Drag Racing: Drag Challenge#2 – Sweet redemption!

I can recall the numerous comments and verbal accounts relating to Drag Challenge#1’s dismal showing and unexpected, abrupt conclusion. Complaints were the order of the day, voiced by both competitors and fans. Persons came out expecting a day laden with tales of speed and triumph but what they actually got was a sun-drenched atmosphere of administrative blunders, chaos and disappointment. But, we are all human, prone to shortcomings and at times, even our best effort might fall short of the mark.

NDRC

Thankfully, however, the NDRC is committed to the task of returning drag racing to its former glory days, at the location which occupies a special spot in the history of Jamaican motorsports – Vernamfield. Several reasons were given for the failures witnessed and experienced last time around and based on the posture heading into Drag Challenge#2, it was felt that all of the destructive gremlins would be annihilated and an event worthy of the price of admission would be delivered.

I spoke to Stephen Gunter on Saturday (12th), confirmed my media-pass and planned for the event (Sunday Oct. 13th). We actually got to the event about 2pm and started doing the ‘meet and greet’. It was evident, based on what I saw that there was some degree of military-type planning and execution. The transition between qualifying and actual racing was seamless and fans were kept abreast of what was happening on track, thanks to Audley’s input (the announcer). His account of unfolding events was laced at times with trivia and humor and whenever technical or mechanical glitches arose he would resort to a musical selection which served the purpose of appeasing the fans – they did not have the chance to experience a dull moment!

On the 1320ft, it was clear that the number of competitors, when compared to Drag Challenge #1, shrunk, but this had no impact on the performance of the drivers who were eager to torture rubber inorder to claim low elapsed times.

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Highlights – Drag Challenge#1

Essentially, the NDRC held their end of the bargain and delivered a show that was well received by those in attendance. So, on Sunday, Oct. 13th at Drag Challenge #2, the NDRC scored high marks and even now the members of the organization must still be feeling – Sweet Redemption!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer