Drag Challenge#5 – ‘Tis the season to be fast! Part 3

At the Nestle Supligen Drag Challenge#5, the turbocharged 10 seconds machine paradigm was challenged – again. Please bear in mind that we have mastered the art of leaping to the summit of the horsepower mountain. The 500 horsepower formula is readily available – 12 machines made the final cut. And after the wastegates barked, the blow-off valves sneezed and the incredible lbs of boost pressure subsided, 10 machines were neutralized and the two sore thumbs – Xavia’s and Ken T’s n/a machines – rose to the top of the totem pole! New rules will govern the class moving forward!

Drag Challenge#5 went all out on December 13th! Apparently, the bar is no longer stationary. Craig Lue exited temporary retirement recently (at an earlier event) and emerged from his slumber with a canary-colored sleeper. When I stood peering into what I saw and thought was a ‘stock’ Evo engine bay, before my thoughts were allowed to provide misinformation, a colleague who saw the machine in action during qualifying, blurted, “A 9s it run!”

Lueboyz

I was flabbergasted. But, we were talking about the Lueboyz, so it was expected. Craig won the 9 seconds class at that event. Craig was m.i.a at Drag Challenge#5, but, unlike water provided by the NWC, fast machines were not in short supply! The machines available were space shuttle fast – they pole vaulted over the  9 seconds class and erected an elite Pro Race 8 class!

The Adrian McLymont-driven Ford Mustang and the BadBreed Racecraft crew, have ruled the 8 seconds class with a V8-powered, tightly clenched, turbocharged-fed fist. The Red Donkey silenced the moaning Camaro long ago and that threat has not resurfaced since. But, great men were scheming at home and overseas! At Drag Challenge#5, they appeared. Pro Race 8 had four snipers - Morgan Bryn, McLymont Adrian, Jervis Jody and Williams Orville. A more diverse squad could not have been handpicked!

Orville Williams

I shared a cold beverage with the Williams clan at the end of the 1/4 mile during Test and Tune, when despite a critical mid-track hiccup, the machine stopped the clock with a 9 seconds pass. Orville said it then, that an 8 seconds pass was imminent. At Drag Challenge#5, he reinforced his words with Nissan Pulsar GTI-R action. The PulStar ripped an 8.944 seconds pass! The fairy tale ending was not realised though. A chik-v like ailment struck the machine on the line. It was crippled when the ‘tree’ blared green in the eliminations round. But, the PulStar cannot be stifled. Expect havoc in 2016!

Bryn Morgan occupies rarefied air in local drag racing and his feats with ‘The Rail’/ ‘The Tall Up, Tall Up’, are legendary. He dived in the pool in a blur – 8.07 seconds! Jodi Jervis’ struck gold with an 8.903 run and Adrian eased in the class -8.352 seconds.

Nantwi Coke

I watched the Mustang vs the Skyline matchup. The BadBreed Racecraft crew operates with a confident air of accomplishment which may appear pompous and intimidating. Smiles are nonexistent when the crew members, accompanying the machine, approach the line. What is present though, apart from Mr Coke’s massive physical presence, is a calculated and methodical routine, designed to ensure that the machine travels the desired, arrow-path, in its typical explosive fashion.

I knew that the Skyline would hold its own, but, it was also evident that the Skyline’s best on the day would make Jodi proud, but it would not be enough to burden the Red Donkey. We knew, but the race is won when it is completed. After both machines waged the tire shredding contest and staged, we held our breaths.

The Mustang has this squat and hold dance that it does – power kept in check – GREEN LIGHT! Mr. Coke, watched the Mustang as it left the line. In the same instant, he turned and headed towards the pits. Unlike Lot’s wife he did not look back – not even a glance. That is the confidence I alluded to earlier. The machine did the only thing it knows how to do – win! It maintained that approach throughout the event.

L.A.W.S.

What was an afternoon/evening of racing suddenly became dusk and when I was leaving I could hear the announcer hopelessly begging for an opportunity to see the ten seconds final – Xavia and Ken T were at war! M.A.D. vs LAWS and everybody else! Mandeville was in turmoil!

Drag Challenge#5 was that type of fast-paced, speed-exhibition, conducted in a carnival atmosphere packed with continuous, competitive, fun, at the place designated for such thrills and elevated adrenaline excursions!

A more appropriate climax to the drag racing season could not have been arrived at by the lab-coats at NASA! We salute you NDRC, drivers, teams and most importantly, the fans and we eagerly await more of everything in 2016, including Nestle Supligen!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer