Ronny wins Star Mild drag race

JAKARTA (JP): Ronny Hermawan won the FFA category of the Star Mild drag race at the Senayan East parking lot early yesterday.

Ronny clocked 7.630 seconds and was followed by Herry Agung with a time of 8.350 seconds and Pratikto Singgih in 8.730 seconds.

The drag races featured the FFA car category, nine events involving different cars and a number of motorcycle races. About 32 participants took part in the FFA car category, 300 in the nine different cars event and 80 in the motorcycle races.

The drivers had to circle the 201-meter track at the parking lot. The three races started at 10 p.m. Saturday and ended 5:30 a.m. yesterday.

Ronny is one of the members of the Star Mild team. The others are Pratikto, Donnie Pangemanan and Dendy Rukmana. Donnie finished in ninth place while Dendy failed to enter the semifinals.

Ten thousand spectators were at the parking lot to watch the race and enjoy the entertainment.

Yesterday's scheduled presentation of the trophy to Ronny was canceled following a protest from two drivers, Herry and Subagyo. They protested that Ronny had jumped the start when the light turned yellow.

Faryd Sungkar, the race controller, said that Ronny did not violate the rules. Tody Andreas, the race juror, did not comment.

"I didn't see Ronny violating the rules but nevertheless, we will discuss the protest," Faryd said.

Trophies were eventually awarded to the winners of the motorcycle races and the nine events involving different cars. (lnt)