Racing postponed due to rain
The first round of the National Drag Racing Championships was put on hold.
Aside from the rainy weather that had set in the previous night, the drag racing championships looked as if they were well underway, when a spell of rain hit the track late morning on Sunday, March 22.
Racers were opted the opportunity to carry out practice runs early that morning with racing starting with an hour delay at round 10:00.
The heavens opened and rain poured down shortly after the initial qualifiers took place. This put a definite hold on the championships, as the track became too slippery for the racing to continue.
“When it is overcast it’s nice because the track stays cool, but with the rain it becomes too dangerous. There can’t be any water on the track,” said Leon du Plooy.
Locals Leon du Plooy, Mark van der Westhuizen and Michael Ludick will be back at Tarlton International Raceway this weekend after the postponement of the first round of the National Drag Racing Championships.
“We aren’t going to change anything with Mark’s bakkie, I am happy with his practice runs and his bakkie is running more straight now,” said Leon du Plooy.
Don’t worry though, Tarlton International Raceway released a statement saying that in spite of the rain, the championships would take place on March 29 and that ticket holders of the previous rained out event could use their tickets to gain access this weekend. Ticket sales prices would also be reduced.
Among the championship races, the J34 Westinghouse Jet Dragster will be lining up to blast the crowd out of the grandstands.
Spectators who were at Tarlton on Sunday watched a display of aeronautic skill as the pilot of a Cirrus aircraft tumbled and looped just metres in the air above the grandstands and along the strip, as if taunting the Alfa 16 GTR to come out and play. This weekend you might just see them go head to head down the strip.
Amongst the great entertainment spectators had the chance of watching FMX riders throw sick tricks between ramps, while DJs spun the decks and the models strutted on the catwalk.
Last week Leon added that he was confident in breaking the 9s again, not making any alterations to his Turbo Extreme Clinic bakkie, he aims to keep to his word.
Both Michael and Mark are set to beat their previous times having made some adjustments to their rides since the last nationals in September 2014.
If you are a fan of motor sports or noisy 10 second cars, then be sure to head on over to Tarlton this weekend and show some support for the local guys who are bound to break their personal bests.
