Drag Racing: Drag All Out! (Jamwest Speedway)

I had a Civic Type R. I would look forward to events at Jamwest because it provided the opportunity to link with other Type R and Honda purists and we would happily VTEC our way to Negril. I had exhilarating moments abusing the rev range of the pocket rocket. Harassing the minute 1.6L motor revealed the durability of Honda’s masterpiece. It would rev forever! My driving style would cause Honda disciples to cringe. I refrained from shifting unless the rev-limiter rang like a disruptive cell-phone. But that was then – what is happening now?

Drag racers islandwide are putting the finishing touches on their 1320 ft. warriors. Each machine, a gladiator in its own right, will scare the imbecile in the next lane and when the green flickers, it is hoped that all the time spent at the garage and the dyno will be justified by a trip to victory lane.

The war of words which began a long time ago between the various camps will be dressed in an entirely different suit on Sunday. On Sunday (28th), at Jamwest Speedway words will merge with the wind. Substance will take the form of ear-splitting revs, spooling turbos, accelerators being bent into submission, glowing exhaust manifolds, aftermarket ecus calibrating appropriate mixtures and in some cases, nitrous aiding and abetting the furnace, as machines DRAG ALL OUT !

Likkle T

I stopped by Oniel ‘Likkle T’ Henry’s establishment on Saturday, to have a look at his sleeper – his boosted EK. A reputation built on the drag strip is always good for business and the collection of Type R’s and boosted Hondas normally at Likkle T’s shop, confirms that he is held in high regard. The EK sat like a neglected child, away from the group. But it was a ploy. Its preparation was complete and it was simply relaxing.

Last time out, ‘Likkle T’ lost to ‘Alpine’ in the 12 seconds finals as he tried without success to slow the uncooperative EK. Look for ‘Likkle T’ in the 12 or 11 seconds class, shifting to be the last man standing.

Kevin ‘Fu$ion’ Jackson (former 14 seconds class champion) was busy supervising tweaks being done to his Yellow torpedo. With 300 + horses on steroids tucked in his B16, he confidently stated that he will win the 13 seconds class.

There is an endless war being waged between:

1. different makes (Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, etc.) and

2. our major towns (Mandeville, Ochi, Sav, Kingston, etc).

At Jamwest, on Sunday, drag racers will converge. Think of how indescribably pleasurable it will be if you are at the track enjoying the battles as they unfold.

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer