3rd. AutoSport Drags 2001 - 29th April 2001

Article by Rawle Mahabir of AutoSport Promotions
Photography byDuane Boodasingh, Rawle Francis, Daren Dhoray

So the third in the series of AutoSport Drag Racing at the AutoDrome saw the much needed rainfall landing straight on the Race track. This certainly put a damper on the days proceedings but the large crowds stuck to their guns, being optimistic that they would still get to see some action later in the afternoon.

The Honourable Minister of Sport Mr. Manohar Ramsaran and his wife were in attendance but were unable to really see some of the fastest cars in Caribbean Drag Racing blaze a trail across the quarter mile strip. Not withstanding, the Hon. Minister was totally impressed with the layout of the racing environment, and the level of participation both from competitors and the crowds involvement in the days proceedings. He publicly expressed his Ministry's fullest support to ensure the development of a permanent site for Drag Racing in the shortest possible time.

With the best turnout for the year amongst the big guns in the open class, the showdown of these true dare devils, has now been deferred to the next Event on June 24th. So Richie Rich continues to hold on to his points lead amongst the best in the Open Class. And the likes of Ricardo Pustam, Gordon Rooks, Taw Bejai and Michael Douglas will have to exercise some patience before taking aim at Richie Rich's crown.

Making a very impressive appearance was the newly imported "Sheik Lisha" big block V8 Camaro driven by Feraz Akaloo. During some shakedown runs on Saturday, Akaloo put down a comfortable time of 9.2 seconds at a speed of 149.00 mph. This was certainly a relaxed run, and those in the know are suggesting that this car will easily cross into mid eight-seconds time come June 24th. Ricardo Pustam says he is unduly worried since he continues to fine tune his small-block V8 in his much lighter Showtime Rail. And both Rooks and Taw with some new parts are still very optimistic. This open class will certainly throw up some serious thunder on a dry race day.

The much talked about Monster Sunny with Rotary power (pictured above) finally made its first appearance at the track. But driver Sean Ready was not able to put in any testing on what appears to be a magnificent piece of local workmanship. How proudly can Ready fly the Rotary flag against the big guns will certainly be revealed at the next Event.

With officials able to have some competition runs completed amongst the cars in 14, 15 and 16 seconds classes, it is very clear that all drivers are tinkering to extract maximum horse power that would give them that little advantage as they seek to cross the final sensor in first place at the end of the quarter mile run.