WORDS: HARRY NAIDOO / PICS: MARCUS KOTIAH

I write this editorial with tears in my eyes. KZN finally has a permanent Drag Racing facility at Dezzi Raceway in Port Shepstone. Over the last few decades, it is a well-known fact the issues and politics surrounding Drag Racing in Kwa-Zulu Natal with regards to having a permanent venue. Loyal Racers and Drag fanatics often have to drive numerous hours, often stay over just to enjoy watching Drag racing. Those days are over…

Often these events had a host of Street modified cars and gave drivers an opportunity to finally push their cars to its limit. KZN MSA Drag Commissioner Darren Lewis along with Desmond Gutzeit was instrumental in bringing Drag Racing to the doorsteps of many enthusiasts.

The idea was to make Drag racing more available to the racer and the patron. KZN Drag Racing wanted to bring fellow racers out of retirement and line them up side by side to the future of the sport. Gas Magazine head offices were used for a Drag Racing briefing, which saw many role players, tuning houses and influential personalities sit down and discuss how we intend to grow the brand of motorsport and make it sustainable. The rest as they say was history.

On the 27th of June, 5000 people witnessed history in the making. They were treated with numerous cars that traveled from around the country. Czank Racing, Quentin Boylan’s Drag Cartel Honda, Nxgen and the lads from SNS made the trip down to Dezzi Raceway. Basil Papageorgio treated the KZN faithful’s to a 9.19s pass at 255km/h making it the fastest pass by any vehicle over 400m in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The fastest bike of the day went to Fiaz Mansur, 9.275 @ 241.2km/h. Anthony Sivalingham had the fastest exit speed for the day @ 263km/h.

Sub 10 second passes were the order of the day but most importantly, veterans of the sport got to make their return to Drag Racing including Sona Bhikshu, Donaven Mannaru, Vino Naidoo (Stars), Rajen Sahadeo with Mano Khan watching the proceedings from the start line. We are told his escort will be making a return soon.

I write this editorial with tears in my eyes. KZN finally has a permanent Drag Racing facility at Dezzi Raceway in Port Shepstone.

SIMONE STEYN 9.5SEC @243.6KM/H

KZN Drag Racing ensured that this event was family friendly with plenty of abolition facilities, Large Food Court, Grand Stand arena, Security as well as ocean views. We look forward to see what the future holds.