DRAG RACING CHALLENGE #3 – SPEED HAS AN UMBRELLA!

The meteorologists will tell you that this lovely island is blessed with a Tropical Marine type climate. Essentially, in Jamaica, it is hot/warm all year round. A pleasant type climate, with adequate rainfall, but burdened at times by violent tropical storms. There were no storm warnings available for Drag Racing Challenge #3 (DC #3), So I was not perturbed when a frowning sky appeared in Kingston on the 24th.

When my Mitsubishi’s wheels hailed the toll road and the heavens released the crystal liquid, I was not concerned. But, apparently a different message invaded Vernamfield. During my journey, I saw numerous name-brand machines barking, roaring and sneezing their way towards Kingston. Was there a change of venue for the speed-fest? A few Subaru Wrxs, Evos, an old school Toyota and others grabbed gears, joining the emergency vehicles – 119 parade – to Kingston! Oblivious to the signals they sought to convey, I remained resolute in my defiance.

If you know nothing else about Vernamfield, know this – the rain rarely stays for an extended time – and the fact that a major event was on the cards, the executive board in the palace above traditionally extends consideration.

I arrived at the mecca of speed at about 3:30 pm. There was evidence of a shower, but activities were being conducted on the track to expedite racing in the shortest time that safety would dictate. I smiled.

At DC #3, patient,loyal and understanding drag racing fans were rewarded when qualifying and racing resumed.

This machine was a newcomer to the big stage and it had its own crowd!

Worth a second look!

Could it have a smaller fuel tank?

If you can correctly identify the red device – you are not only a fan, you are also well informed!

Yes, the Nissan Pulsar still exists! Notice the frowning sky?

Prayers were submitted and discretion facilitated RACING!

But time was being unruly and nightfall was rapidly approaching. The stewards were not pleased and as such it was decided that the ‘Big Boys’ would close the show!

Remember that red Supra I spoke about in a previous blog? Well, it delivered more than I expected and smashed a 9 seconds pass. But its lightning-fast achievement meant it had a date with a sibling that had an intolerable tenacity for speed – the Real Hogg!

Nicholas Manley’s Supra – The Young Upstart.

Both machines were allowed to make a pass, then return to race. When each machine crept to the line and assumed the – stage position – for their warm-up run, cell-phone lights illuminated the 1320ft!

When Nicholas returned, Adrian had strong words of advice but he sought to enable additional inspiration through an algorithm enhancement! Did it work?

On Sunday, July 24, 2016, two samurais locked swords. The crowd swam in calculated pandemonium as the machines prepared to extinguish each other. The anticipation was vocal. Betting flourished and voices expressing their selection reverberated throughout the flora bordering the track. Eyes were focused and cell-phones were erect in video-capturing mode.

Vernamfield paused. The burnouts heightened the tension. Displaced rubber which was just subjected to 1000+ stampeding horses did its best to dissipate quickly. HD-viewing was expected. The 9 seconds final was upon us!

The green lights, the machines and the crowd reacted simultaneously! It was difficult to see, hear, capture and comprehend all that was in occurrence. The majestic, territory-claiming roar from both machines sung praises to a time when the Supra was crowned King!

But neither eyes nor cell phones were cheetah-quick! The sounds we could hear, but the machines assumed stealth attire and they summoned mega-speed which facilitated a red and blue-blended fusion!

Thankfully, the conspicuous ‘tree’ remained neutral and reliable. The lights flashed and one camp’s celebration read the script. There was only one victor. The Real Hogg!

At the battle of Red vs Blue – The Real Hogg scampered with the silverware!

What role did experience play in the Real Hogg’s victory?

Incidentally, the silverware relating to DC #3 will be distributed today – August 9th at C&C South Beach which is located at 2 Brompton Road. The presentation begins at 7pm!

It rained, but we played!

A word to the wise – when it rains, caution is advised. But, if racing at Vernamfield is on the cards, be prepared, but be present because speed has an umbrella!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer