THE 2016 Supligen Drag Racing Challenge #1 on March 20, at Vernamfeld in Clarendon, was an action-packed start to the National Drag Racing Circuit’s (NDRC) season.

“We had 180 racers, which is a record amount for the NDRC,” Stephen Gunter, executive member — NDRC, told

Auto.

The first meet of the year was to feature two new major advances; however, due to circumstances outside of their control, only one was implemented, which was brand new timing equipment.

“It worked well,” he said.

For the first time racers were able to get their 1/8 mile speed and elapsed time from the event. Track Bite, the adhesive substance to be added to the racing surface to aid tyres gain more traction, was unfortunately missing in action. In an official statement, the NDRC apologised stating that the product, which is classified as a hazardous material by Jamaican Customs, led to its delay in being cleared in time for the meet.

“We will instead use it from the Test & Tune on May 14,” Gunter said.

Yet, without the aid of the chemical additive, Xavia Murray still was able to go faster than his rivals setting a new Front Wheel Drive record of 9.928 seconds down the quarter-mile in his Honda Civic.

The winners are as follows:

Westlake Tyres 16

Winner: Kirk McKain 18.070sec @ 57.44mph

Triangle Tyres 15

Winner: Leroy Spence 15.101sec @ 87.48mph – Honda Civic Type R

Winner: Cameno Taylor 13.328sec @ 102.78mph – HondaWinner: Donald Francis 12.412sec @ 120.06mph – Toyota StarletWinner: Raffique Golaub 11.105sec @ 115.03mph – Mitsubishi Evo 8Winner: Kenneth Timoll 10.066sec @ 135.62mph – Honda CivicWinner: Xavia Murray 9.928sec @ 139.83mph – Honda CivicWinner: Adrian McLymont 8.141sec @ 174.96mph – Ford Mustang

Superior Parts 14

Winner: Daniel Brown 14.135sec @ 91.42mph – Subaru Impreza WRX

Kumho Tyres 13

Winner: Cameno Taylor 13.328sec @ 102.78mph – Honda

Auto King 12

Winner: Donald Francis 12.412sec @ 120.06mph – Toyota Starlet

Boostane 11

Winner: Raffique Golaub 11.105sec @ 115.03mph – Mitsubishi Evo 8

Maggi 10

Winner: Kenneth Timoll 10.066sec @ 135.62mph – Honda Civic

Riley’s International 9

Winner: Xavia Murray 9.928sec @ 139.83mph – Honda Civic

Pro Race 8

Winner: Adrian McLymont 8.141sec @ 174.96mph – Ford Mustang