Warrnambool and District Drag Racing Association (WDDRA) vice president Tony Frost described the mood at Portland's South Coast Raceway on the weekend as "awesome" for the club's first event since coronavirus restrictions eased.
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"It was awesome, it was great to catch up with everyone, (there was) so many friends and racers from the across the states," he said.
He said it was the first drag racing event the club had attended since the coronavirus pandemic started. It attracted more than 150 entrants.
Half a dozen WDDRA members ventured to the South Coast 660.
Stephen Griffin, in his Holden Torana LJ, took out the super sedan ahead of hot competition.
"He would have been against tough racers because everyone was there to chase the championships," Frost said.
The vice-president said it was a race which relied on good reaction time with small margin for error.
Griffin had to beat Dave Todd, Graeme Cooper and Peter Tzokas before seizing his opportunity in the final against Whyalla's Robyn Phillis.
"He had to beat one of the best racers in Australia, Graeme Cooper, in the rounds," Frost said.
He had to beat one of the best racers in Australia, Graeme Cooper, in the rounds.
- Tony Frost
The vice-president said sweltering weather conditions were another challenge for racers to overcome.
He praised South Coast 660 organisers for running the event consistently despite the heat.
Frost said WDDRA was hoping to run events this year but nothing was set in stone.
He said it had been hard to lock in races because of the uncertainty of the pandemic.
The cost of fire trucks and medical services are among the considerations which come into organising a drag racing event.
The vice-president said the club had a successful show and shine at Lake Pertobe on Boxing Day.
Frost said WDDRA also helped out with Warrnambool Kruzin' Classics Car Club's show and shine on the weekend in Warrnambool.