AFTER a six-month break due in part to the rainy season and the recent re-surfacing at the venue, the 2016 Telecel Drag racing season finally roars to life at Donnybrook Raceway next Sunday.
BY OUR STAFF
Last year, the drag racing series scaled some historic heights in terms of competitor and spectator numbers.
LED display boards showing run times and finish line top speeds as well as drone cameras were introduced then.
Even the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) joined the drag racing fanfare with their traffic vehicles.
This was a new collaboration between the Dragpro Club and the ZRP to emphasise and promote road safety awareness and endorse the alternative to illegal and dangerous speeding on public roads, which is sanctioned motorsport in a controlled environment.
In an interview with Standardsport, Sables-Dragpro Club secretary Suzan Zevgolis said they were committed to bringing something new to drag racing every year.
“This year, we want to continue focusing on attracting foreign competitors. New grandstands for the public should be ready by the second event (July 3) and in response to public demand, the club will also be launching a range of ‘Dragpro’ T-shirts and caps for sale to racing fans,” she said.
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Sables-Dragpro also carries forward into the new season their longstanding partners Telecel, hp lubes Castrol, Financial Gazette, Skyscape Aerial Imaging & Survey (formerly Oracle Imaging) and Turbo Solutions Africa.
This will also see new partners coming on board for the imminent season, namely NemChem and Glass Creations.
“We are very grateful to have this ongoing support from our partners, in spite of the difficult economic situation. We are also delighted to welcome on board our two new partners, NemChem and Glass Creations, to the dragpro family,” Zevgolis said.
Drag racing is contested over a quarter mile at Donnybrook and presents an opportunity for the public to test their motorcycles and cars over the particular distance. However, focus will be on professional dragsters that have provided exhilarating performances over the last few years in the cars division, such as three-time Top Eliminator champion and defending champion Allan Cacace, former winner Terry Allberry and Mano Zevgolis.
In the motorcycle section, Les Carlsson, whose Suzuki GSXR holds a course record of 10.05 seconds, will be the man to watch, having won the last two seasons with relative ease. Veteran Phil Archenoul missed a number of races last year and it awaits to be seen whether he returns to competition this season.
Female biker Tiffany Fisher, who is the reigning Megelli champion in main circuit, made her debut appearance in drag race last season and she will be looking to establish herself this year.
