THE National Drag Racing Circuit (NDRC) launched its 2016 season on Friday, March 4, at the South Beach Café, St Andrew, with the aim to make improvements over 2015 that saw multiple on- and off-track records broken.

“The NDRC continues to improve on the quality of the event experience for racers and fans alike,” Stephen Gunter, NDRC executive member, told

Auto.

According to the group’s data, the NDRC increased its registered racers in 2015 by 35 to a total of 303. Across the five race meets last year, they averaged nearly half that in competitor participation, with a massive peak at their July event that saw 164 racers turning out. With such numbers, the action has been fast and furious, drawing big crowd numbers and matching sponsorship from corporate Jamaica.

Announced at the launch was the addition of Castrol as a sponsor through their Castrol Edge brand of lubricants, while Lasco joined in with their iCool beverage.

“There will be a sponsor for every class, 8 straight through to 16,” Christopher Elliot, NDRC executive member, added.

The NDRC formula has been a success and there haven’t been any major changes for 2016 — just a few tweaks. Entry costs into the sport for drivers continue to be $3,000 yearly one-time registration fee. New for this year, registered drivers will be allowed to attend NDRC events free of charge even if they’re not racing. Prize money for the top two finishers has been increased. Times should also get faster as the NDRC will be professionally treating the long-worn Vernamfield concrete surface with Track Bite, a substance that increases adhesion for drag racing slicks.

“We will surely see an increase in performance for all racers,” Gunter explained.

Drag racing continues to be big in the media, drawing both local and regional attention. With Cayman Islands racers already in the mix, the Bahamas will soon join them on Jamaican soil to go head-to-head with established racers here.

— Rory Daley