Tyre fires out of control in Tokoroa

5 December 2016

The NZDRA National Drag Racing series kicked off on December 3, with the Super Street Nationals held at Amisfield Dragstrip in Tokoroa.

Despite not being open to Group 1 vehicles, the round was a double-points round, which ensured a great turnout of vehicles from all other classes.

With Tokoroa putting on its best early-summer weather, a decent crowd gathered to watch the action, and none of them left disappointed.

With cars such as the infamous Pit Rat Viva — now in the hands of Wellington’s Eddie Trybula — out on track, there was plenty to keep even the high-horsepower fans happy. The car now runs a 427ci big block where a four-banger once sat, which, as you could guess, caused a few traction issues. Apparently the car is for sale, too, if anyone is keen to try out the madness themselves …

Another crowd favorite was Damon Curson’s Chev Malibu Gasser, ironically a car previously owned by Eddie Trybula. The stack injection may be fake, but the performance is far from it.

Speaking of performance, it’s great to see Mike Carlton’s Corvette back on track after it damaged a transmission just a few weeks back. Next time the car hits a prepped track, we’re expecting to see it drop into the eight-second zone … and yes, it’s street legal!

And now that you mentione quick street cars, the team behind New Zealand’s quickest and fastest G6E Turbo Falcon, Hoskin Racing Developments, had another great day making it into the finals of their class. If it weren’t for the graphics, you’d have no idea that the car is modified — that is of course until you see the low 11-second time slips it regularly produces.

A high calibre of street machines, like this immaculately presented Charger, were right at home tearing up the tarmac — and not all present were old or experienced racers either, with lots of newcomers making the most of the opportunity.
Round two of the NZDRA National Drag Racing series takes place at Masterton Motorplex over the weekend of December 10.