Drag Challenge #1 – It rained but we played!

Author : cmunroe

Apparently time felt emasculated and thought it fit to visit the genius who concocted Red Bull! There is no other way to explain the frantic pace at which time is currently flying! Time has adopted a lot more than wings – it has borrowed Usain’s footwear! A highly-placed colleague, with initials S G, reminded me earlier that 2 weeks have elapsed since Boost Jouvert! Is it ever too late for a shower of rain?

I lack political affiliation, so thankfully, I can recall! It was Sunday, March 29th – late afternoon, but early evening – think between 3 and 4pm. My devoted drag racing friends exited the toll road hours ago and were appropriately positioned at their usual spot at Vernamfield. A spot which was carefully chosen to allow maximum absorption of their quota of drag racing.

When I arrived, late as usual, I was greeted by a marauding army of hunger! I was not perturbed,however, because my thrifty friends had prepared and brought Sunday dinner! I ignored the crescendo of combustion- driven melodies which ruffled the feathers of the flora bordering the speed-strip. The blatantly-obvious, nervous machines, were gingerly making their way towards the ‘tree’ for their date with destiny. I, on the other hand, had a blind-date with a bowl of coconut-rice and peas! Like an earthquake I kept my focus – food!

When I found my friends, I explained my plight, grabbed the car keys and proceeded towards food, glorious food! During my brief explanation I noticed that the sky, like an imprisoned teen, wore a frown-filled face – rain was imminent.

While I was fork-deep in the huge rice bowl, the first shower appeared and patrons started scampering to their cars. My friends, like trained Navy Seals, stood their ground. When the second, more intense, race-threatening shower descended, their courage vanished. Surrender’s white towel was hurled with aplomb and they came hurtling towards the car! They were not amused. As we sat in the car we contemplated our next move. Some patrons were leaving but, there was a distinct, tangible difference.

The Nestle Supligen Drag Racing Series – Drag Challenge – has been affected by rain on several occasions and the emptiness it created then, coerced patience and quiet prayers during the season-opener on Sunday (29th) . I heard Audley, via the public address system, urging patrons to remain and like obedient pupils, they listened and behaved accordingly. They were richly rewarded for their act of faith!

When the clouds switched to cooperative-mode, drag racers adopted a desperate but purposeful stance. When they were summoned, there was no delay! Little T was seen sprinting from one machine to another – he competed in two machines. Machines magically appeared at the ‘tree’ and when the starter satisfied himself, they were released like bullets from a AR15!

Like the Concorde, the flight, through the rapidly diminishing classes, was non-stop! Patrons were trapped, lost, but reveling  in the moment. It was bacchanal at Vernamfield during the semi-finals and finals for the various classes!

It rained- yes – but we played and the drag racers played well!

Machine chilling – the calm before the storm.

Old school still rules!

It always feels good when you are winning!

There is just something about those calipers…..

Orville being told how close the nine seconds final was – machine!

If you missed it – Machine!

Sand-bagging expert!

A sleeper in the M.A.D. camp. Stock Evo – 12 seconds!

Red = danger and these two machines are serial killers! Unfortunately…..grenade….

Stay tuned…..

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer

The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner.
The Gleaner reserves the right not to publish comments that may be deemed libelous, derogatory or indecent.
To respond to The Gleaner please use the feedback form.

Comments are closed.