By CHRIS CORDERO
Alice Springs was treated to a revhead’s dream this weekend at the Drag Strip where competitors of all ages battled it out in front of some very impressive crowds.
Broken records and some close calls kept spectators at the edge of their seat in what was organised as a family event, with family pass starting from $60.
Alison and David from Adelaide were thrilled to bring their two children along for the ride: “We have never been to this type of event before, and it has turned out to be a great family experience that fits in with our budget”.
Over both racing days youngsters were on the track as well, with the Junior Dragsters battling it out for the trophy, more testimony to the depth in the sport, and the talent in Alice with all things that have an engine. Other attractions were free tours of the pits and the Andra and Shannons trucks on show.
On day two Chief Minister Adam Giles joined the crowd, touting his government’s commitment to keeping the Desert Nationals in Alice, before getting a ride in a yellow Holden ute on the famed burnout pad. A political crisis loomed when the tyres caught fire – but Mr Giles emerged giving the crowd the thumbs up.
The drag strip is mostly run by volunteers who all hold other jobs outside the track, similar to Karting which is also a growing motor sport here. In both codes women are prominent in the crowd and on the track, as shown by Kylie Tanner who outgunned the men.
In Modified Bikes Brian Flyn proved too strong on the track and a favourite of the crowd which aimed to outroar his machine.
In Super Sedans the champ is once again John Kapiris whose blue machine turned the heads of the crowd.
Super Street lived up to its reputation, delivering some amazing head to head racing. However it was last year’s champ, Tanner, who took out the gold, further showing that gender walls of the sport are being broken down.
PHOTO David Murray.