Local drivers turn to street-racing

Very much sceptical about agreeing to go to a “drag-race” event, since the Wallerfield track is no longer available, I decided to take the plunge after some convincing from “Sunil.” He explained that since the “guys” have no designated track to race, there have been groups of drivers who meet for impromptu challenges at various points around the country.

“For many of them, this is the only alternative. They have these altered vehicles which are just parked up most of the time. They have spent a lot of money fixing them up and they want to race them, so like natural human nature, they will find a way to have these races,” Sunil said bluntly.

The phone call from Sunil about the “race” came late one Friday night. He said some drivers planned to meet at a location in South Trinidad within the next 30 minutes or so. He also mentioned that they don’t usually stay for more than two hours, since they are aware that the streets are not sanctioned for racing. When Newsday arrived, there were just about five cars in the area, but within about 15 minutes, this had jumped to about 20 race cars, and almost 200 spectators. You could literally feel the excitement and anticipation building as drivers challenged each other and lined up for quarter-mile sprints.

Many of the drivers were excited at having someone from the media come to an event to highlight their plight, while some were cautious about having their names or vehicle registration numbers revealed.

“Aleem,” whose car has clocked one of the fastest times locally — 11 seconds — said he believes he has no choice but to take part in street races.

“We have no track and I cannot afford to take my car abroad to race. I have a family and a business that I cannot leave unattended. Plus, it is very expensive to race abroad.”

He said his car is also roadworthy. “I sometimes use my car for everyday purposes. It has all the safety requirements for the road, as well as the speed for drag racing.

“I have a fire extinguisher, helmets, seatbelts, and I check and repair my brakes regularly. I will not take chances with my life or anyone else’s when I am racing.”

What many of the drivers agreed on is the seemingly lack of understanding and attention from the Government about their plight, since losing the Wallerfield track. Even though the representative bodies for motorsport are aware that promises had been made by the Government for a replacement venue, a lot of time has elapsed with the drivers having no idea about when this would materialise.

They said, “ We would like the media and the public, as well as private and corporate entities, to support our beloved sport and its competitors as we continue to seek a permanent home for motor racing that can encourage growth and prosperity to the sport.”

Back to the event taking place, as the first two cars lined up, the adrenalin was really flowing as other involved onlookers called out friendly challenges to each other concerning which of the two cars was their favourite. The small crowd screamed in delight as the cars sped off down the quarter-mile stretch, while at the finish line, anxious judges waited to see the winners.

One of the more exciting sights, apart from the races, was the “Mad Cow” car driven by “Sting”, which has become well-known for its amazing spinning stunts. As soon as Sting revved up his engine, all eyes were glued to his car and he drove about 40 feet then started revolving for about eight times before speeding off down the stretch.

The spectators lined up along the roadside were aware that accidents could happen, but one of them said he used to go to Wallerfield to race when he was younger, and now that the track is no longer there, he would come out to watch wherever the drivers choose to race.

“I don’t race anymore, but I like to watch and this is the only place these guys have for their races,” he said.

Next week: The state of motor sport in TT