Summerland Drags

ROGER READY FOR ACTION

Roger Wren never fancied himself as a motorsport competitor until the start of one-eighth mile drag racing at Casino Airport in 2010.
He is now a regular entrant in the motorcycle class and has really taken to the challenge of competing and posting the fastest time against his opposition.
“I have always been keen on motorsport but never had the opportunity to compete until the Casino Drags came along,” Wren, 48, said yesterday in preparation for this weekend’s final showdown of the season.
“I haven’t had any previous drag racing experience at all. I only started when the Summerland Drags commenced at Casino Airport. The fact that it was on – and I heard about it – so I decided to have a go. I was only a spectator at the first few meetings and then got involved with the racing,” he added.
Roger rides a powerful 900cc four cylinder-four stroke Honda Hornet bike which he says churns out an estimated 95 horsepower.
The bike is basically a stock standard, off the production line 2006 model. He has fitted high performance exhaust pipes as the only modification to the factory built Honda product.
This has resulted in better times for his drag strip runs in the five meetings he has so far contested since his entry into the sport at the July, 2010 fixture.
“I have slowly improved my times over the one-eighth mile distance. I only had standard pipes on it when I started, but since the installation of the new pipes I have improved my times.
“I have also improved my reaction reflexes at the start and gear changes etc. I started off doing times in the high eights and my best time now is a 7.84 second pass.”
Wren says his biggest obstacle toward a top three result this weekend is some of the more powerful bikes entered in his class, but with better times – and faster runs – he believes he can record his first major placing.
“I have been up in the top five or six – when I have raced against bigger, more powerful bikes.
With the improvements to my bike, I have got faster with my times, but there still needs to be more improvement to match it with ‘em. I am quietly confident I can do it.”
His entry into the world of drag racing has not come with illusions of grandeur. Roger, who is employed as a truck driver in the earth moving business, is quite happy to confine his interest to competing at Casino Airport.
“I am not looking at going up to another level of drag racing or doing anything outside of Casino. I am just enjoying what they have there at the moment. I was very impressed with the improvements made there and the past few meetings have been very good.”
Wren certainly has a lover affair with his bike, which is a road registered machine he uses as his daily transport to and from work.
“I ride it to work and on weekends and it’s basically a stock standard sports bike. It’s not a racing bike with body faring or anything modified to the frame. It’s just a stock standard model,” he explained.
If past performances count for anything, Wren is quietly confident of another improved showing at the Casino Airport fixture Saturday.
Promoter David Lander will bring the curtain down on another season of drag racing at the venue this weekend.

IMPRESSIVE CASINO DRAG RACING V8 ENTRY LIST

Organisers of the July 23 drag race fixture at Casino Airport have received an impressive entry list for the V8 Street Sedan category.

Twenty-one nominations have been accepted so far, though more are expected before nominations close for the Saturday week (afternoon) fixture, which also features a “Leadfoot Ladies” competition and also a display by a freestyle motorcycle stunt team.

The V8 Street Sedan category line-up includes heavy hitters Matt Bruce, wheeling his superfast Shelby Cobra, Paul Dossett (Z28 Camaro), Phillip Aish (Cobra) and Lee Gorton (HQ Holden Monaro).

It sets the scene for what promises to be an exciting contest to determine top honours for the day. All contestants will enter a series of elimination events until the final two fastest cars race-off for the Casino championship.

The “Leadfoot Ladies” event has created plenty of interest amongst the drag racing fraternity. Eleven women have nominated in their bid to show the men how it’s done.

The entrants are: Debra Mortimer (VE-HSV GTS), Emma Randall (VTII Clubsport R8), Theresa West (Holden Commodore VX), Julie Allen (XR8 Ute), Kylie-Anne Millard (Holden Commodore), Norma Goldman (XR6 Ute), Tamara Waters (Holden Commodore VT), Rachel Bennett (Holden Commodore), Melinda Woods (Mini Cooper), Rebecca Robertson (Nissan Skyline R33) and Terri Sander (Rover).

Promoter David Lander has lined-up a big variety programme of drag racing for the afternoon.

“We have got seven different categories featured for the afternoon including both cars and bikes,” he said.

“The special event for the ladies has created a lot of discussion and we will certainly see some exciting racing during the afternoon. Also the appearance of the FMX Kaos International Freestyle Motorcycle Stunt team promises to provide some breath taking action.”

There will be two, 25-minute stunt displays by two motorcyclists who will perform spectacular ramp jumps and somersaults high above the ground. The team has performed throughout Australia and will be one of the major attractions at the upcoming July 23 Casino Airport drag racing fixture.

FREESTYLE MOTORCYCLE STUNTS AND LEADFOOT LADIES COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS JULY 23

The July 23 drag race fixture at Casino Airport will be highlighted with the appearance of the FMX Kaos international freestyle motorcycle stunt team and a special event for the “Leadfoot Ladies.”

It is all part of a big variety programme on the day with events also scheduled for vehicle exhibition class, supercharged/turbocharged, eight, six and four cylinder street vehicles, plus a motorcycle category.

However, the major performance of the day belongs to the daredevils from the FMX Kaos motorcycle stunt team.

