CHRONICLES OF DRAG CHALLENGE #3 – CRAIG LUE (Part 2)

The Lueboyz need no introduction. Their on-track exploits, like bold, all-caps language in a message, shout in rather authoritative tones that they are a force to reckon with. And even when they stepped beyond the confines of their comfort zone and changed gears to circuit racing the machine they brought to the party (the same ‘Banana’ but in circuit trim) was an instant crowd favourite. Icons of motorsport!

But they have not been shredding rubber, competitively, in recent time at Vernamfield. That changed, with dire implications for some, at Drag Challenge #3. During my paddock tour a colleague told me that Craig qualified in the 9 seconds class. I was told he ran 9.6 seconds.

Curiosity prompted my immediate question which met the atmosphere even before I said it – “With which machine?” I was led in the direction of a canary-colored Evo. We have been trained to accept that, to significantly reduce elapsed time, big power is required. And with big power, consistency dictates that a motor and machine worthy of such a feat should be seen – think dragster type motor and appearance. But science, technology, research, development and meticulous tuning have rewritten all the rules!

So there I was ogling the machine but could not make the visual connection to decipher how it was possible for a ‘regular’ motor, at rest and comfortable in the canary’s engine bay,  to scream along the 1320ft at sub-10 seconds pace. In my mind I was scratching my head!

There were few machines in the nine seconds class though but Craig’s accomplishment was a remarkable feat considering that he was ‘rusty’. And with Kenrick ‘Banks’ Baker and Orville Williams, the other two contenders in the class, he had a megatron-type foe to overcome.

When the canary rolled out to meet Banks I ensured that I had an ideal vantage pooint. It was an all Evo affair, but who would rise from the pair? There was no room to assemble rational points. The rally-bred Japanese giants, like a Great White chasing a reckless seal, exploded from the ‘tree’. It was violent. It was fun.

Somewhere between second to third gear, the canary, possibly intimidated by Banks’ presence at his left wing (door) summoned additional boost and fuel. The drive train did not recieve the memo! The machine, like a wayward aeroplane wrestling crosswinds, snapped and veered to the right. But Craig is no novice. He later explained that he ‘caught the car’ and a gremlin which attacked Banks’ machine at about the same time allowed Craig to rescue victory from the jaws of deafeat! Finals was next.

At the Lueboyz paddock area after the race, mixed feelings pierced the cool Vernamfield breeze. Their next opponent was the indomitable Orville Wayne Williams! Congratulations were abundant but there were obvious concerns. A breather hose abandoned its post which allowed oil to roam in the engine bay. My suggestion was accepted. Badbreed Racecraft provided assistance. Craig’s tuner suggested that it was Orville’s race to lose. Craig disagreed. His tone reflected his conviction that his goal was achievable. Dwight remained pensive.

It was an Evo vs Nissan showdown. No Ok Corral. Just two magnificent machines, the products of an addiction to speed, positioned by fate and at war to settle pride! The nine seconds final was further proof that a race is not won on paper.

Everyone was expecting Orville to dismantle the canary. But when the green lights indicated their presence, the War of the World’s drama that was anticipated, like drugs to an addict, disappeared rapidly.

Orville’s machine which abused the clock with a 9.1 seconds qualifying time, had immediate, race-threatening issues. The canary had a visit from jealousy and bit its own slice of issues. Both machines crept across the finish line and Craig emerged victorious. An obviously proud and overwhelmed Craig exited the canary and saluted the crowd. Well done boss!

I have a question. What should we expect from Craig Lue at Drag Challenge #4?

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer