Drag Racing: Saved by a monster truck!

Being absent from the first NDRC event for 2014 was never contemplated. The date was one of those which carried special significance on my nonexistent calendar. So, as the date drew closer the logistics coordinator within the crew took the organization reins and a plan was hatched re- transportation and refreshments for the event. If I told you that everything went according to plan I would be entering the – ‘I cant recall’ zone, so I wont.

The official report relating to what transpired at the ‘holy concrete’ will be revealed, but my hand was forced so I am compelled to diverge. The event, as most persons would have already known, came to an unplanned end.

When overcome with a sudden rush of emotions, some of us have a tendency of releasing previously trapped liquids. The occupants of the eternal paradise above were overwhelmed by the unified presence but fierce competition which was on display from 100 plus relentless drag racers. And like a roaring blaze at the city landfill, Vernamfield was engulfed by a sea of heightened excitement and even higher expectations as the ‘real’ machines were minutes away from another time-warping assault.

It was too much, so while swimming in emotions, the heavens opened up and released its load. Like birds realizing that the cage door was ajar, patrons scurried to their machines, tents, etc. – I thought skin was waterproof – apparently not!

Realising that the event would not resume, machines began to roll out. To avoid the inevitable traffic jam caused by machines exiting the venue, we took a different route, one which carried us across a small farm. At first glance the road (read track) appeared to be ok, but when the lead car got stuck, in what was now mud, I realized that we were in a bit of bother. We were already too far, about 5/6 cars, the main road was 50 meters away and with quick-sand-type mud appearing everywhere, turning around was not an option.

So, to rescue the first car we went plodding in the mud, about 4 of us and pushed it out. My car was next. Apparently my car was the pig in the group. It simply decided that it would prefer to remain in the tight embrace that the mud offered – it rented a room in mud-town! When all our efforts failed miserably to achieve any form of progress we were almost willing to summon desperate measures.

Thankfully, the young lady who drove behind us as we left the venue (she was immediately behind my car), fearing that she would also become a resident of ‘mud-town’ sent out a distress signal.

While we were trying to conceptualize our next move, we saw an off-road machine traveling at a purposeful rate of speed along the main road. When it arrived at the T-junction, where the track met the main road, it took a sharp left turn, dived into the ‘quick-mud’ and like Optimus Prime, it announced its presence. The machine was driven by Nigel, the lady’s brother!

Little did I know that the tow-rope (yellow) seen below, at Heelz n Wheelz had plans for us!

In a matter of moments we were connected by tow rope and after a brief review of the first few failed attempts, he reorganized and with the massive tyres of the machine instructed by 4-wheel drive, turbo-charged power, the mud was beaten into embarrassing submission. And like a defeated bully, it gave up the other machines without much contest.

Incidentally Nigel’s sister did not use the monster truck – applying the accelerator with discretion (a feat which is rather difficult for ladies – dem foot heavy!) her machine moved gingerly through the mud as we pushed it all the way to the main road.

It was an adventure worth telling. We were saved by a Monster Truck! Respect Nigel!

The Monster-truck that did the dirty work. Machine!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer