DRAG RACING – CHEAPEST WAY TO START COMPETING?

In the previous blog, the substance of my rant should have been abundantly clear. But sometimes the message is lost in the translated version. Essentially, read slowly – get off your butt, exit the spectator stands and compete!

While you assess my sanity, think about this. Motorsport has several disciplines and if you grab the 2016 motorsport calendar I am certain you will see dates for circuit racing, dexterity and drag racing.

A quick reflection may be required. Which discipline do you thoroughly enjoy? Which form of motorsport stimulates the rev range of your heart? Which discipline instigates foot, hand, eye and mouth coordination as you assist your chosen driver to direct his machine, totally ignoring your obvious handicap – you are stuck at the sidelines !

While you ponder, add this. Drag racing is still enjoying a protracted rejuvenation. No microscope is required to observe what unfolds at each round of the quarter mile derby at Vernamfield. The mystery requires no sleuth and the fans continue to revel in the carnival of horsepower and torque!

A significant portion of the massive appeal which drag racing occupies can be explained by the ease with which individuals can line up and rip gears along the 1320!

This is a discipline that requires no steep learning curve. It requires no purpose-built, roll cage laden, NHRA-type chariots. When we separate the cylinder head from the block, the simple truth can be laid bare – even the pistons will understand !

To get started, do not aim high. Do not chase the ‘Red Donkey’. Dean Shaw has learnt that that requires a lot more than an ambitious speech. But, even he will be back. And that is reassuring. Drag racing’s ace in the pocket is enclosed in the fact that your regular, underpowered, but permanently reliable ‘pick up the chicks’ machine can be your rocket ship on race day!

That, my friends is insanely difficult to argue against. So, let us assume for a millisecond that you are interested in competing – shouldn’t you think about drag racing?

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer