There's really no one-size-fits-all in street drags

ALL SORTS: Karen Wood and Raj Patel with their rides for today's Street Drags down Taupo Quay.PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY

Check out this photo for some of the diversity that makes up the field for the 30th anniversary of the Wanganui Road Rodders annual Street Drags down Taupo Quay today.

Aranui School teacher aide Karen Wood was a little worried about the contrast when her 2008 Audi TT parked alongside drags organiser Raj Patel's 1970 XW Falcon on the quay yesterday.

But the dichotomy is perfect to show it does not matter who you are - anyone with a passion for cars and racing can get into this admittedly expensive hobby.

Wood has been a passenger for the last four street drags in the Holden Commodore of her husband Brian who fuelled her passion for the sport.

"I just brought this [Audi] and so I want to give it a go," she said.

She has done a little bit of racing in an RX8, and will be following Mr Wood's advice behind the wheel of her V6 engine, 3.2 litre chariot.

"Look ahead, keep my feet down and go. When it gets so far, [the car] tells me to take my foot off and it will just cruise by itself. I won't be skidding, I'll be just going."

The Woods love racing and have been involved in the past where they enter multiple classes. While there are at least 70 cars entering the various grades tomorrow, Karen remembers that you have to stay alert all day in the pit area to make sure you are on time for your turn: "If you miss out, you miss out."

Patel, who has taken over running the event in recent times from Grant Gulliver, understands the importance of getting the logistics right.

Watching his club members setting up the drums and wires down the strip, Patel said the rules and regulations have changed from those early days in 1986, even if the club member's excitement remains as keen as ever.

"With only two clubs left running street drags in the North Island, there are people out there trying to stop it.

"We're trying to make it as safe as we can and put on a show for the crowd, and get motoring people to come to Whanganui."

With the hard work comes reward as Patel will get to showcase his Falcon, which he has owned for 19 years, during which time it has had three or four makeovers. It has a 5.45 cubic inch engine and 671 supercharger: "This is the combo that I'm happiest with."

But of course, there is no mention of the costs over the years because after all, the missus does read the newspaper.

The Street Drags will be on from 9am to 3pm, with the class finals starting after lunch.