Hery wins national drag race

JAKARTA (JP): With the absence of defending champion Robert J. Paul of Canada, Hery Agung easily won the fourth leg of the national drag race yesterday at Sentul, Bogor.

Paul did not compete in the one-day race due to engine trouble just moments before the race began.

Hery of Semarang and driving a Nissan Fairlady, clocked 11.361 seconds. Budi Tohir was in second with 12.280, while Ronny Hermawan, Paul's teammate in the Star Mild team, had to be satisfied in third with 13.093.

Before a crowd of 10,000 spectators, Hery led from the beginning of the race without any interference from the other drivers.

Paul, a consultant, was disappointed over the engine trouble which forced him out of the race and gave Hery victory.

"I am very disappointed by the engine trouble but I am happy to give way to a younger driver to win the race," Paul said.

In the 1,000cc to 1,400cc category, Sugeriawan won first place clocking 15.163, followed by Alex Hunanda with 15.586 and G. Suta Suryantana with 15.782.

In the 1,401cc to 1,800cc category, Sandy K.W. leapt to first place with 14.485. Andika Adiputra was second with 14.977 and Firdianto third with 14.987.

The drag race was also followed by contest between sedans, mini vans, jeeps and Volkswagens. (lnt)