Drag Racing: Orville Williams’ Nissan Pulsar

Many years ago when ‘Clevie’ was God’s gift to Nissan, there was an odd-shaped machine that threatened to reorganize the pecking order in the drag racing food chain. That machine was the Nissan Pulsar and when Clevie waved his wand and modified the relevant nuts and bolts, the demon released, was programmed with an impressive crowd-pleasing mandate.

My memory, now inspired, has selected a few scenes. These scenes are dominated by three imposing Pulsars – Clevie’s machine (white), ‘Chicken’s’ machine (red) and Orville’s (blue). All three, capable of the then spectacular, 4 wheels burnout! Four tires smoking, after being stunned by ferocious combustion.

Orville

Orville Williams raced to the 10 seconds barrier and when he got there, he  cracked it! A feat which reserved a permanent spot for him in the VIP section of Jamaican drag racing. His love affair with the Pulsar is not familiar with divorce proceedings and despite massive challenges, he has continued to push the odd-shaped machine to Jamaican record breaking levels. Recent events have laid out yet another challenge, but I anticipate an early recovery.

About 2 months ago I was passing through drag racers paradise and spotted a mini test and tune.

This is what time- crunching power looks like.

Same as above.

Flight deck.

Is this a tunnel?

Orville (back turned), his brother and the photographer discussing the aesthetic appeal of the machine.

Forgive me Orville. During the test and tune I overheard Orville discussing a problem with the machine. He was on his cell phone. According to him, it was ‘down on power’. While complaining, he continued by saying – we only making 650 hp! OMG!

NB. The machine made over 800 hp recently, before encountering turbulence. Orville’s journey continues.

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer