag racing continues to grow and has potential to put the country on the world map.
“Drag racing has become very popular and is a fast growing sport in Zimbabwe and has the potential to succeed than soccer which is preferred by many,” Mazvimbakupa said.
“We need a strategic plan that supports a junior development programme to support those doing well like Tanya Muzinda.”
Telecel’s outdoor visibility executive, Dumisani Mlilo said they would continue to support the sport which is fast growing.
“We are the main sponsor of this high adrenaline sport and we want people to get to know more about drag racing,” said Mlilo.
“We are giving back to our customers while we stamp our presence on the market.”
Another sponsor Castrol’s High Perfomance Lupes manager, Gwinyai Mataruka said success of the sport translated to his organisation’s as well.
“We sponsor such events because vehicles make our biggest market so wherever vehicles are so are we,” Mataruka said.
“Such events are testing ground for our products.”
The event drew a multi-racial crowd of more than 3 000 people who came to support 86 registered competitors.
In their Altezzas Subarus and Skylines among other vehicles, competitors showed off their skills and engine power.
South Africa’s 81 year-old Reg Murray who has won the National Championships in South Africa and participated at Donny Brook, said drag racing has kept him going for the past 50 years.
“I began about 50 years ago and I have enjoyed it since then,” he said.
“I love the speed and the noise.”
Murray’s daughter Barbara Panter (56) said although worried, she fully supported her father.
“It is nerve wrecking that at his age my father is still doing drags, but he is my dad and I support him and I am proud of him,” she said.
The only female biker at the drag series, Tiffany Fisher (26) said drag racing was her passion.
“I love the thrill of competing and even more that I have started winning,” she said. “I started in 2013 with a 250cc bike, but now I have gone onto the 600cc.
“It’s a sport that has a lot of men, but women can beat the boys too.”
Tafadzwa Moyo (25) who has been drag racing for the past two years said his love for speed has seen him return to the tracks.
“When I think of driving fast, I come to the track and that is why I am now drag racing and not speeding on the roads,” he said.
This year Allan Cacase relegated the South African Drag-star Reg Murray to second position with a top speed of 10,4 seconds over the quarter mile.
Leslie Carlsson is the new super-bike speed king after beating seasoned rider, Phil Archinoul.
Leslie posted a best time of 10.3 seconds.