DRAG RACING: TIMING SYSTEM RESTRAINS TEST AND TUNE!

Our Japanese neighbours reflected on the tsunami which wreaked havoc on their coast line several years ago – we will not forget. Multiple NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson’s typical practice routine for race-day was interrupted by an uncanny occurrence. During practice, while the machine was on the quicker side of 100 mph, his steering decided to abandon its shaft when he attempted to ‘catch’ the twitching animal. I am certain he did not have time to process the possibilities.The machine, as expected, ignorant of the driver’s input, was halted by the wall. Johnson was fine, but reminded that in motor racing all things are possible!

Unfortunately the NDRC ate a slice of the same cake on Sunday. Final arrangements are being made everywhere – from shade tree to air-conditioned suite – to ensure that the ogre that rolls out to the ‘tree’ is in an extreme state of readiness. ‘Mouth mek fi talk’, Jamaicans will tell you and when the lights scream GREEN, speech will not suffice. The seconds, minutes, days, weeks, months and years invested in many of these machines, will dictate if combustion will elicit victory or summon defeat! The fans will observe and continuous bouts of unrestrained pleasure will arrest the supporters of the victor despite the presence of the dark clouds of defeat which will descend on the opposing camp!

Drag racing leaves no window for error and competitors seeking to minimize the presence of the unforeseen element, took advantage of the Test and Tune session on Sunday. The date on the flyer read – March 20, 2016. The venue – Vernamfield, Clarendon. The event – Drag Racing Challenge #1. The wait is now officially over. Pistons will revel while air and fuel mate and the appreciative grins will flood Vernamfield. But the format is – Test then race!

On Sunday, the weather was perfect. The machines, their supporting staff and adoring fans were all present but there was a snitch in the conglomerate! Everyone was in locked-loaded and wait mode. Apparently the NDRC did not submit the requisition to the Timing System Department within a reasonable time-frame! The system, for reasons known, hopefully, to the NDRC, was rather uncooperative! Racers simply had to wait until the ‘bugs’ were terminated. A particular black Honda CRV spent more time on the 1320 than the race cars!

Thankfully, it was Sunday and the tone and demeanor of a Jamaican Sunday demand a laid-back approach. Everyone was in a relaxed-state, chatting, exchanging stories and discussing all things ‘fast-car’ related. The ogres eventually took to the track and while some impressed, others confirmed their urgent need for Test and Tune sessions.

LUEBOYZ

My beloved country is one which does not hesitate to hurl surprises! Ignore the available statistics. Turn a blind eye to the IMF’s observations. On Sunday, not one, but two Nissan R35s were launched and paddle-shifted with reckless abandon! The Lueboyz are definitely on their A-game, guided by Dwight’s keen observations when Craig triggers an explosion from the line.

‘Spoon’ (Ocho Rios) was in the building, his machine roaring its intentions. ‘Lizard’s’ machine is still nowhere near its potential but we know it will get there. A few Pulsars jumped in the pond, but the superstar PulStar was not visible. The drag racing slave -Honda – was omnipresent, rivaled only by a Subaru platoon I saw on parade on the concrete.

The interest is still obvious. The racers were not discouraged and the machines will be attached to the 100 plus competitors who will register on race-day. 2015 is history. The records are all available to be broken. 2016 promises everything. The NDRC has raised the bar – champagne is now being served in the G5! The misstep at Test and Tune, hopefully, was just a blip on the screen. At Drag Challenge #1, March 20, 2016 everything must be UP!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer