Kaua‘i Raceway Park at Mana was where the action was last Saturday and Sunday nights July 2nd and 3rd. A record crowd of spectators and racers filled the evening under the stars with excitement and automotive fireworks. Racing started at
Kaua‘i Raceway Park at Mana was where the action was last Saturday and Sunday nights July 2nd and 3rd. A record crowd of spectators and racers filled the evening under the stars with excitement and automotive fireworks.
Racing started at 2 p.m. and lasted until 12:30 a.m. Some of the highlights included Kevin Rapozo making a blistering 6.57 second run down the 1/4 mile at a shut-off speed of 163 MPH in his blown fuel dragster.
Unfortunately his motor suffered a little melt down and was unable to return for more racing. Not to be out done, the Matsuda team dragster with Riley Takayama at the wheel posted several runs in the high 190’s in their blown fuel rail.
Some other very fast cars were Manny Lawrence in Gary Long’s Purple Haze Racing/ Manny’s Repair 55′ T-bird blown alcohol car and Kevin Sakamoto in the Automotive Machine Works dragster put on a great show for the record size crowd on hand.
Another very fast car was a visitor from Kahului, Maui, Jaime Texeira in his 23 T bucket Altered. Winners of the event took home trophies, cash prizes and lots of tools donated by MAC Tools and Snapon Tools. Another memorable moment was George Matsuda being awarded the “Sportsman of the year” award and a check for $50 from Hawaii Motor Sports News.
Association president Chris Loew says this was one of the most successful events ever and would like to thank their many sponsors and especially the Kaua‘i Police Department for assisting with event security.
Pictures of all the racecars can be seen online at Islandracer.com. If you would like more information about drag racing on Kauai or are interested in working at the track, the Garden Isle Racing Association can be reached (808) 639-1046.