VENGEANCE –Part II (Chapter 1)

Truth be told, I did not plan to go to Vengeance – Part II because I had a number of assignments which I convinced myself that I had to complete. Curiousity had me beaten and I was forced to check the internet on Saturday (30/05/09), just to get a feel as to what the vibe and the mood was like for the event. My decision not to go was questioned when I read that Craig Lue and the Lueboyz were aiming for a nine seconds e.t.(elapsed time-on the ¼ mile) with their much talked about Mitsubishi Evo VII.

While I was still in the process of collecting information, I called a friend who told me that Craig made a nine seconds run during Test and Tune (on Saturday). When I ended the call I tried to suppress my level of excitement but, it was a poor attempt  – it was like trying to hide an elephant behind the world’s smallest needle! My ill advised decision was kicked to the curb and preparations to ensure my presence at the event were proceeding at a pace that would have left Usain Bolt beaten and breathless. I could not afford to be told about Craig’s next nine seconds e.t. (assuming that it would happen again).I wanted my own experience, to add to what I call- ‘Stories to Tell My Children’.

Vengeance- Part II did not disappoint. When qualifying ended it was evident that the drivers came to Jamwest with not only scores to settle but also with well oiled machinery because they were consistently producing lower times than in previous events. This was most obvious in the 11 seconds class which was filled with drivers who competed in the 12 seconds class at Vengeance- Part I. This class had a number of the very popular cars including Gregory ‘Haggi’ Plummer’s Honda Civic, Oliver ‘Spoon’ Villier’s Honda Civic, Seymour’s Nissan AD wagon and Kirk Lee’s Evo X.

Brinn Morgan’s dragster made its presence known with his usual bullet like speed, recording times not exceeding eight seconds and when asked to provide additional entertainment, he easily dispatched Gregory ‘Tallman’ Cross on the sport-bike who was given a head start on two occasions!

The competition was fierce in the various classes and as the rivalries played out the victorious crews could be seen celebrating with high fives and the usual shouts of jubilation as their opponents were beaten.

When I go to the races I am more interested in fire breathing, ground pounding, record shattering, performance cars that are in attendance. The 11 seconds class had a few of these cars. Each time Spoon, Haggi, Seymour and company graced the drag strip the crowd would react with cheers, whistles, horns and anything else that could make noise inorder to show their approval. If motorsports is your passion you would have reacted accordingly.

The two Honda race cars driven by Spoon and Haggi are both equipped with anti-lag systems which cause the cars to rapidly change their exhaust note and make a series of different but, sensational sounds when they are staged and waiting for the green light. Both drivers rolled out blistering times as they trampled the opposition but, unfortunately they met in the semifinals where Spoon defeated Haggi. The sleeper in this class was Kirk Lee’s Evo X.

Kirk is known for his driving ability and he brought it to Vengeance- Part II. In each race Kirk would leave his competitor for dead at the line and with Sean Ivey’s wizardry directing the Evo X, Kirk was almost invincible. In the finals, Spoon lined up against Kirk and you could hear the betting even if you were alone and locked in a sound proof room. The all wheel drive, thus better launching Evo X did not scare Spoon and ultimately his nerves held and he sped to an 11.5 e.t. while an overly anxious Kirk was shown the red light and disqualified for leaving before the green light.

Cecil Munroe Gleaner Online Writer

To be continued…