Following the first edition of the first ever Drag and Wind(ing) Motor Sport Event staged on 19^th July, there was an almost and immediate demand for the second event to be rapidly executed. So a date was selected and we started to put the wheels in motion, and word got around that that this can be a great marketing tool and the rest is history.

The Valvoline Drag and Wind(ing) Event was conceived at the Rise, and was delivered to the public on Sunday 21^st August 2011 at the ARC Car Park, in the process breaking many records and leaving a lasting positive taste in the minds of all in attendance.

The Biggest crowd at a Motor Sport Event at this location. √

The largest number of competitors at a Motor Sport Event at this location.√

The first time that the Hon. Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Arima attended a Motor Sport Event at this location. √

Possibly the most amount of competitive runs at a Motor Sport Event at this location. √

And seeing racing against each other, two of the fastest road cars side by side. √√√

Our special thanks to Valvoline for their tremendous support as Title Sponsor in making this Event the success that it has turned out to be.

And we are grateful to His Worship the Mayor of Arima Mr. Ghassan Youseph and the Deputy Mayor of Arima for their presence, and they cannot stop talking about their run through the course. Incidentally the Mayor did boast about owning a Mazda RX 7 that used to talk back to him when he was going too fast!

One of the factors in determining the success of any motor sport Event is hinged on the quality and number of competitors. This is the first indicator that there is a certain degree of comfort that they have placed into the hands of the organizers that the Event will be properly executed. The first D&W had a total of 32 entries. This second Event had 33 entries on briefing night, and by Sunday, it was just climbing, and we had to stop at 68, with several drivers being disappointed at having been refused entry because they just came too late.

GT4 comprised two of the best Sport Cars found anywhere in the world, the Nissan Skyline R35 driven by Shiv S., and that really attractive DAX AC Cobra, driven by Peter Morris. All I can say is, if you were in attendance, seeing these machines at standstill was great, seeing them in action launching out along the straight was awesome. And then to hear after the fact, both drivers saying that they were not pushing hard or a “lil valve” caused a drop in power. Well what can we say? Next time! And hopefully there will be a few more competitors up in GT 4. The R35 has been meticulously prepared by another outstanding Motor Sport competitor at United Auto and driven even better by the owner, clearly showing that his driving skills are on par with the many upgrades done to this potent racing machine. And for those who just came in, Peter has tremendous International Racing experience in the first instance in Europe and then in the Caribbean, both in Circuit Racing and in Rallying, and he is also an extremely competent sailor. We know that there will be serious challenges from a few other in this class next time around.

GT 3 saw a total of 38 drivers, yes that is 38, all having tremendous fun with a wide variety of competing machines. In the end, again it was proven that no one shall come out on top unless you can harness the full potential of the car and combine this with your driving ability to secure a spot on the podium. And we did see some really great challenges as the day progressed. Great to see Sean’s return to competition with a serious “Functionally Quick” machine to gain first place and then take up the “call out” to match strides against the mighty R35.  Kiran displayed some hidden talent with his ability to throw his car round corners without touching the cones or the barriers. And Ronnie settled for 3^rd place this time around but we are certain that he will be back to regain his N0 1 sticker.

GT 2, with 18 competitors also produced some very interesting challenges and clearly showed that in any class, one must not only have their own version of a “fast car” but must be able to bond with the machine to produce a fast time.

And GT 1 with 10 competitors saw each and every driver vying for honours, convinced that they could have collard the others and come out on top. We are advised that many who looked on will be coming out to participate at the next event, so we will have a challenge to accommodate as many as possible, and still maintain a level of competency in the smooth execution of the Event.

Once again our special thanks to each and every one who was involved and ensured a really exciting and competitive event. We are advised that the announcers even had their own challenges with Lindsy out lasting Garvin and his sidekick. But they did make a positive difference with their continuous banter, informative commentary on the various competitors and their respective racing machines.

The next Event is carded for… just waiting on confirmation before going public.

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Results:

GT 1

1^st Place         Larry Rampersadisingh Suzuki Ignis

2^nd Place        Jameer Ali Honda Civic

3^rd Place        Yazid Ali Honda Civic

GT 2

1^st Place         Kirk Ho Hing Honda Civic

2^nd Place        Devi Nath Suzuki Ignis Turbo

3^rd Place        Brandon Steele Toyota Corolla FX

GT 3

1^st Place         Sean Shairsingh Mit. Evo FQ 360

2^nd Place        Kiran Kumar Mit Evo III

3^rd Place        Ronnie Seepersad Subaru STI

GT 4

1^st Place           Shiv S. Nissan GTR (R35)

2^nd Place        Peter Morris DAX AC Cobra