Drag racing continues Saturday night at the Kaua‘i Raceway Park in Mana, with gates opening at 11 a.m. for racers and at 12 p.m. for spectators. Qualifying rounds start at 2 p.m. for the racers to establish their dial-in elapsed
Drag racing continues Saturday night at the Kaua‘i Raceway Park in Mana, with gates opening at 11 a.m. for racers and at 12 p.m. for spectators.
Qualifying rounds start at 2 p.m. for the racers to establish their dial-in elapsed times (ETs) to be used in the elimination races starting at 7 p.m.
The April races were rained out, which established a record for the drag strip: the first rained-out event in its 17-year history.
Since the rainout, the Garden Isle Racing Association members and workers have donated many hours of labor mowing, weed-cutting and readying the track in preparation for the upcoming race.
Because there was no racing in April, a record number of racers are expected at this event.
Racing for all street cars, digital time slips for all runs, and drivers can compete for prize money. Participants need to bring a helmet, driver’s license, and be wearing a shirt, shoes and pants.
Technical inspection is required, so racers must have a current safety sticker and insurance card.
This is the ultimate tailgate party where the norm is to bring the cooler and barbecue and tent for big family gatherings.
The track is located about one mile past Kekaha; turn left at the pine trees and follow the signs.
Adults are $10 including walking admission to the pits (no spectator cars allowed in the pits) and kids 12 and under are free.
Everything from everyday street-driven cars to fire-breathing alcohol dragsters will be dueling it out for points and prizes.
Featured race classes will be Destination Autoworks sponsoring the very quick Pro ET cars, the new Muscle V8 class sponsored by Auto Stylin’ and Performance/Island Style Embroidery, Suzuki Kaua‘i with the Bike (motorcycle) class, and the Jr. Dragster’s presented by PS&D Napa.
Adding to the program will be the Street and Sport Compact classes to provide a full afternoon and evening of fun and excitement.
The Garden Isle Racing Association, which puts on the event, is a non-profit group that operates solely with the support of many volunteers and major sponsors.
Bill Turk, who is the 2006 association president, said the group barely covers expenses with entry gate and racer fees.
Generous participation of local island business sponsors makes it all possible.
For more information contact Turk at 639-3965 or Bud Paxman at 823-9354.
