Drag racing fever reaches Lobatse

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Friday June 28, 2013 00:00

Organised by Spin City Botswana in partnership with Robot Auto, the race will put to test some of the country's fastest cars and motorcycles' power and acceleration over a 400 metre track to determine the ultimate champions. Speaking to Mmegi Sport yesterday, chairperson of Spin City Motorsport Joseph Khengere said everything is set and there has been a growing interest among drivers wishing to compete in the race.'It has gained a lot of momentum, just last night we had a meeting with over 10 drivers who are keen to take part. This will be the hottest drag ever to hit Botswana,' he said. He promised spectators a fun-filled day and urged them to come in large numbers to cheer their favourite car makes and drivers. Among the super machines that will be competing are German makes BMW (M3, M5), Mercedes Benz AMG's and Volkswagen (VW) GTis. Fierce competitions will also be expected between highly powered Japanese model Subaru as well as American model Chevrolet with its Lumina SS model.

The entry list was to be finalised last evening, but Khengere indicated they had initially planned to register only 20 cars, but may be forced to go on to 30 due to the growing interest in the race. The format of tomorrow's race will see cars first compete within models to determine the winner in a particular model in the first elimination stage. The winners from several models will then take on one another en route to determining the fastest car of the day. The motorcycles will also compete in the same format and on the same route. Winners will receive prizes to be announced before the race. On safety, Khengere said the race would adhere to very strict safety precautions, keeping the spectators away from the racetrack. He said they would also make sure that the competing cars are in top condition to curb accidents.

' All competing cars have to pass a road worthiness test before the race,' Khengere said. He added that they have also liaised with all stakeholders, including the town council and the police and rescue workers who will be on standby at the race.