Herry Agung wins national drag race

JAKARTA (JP): Local racer Herry Agung upset defending champion Canadian Robert Paul to win on Sunday the fourth leg of the national drag race at the Sentul circuit, near Bogor.

Driving a Nissan Fair Lady, Herry, of the Firna racing team, won the free-for-all category in 10:433 seconds. Teammate Wie Wie Rianto was in second place with 10:467, and Paul of the Star Mild team was in third, clocking 11:131.

With the victory, Herry collected 65 points and claimed the former position of Paul, who recorded 64 points. Wie Wie was third with 59 points.

Paul blamed his poor performance on engine trouble in his Holden Torana.

"I drove my car at top speed, but suddenly my car developed engine trouble and only finished in third place," Paul said.

Herry acknowledged that he had faced a psychological test to beat Paul: "At first it was a strain for me to beat Paul, but I managed to overcome the anxiety and won the race."

Drivers of jeeps, Volkswagens and minivans also participated in races at the one-day event. The fifth leg is scheduled to be held in October at the same venue. (lnt)