THE big boys of New Zealand drag racing descend on Hood Aerodrome this weekend, when Masterton Motorplex hosts the Central Nationals, final regional points round of the national competition car series.
And the fastest of them all, Aucklander Mark Holland's Blue Thunder, left, will be the car to watch. The 1970 RT Charger has a 511 cubic inch Chrysler alloy aftermarket racing engine which pumps out 3000hp. It is currently New Zealand's fastest car and NZ Champ and was first "Door Slammer" to run 200mph and first to cover 1/4 mile in NZ in 6 seconds.
Events organiser Bob Wilton expects about 160 cars, with several other door slammers and alcohol cars capable of running in the low 7s, not far behind Holland. Among them are Dave Green in a Corvette, Chris Tynan in a '55 Chev, Tom Richardson ('57 Chev) and last year's winner, Craig Brown in a '55 Chev.
He'll be hoping for a continuation of the fine weather Wairarapa has been enjoying. The has attracted good crowds, which in turn has generated the cash needed to make improvements at Hood.
This week club members were hard at work laying new concrete at the southern end of the runway. This will accommodate scales for weighing the cars both in scrutineering and in the event of a national record. Until now NZ record times could not be recognised because of the lack of weighing equipment.
Wilton said a new set of lights imported from the United States will be in use for the first time.
Saturday's racing is for practice and qualifying, with the finals to be held on Sunday.
Drivers will be keen to accumulate points, their last chance to do so before the nationals. The southern and northern rounds have already been held.
The New Zealand nationals will be held later in the season.
Blue Thunder star of the show at this weekend?s drag meeting
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