250 drivers compete in Gudang Garam drag race

JAKARTA (JP): About 250 drivers will compete in a one-day second-leg Gudang Garam drag race at the Sentul circuit, Bogor, on April 11.

Organizer Sigit Hardadi said on Thursday that, so far, 150 drivers have registered for the race.

"We hope that the number will increase to 250 by April 11. Participants in the first leg reached 263," Sigit said.

Among the drivers competing in the race are Robert Paul, Herry Agung, Ono Mikono, Sugeriawan and Donny Pangemanan.

Paul, a Canadian who resides in Jakarta, won the first leg with a time of 10.84 seconds.

Registration is still open for those interested in taking part in the drag race as well as other races. They may register at the Rally Tama Group Secretariat, Jl. Barito I/7, South Jakarta, or at the Sentul circuit.

The other races include a Free for All and sedan, minibus, pickup and jeep events.

Wie Wie Riantor, who won the drag race in 1997, said that he hoped to beat Paul and, at the same time, better the time of 10.84 seconds.

"I have made some changes to my car (Holden Commodore) and I feel confident I can beat Paul," Wie Wie said.

Wie Wie defeated Paul in 1997 clocking 12.286. Paul clocked 12.635.

Gunawan Tjandra, team manager for Wie Wie, Herry and Budi Tohir, also expressed confidence that Wie Wie could defeat Paul.

"I hope that Wie Wie can do what he did in 1997 in the coming race," Gunawan said.

Rio Sarwono, one of the circuit's directors, welcomed the national cigarette company Gudang Garam sponsoring the drag race.

According to Rio, Gudang Garam has sponsored drag races in the country for the past two years.

"It is, of course, our wish that Gudang Garam continues to sponsor not only drag races but also other races," Rio said. (lnt)