Dragsters rev it up in Oslo Beach
It’s safe to say that some of the quickest cars in the country drag raced last weekend.
THOSE that live their lives a quarter mile at a time headed to Dezzi Raceway in Oslo Beach for its first ever drag racing event organised by KZN Drag Racing. The event attracted over 3 000 visitors and close to a 100 competitors from KZN and Johannesburg took to the recently sanctioned 400 metre strip, which forms part of the larger race facility that includes a full race circuit as well as two sections built specifically for drifting.
According to KZN Motorsport representative, Darren Lewis, the event proceeded very well.
“The Dezzi Raceway boasts the only permanent drag racing facility in KZN. Drivers have been desperate for a safe family-orientated venue at sea level and many of them looked forward to officially testing their vehicles’ capabilities while their families watched,” said Mr Lewis.
Motorsport SA chairman of drifting, drags and spinning, Wally Pappas, said that illegal drag racing in the province has been a challenge for the community for years. “We welcome regular events like this, that help grow the sport by giving drivers professional facilities and well run events to enjoy,” said Mr Pappas.
Dez Gutzeit said that the event was a real spectacle for the crowds. “We expected a big turnout at the raceway and that’s what we got,” said Mr Gutzeit. Event organiser Michelle Lewis, said that the results show many personal bests and a couple of top times ever recorded in KZN. Highlights on the day included the fastest quarter-mile by Basil Pappageorge in his Nissan Skyline GT-R35, Alpha 12 at 09.197s. The top speed recorded was by Antony Sivalingam in his Nissan Skyline GT-R35, Alpha 16, at 263.7 km/h. Woman driver, Simone Steyn, broke her personal best in her Nissan Skyline GT-R35, Alpha 9 with nitrous, at 09.587s.
Included in the line-up were a host of legendary drivers who had not raced for many years, including Sona Bikshu in his BMW 318i, 1800 turbo charged Nissan engine, who ran a top speed of 13.785s. The fastest biker on the day was Fiaz Mansur, at 09.275s and the top bike speed was done by Coenraad Holl in his 1000cc BMW, at 250.2 km/h.