Two riders will go through their paces in an amazing freestyle display of skill and daring that will have the fans gasping.

Two performances are scheduled for the day, each of 25 minute duration. Back flips, somersaults and other gravity defying runs by riders on 250cc motorcycles, it’s all part of the show!

A special autograph signing session for the fans also will be organised during the afternoon along with the availability of apparel, stickers and photographs.

FMX Kaos freestyle team provide one crazy, entertaining event not to be missed. The riders have an impressive menu of tricks such as the “Heart Attack”, “Jackhammer”, and “Rocksolid” – all of which have to be seen to be believed.

The drag racing side of the card is highlighted with a special event titled “Leadfoot Ladies.

The females have their chance to show the guys how it’s done.

Debra Mortimer (VE-HSV GTS), Emma Randall (VTII Clubsport R8), Theresa West (Holden Commodore VX), Julie Allen (XR8 Ute), Kylie-Anne Millard (Holden Commodore) and Rebecca Robertson (Nissan Skyline) are the entrants.

The ladies will contest a series of elimination runs on timed performances to determine the two finalists who will race for the “Leadfoot Ladies” title.

Action starts at midday and continues all afternoon until sunset. All events at the one-eighth mile Casino Airport drag venue are held under the sanction of the sport’s national controlling body – Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA).

FMX Kaos to headline July 23rd meeting!

A freestyle motocross team will be an attraction at the Summerland Drags race fixture at Casino Airport on Saturday, July 23.

Promoter David Lander has booked the FMX Kaos international freestyle motorcycle team for two 20 minute events during the afternoon’s fixture.

The motocross team will conduct a variety of stunts and tricks to keep the fans entertained.

The FMX outfit is reputed to be the first and original motocross team in Australia. The outfit has performed at over 1000 shows throughout Australia and overseas over the past eight years.

The Kaos crew pride themselves on being the innovators and always bring something new to their show.

The upcoming July 23 Summerland Drags show will represent the first time the FMX Kaos international freestyle team has appeared at the one-eighth mile Casino Airport drag venue.

The team will have in action two 250cc motorcycles with riders performing a wide range of tricks and stunts.

“The free style motocross performances will add another dimension to the day’s events and is an attraction in its own right,” Summerland Drags promoter David Lander said.

“The team will go through their paces in their repertoire that will certainly be spectacular and exciting. I am sure spectators will enjoy their performance,” he added.

The July 23 fixture also will be highlighted with the running of a special event, titled “Leadfoot Ladies.”

It’s the turn of the women to show their class in the world of drag racing with this special event which is open to all car categories. It’s a case of “run what you brung” for the ladies – and for all other categories for that matter.

Cars and bikes will be featured on the variety card in the afternoon of drag race action.

Nominations are now being accepted for the JULY 23 fixture and entries can be forwarded via this website.

Nomination cost is $50 which includes vehicle entry and competitor admission.

The JULY 23 meeting is the third of four one-eighth mile drag race fixtures conducted under the Summerland Drags banner for 2011.
All events at the one-eighth mile Casino Airport drag venue are held under the sanction of the sport’s national controlling body – Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA).

IMPRESSIVE RUNS HIGHLIGHT MAY 21 FIXTURE

Six categories contested the Saturday, May 21 one-eighth mile drag race fixture at Casino Airport.

A highlight of the day was the Mr Two Wheels knock-out series, eliminated down to the eight fastest riders until two remained in contention for title honours.

The day featured some spectacular high speed passes and exciting action as competitors from each of the respective divisions battled for outright victory in their class.

Car divisions on display were: Exhibition, Turbo/Supercharged, Eight Cylinder Street, Six Cylinder Street, Four Cylinder Street and an unlimited motorcycle class.

NEXT MEETING – JULY 23

The next drag race fixture at Casino Airport will be held on Saturday, July 23 and is open to all car and bike categories.

Highlight of the day will be the Lead Foot Ladies event.

CASINO KNOCK-OUT DRAG RACE SERIES THIS SATURDAY

Drag racing returns to Casino Airport this Saturday afternoon, (May 21), highlighted with the Mr Two Wheels knock-out series.

Four, six and eight cylinder street cars, turbo/supercharged sedans and “exhibition” car class categories are also programmed for the afternoon events.

Saturday’s fixture is the second of four meetings planned for this year at the Casino Airport. A fixture also is set down for next July and September.

Promoter David Lander said the concept of drag racing on the Casino Airport airstrip has been very successful after he was given the go ahead to conduct events at the site last year by Richmond City Council.

“We have had a very good response from competitors since we introduced drag racing to the Casino area last year. It certainly fills a gap for local racers who before Casino had to travel long distances to compete.

“This Saturday the highlight will be the elimination series for bikes with over 30 entries received.

“It will get down to the final two fastest riders who will go head-to-head to decide the winner,” Lander explained.

The motorcycle knock out competition will run along similar lines to the previous fixture when the cars contested the same format. The fastest eight riders from earlier runs against the clock will then enter the knock-out tournament.

This weekend’s meeting will commence at midday and will run until sunset.

