Standing as one of the few motorsport race-courses in Zimbabwe, Donnybrook Raceway in Zimbabwe is a surviving reminder of the colonial government’s efforts to bring the Formula 1 experience to Zimbabwe. However, things did not too according to plan with the major attraction losing its prominence in the 80’s. Some enthusiasts have tried to keep the sport alive with 4×4 racing, Drag races, and off-road motorbike races.
Of all the adrenaline pumping events held at the raceway almost every Sunday, drag racing has been a major attraction. Its growth was pioneered by Sables DragPro, who managed to get telecoms giant Telecel as a sponsor last year and hp lube Castrol joined the fold this year. Their efforts led to the resurfacing of the entire 2.78km track prior to the 2016 season.
With records being set every Sunday at the quarter-mile track the drag racing is growing with thrill seekers also joining the races. Top-of-the-range cars including bakkies and ex-Japan fuel savers fight for bragging rights in their engine categories. The big gun’s roll in AC Cobra’s and one car that always stands out in the drags is Mano Zevgolis’s Toyota MR2. Its fame rose after breaking into the 10second region last year after clocking 10,89 seconds and achieving a top speed of 211,5km per hour!
You don’t really need to have a high-performance car to drag race. Your normal everyday car can get into the race and you can let loose the speed freak in you! In an interesting development on the sport, Bulawayo’s Terry Allberry who owns an AC Cobra is building the country’s first Drag Rail powered by a Chevy V8 small block. A drag rail is a custom built vehicle specially made for drag racing only and it is commonly used in the professional drag racing circuits.
With all this said, make your way this Sunday to Donnybrook Raceway for the Festival of Speed where the top cars will go head to head on the asphalt. There will also be some drifting by South African professionals and some tire burning spinning by the top Harare crews. It’s a family environment with a play area for kids. Head to webtickets.co.zw to buy your tickets!
