Drag racing returned to Hidden Valley on Friday night with over 80 racers hitting the quarter mile for the first time in 2015.
Amongst some of the experienced competition cars were a few first timers taking their cars down the strip. First time racer at the valley Chris Settembri ran a 14.46 in his Holden Commodore.
“This was my first time on the drag strip and I can’t wait to return,” he said.
The weather managed to keep away for what was an eventful night of racing. Brendan Pringle in the Territory On-Site Training Cressida ran an 11.18 at 121mph saying ‘It was an awesome night of racing at Hidden Valley and was a very good start for myself; we’re looking forward to a great year of racing and encourage all new racers to come down and have a go”.
Another personal best was run by Ashley Smith (pictured) in the 565ci 1973 Camaro Coupe running a 9.18, he’s looking forward to quicker times on the 17th April and admits “Joab Coyne was a great help in tuning and advice, the car ran well and also thanks to Lyn Packham and Alicia Smith for being pit crew.”
Craig Davis managed to keep his 600ci Mustang of the wall after coming unstuck halftrack, unlucky though for one of our new racers who had a minor brush with the wall in his Nissan GTR Skyline.
Passenger rides also proved popular and were a great way to mentor new drivers, or just give the girlfriend a good scare.
President Scott Maclean commended the drivers on their patience throughout the night with several new initiatives being trialled. Included in the changes was a move back to the grass pit area for Off Street Racing and new staging lane structures.
The night finished with 6 burnouts cars taking to the Colosseum for some tyre frying action including crowd favourites Sam Locke and Matty Harding. The next event at Hidden Valley Drag Strip is a Test and Tune on Friday 17 April.
Image courtesy: Mike Oneill / www.highrpm.com.au