The fixture, which officially heralds the start of Beef Week in the Northern Rivers, features a “heads-up, run what you brung” theme.

With this, all cars and bikes are eligible to compete provided all machines meet specification requirements in pre-race scrutineering.

The fixture will be controlled by race officials from the Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA).

HISTORY IN THE MAKING AT MARCH 19 CASINO AIRPORT DRAG MEET

World motorsport history will be created on March 19 at the Casino Airport drag race fixture with the entry of an electric car in the registered and un-registered road car racing category.

The Toyota Camry that will be seen in action at the Saturday afternoon fixture is entered by the Lismore City Toyota dealership.

Manager Karl Dillaway says the entry of the electric car, which will run up against the normally petrol-aspirated engine cars, has already created plenty of interest.

“It will be a good promotion because this is the first time in the world that an electric car has participated in a drag racing fixture,” Mr Dillaway said.

“It is also good for the environment. We thought also that this car clearly shows that you can still have fun using an environmentally friendly car in an area of the motorsport industry that is often so heavily criticised for a so-called bad image,” he added.

Mr Dillaway said he had high expectations the electric Toyota would hold its own against the opposition. He said the specifications of the electric powered Toyota provide a very good top end acceleration speed which is what is required for drag race competition.

See history in the making on Saturday, March 19 at Casino Airport drags.

Keep watching this website for more details on the electric Toyota racecar.

ELIMINATION V8 SERIES TO HIGHLIGHT MARCH 19 DRAG RACE FIXTURE

The Mr V8 Elimination series will be one of the highlights of the drag racing season opening fixture at Casino Airport on Saturday, March 19.

The series is open to all V8 road registered cars. The tournament will be reduced down to the final top eight cars in a format adopted under the banner of the Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) national controlling body.

The series will feature the fastest eight cars that will then progress to a knock-out format.

The culmination of the tournament will get down to the two finalists who will race out for honours in the series sponsored by Go Motors.

In what promises to be another big weekend of drag racing, other classes seen in action will be four and six cylinder, Exhibition (turbo/supercharged) categories for registered cars.

Bikes also will be featured on the big event card that will feature seven hours of afternoon drag racing under daylight saving conditions.

Promoter David Lander is planning to run four events this year at the Casino Airport facility. He is appreciative of the co-operation and support given by the Richmond Valley Council who has made these drag racing fixtures possible.

“I am very appreciative of the working relationship we have established with the Richmond Valley Council who has been good to deal with in the planning stages for these events to go ahead.

“The four meetings are geared up as a day of family entertainment and I hope the fans really enjoy the action this year,” David Lander said.

A big entry list is expected for the first meeting in 2011 sponsored by North Coast Wholesale Cars.

CASINO DRAG RACE ACTION TO RESUME ON MARCH 19

One-eight mile drag racing returns to the Casino Airport on Saturday, March 19, for an afternoon of high speed action.
Promoter David Lander will conduct the first of four Summerland Drag racing fixtures approved for this year by the Richmond Valley Council.
“The fans will see a variety of different car classes, while bikes also will be featured on the programme.
“I want to thank the Richmond Valley Council for their support and co-operation for allowing these four meetings to go ahead. The big thing is that they are great days of family entertainment and the people thoroughly enjoy these events,” David Lander said.
The second fixture of the season will be held on Saturday, May 21 heralding the start of the annual Beef Week activities.
Meetings are also scheduled for July and September.
A big entry list is expected for the opening fixture of the season in March sponsored by North Coast Wholesale Cars.
A highlight of the day will be the running of the Go Motors-sponsored Mr V8 Series for road-registered V8 powered cars.
The tournament will be conducted on a knock-out basis and run under a race formula operated by the Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) national controlling body.
The series of elimination races will feature the fastest eight cars, with the loser eliminated until the two remaining entries race for honours.
The classes eligible to compete at the Summerland Drags show include four, six and V8 cars (registered and unregistered), Exhibition (Dragsters) and bikes.
Action will commence at noon and will continue until sunset.
With daylight saving still in operation next March, fans are assured of up to seven hours of race action in what promising to be an exciting afternoon of drag competition.

It's All System Go For 19 March

17/12/10

Drag racing enthusiast will be delighted with the news that Summerland Drags has set the dates for the first two of four drag racing events for 2011. Those dates being Saturday 19th March and Saturday 21st May 2011.

The DA to conduct drag racing on the Casino airstrip allows four drag racing events per annum for five years was approved by Richmond Valley Council at its October meeting.

“It’s pedal to the metal for drag racing on the Casino strip,” David Lander said today in an interview on 88.9 FM. “Our first event, weather permitting, will be held in only three months on Saturday, March the 19th.”

“The second event will be held during Casino’s Beef Week on the opening weekend,” he continued.

120 competitors are booked in for the March meeting, leaving only 30 vacancies. Aspiring competitors should go to summerlanddrags.com and nominate quickly as positions will fill to 150 competitor limit.

It has been decided as an attraction to the first meeting we are going to run a Mr. V8 competition. All road registered V8s in that class will do a run and the fastest 8 will go into a round robin competition. This will still allow time for everyone to get a minimum of 3 runs on the day.

Next Meeting 19th March 2011