2015 Curaçao Drag Fest

The end of April is quickly approaching. This is the time of year everyone from the A-B-C islands expect some outstanding drag racing to take place in Curaçao, a tradition started back in the early 1970's. Accordingly so, organizing activities are in full swing and the entire racing community is excited, just having gone through the race registration process Tuesday night.

Racing will be tough again this year for the race organizers are bringing some of the best cars from throughout the region. But the locals are hungry and ready.... too bad I won't be here to see it. But if you happen to be in Curaçao, you must attend. Just tell your cabbie to drive you to the track at Ronde Klip. If you're a drag race enthusiast, please visit the track's website on race dates, by clicking here. They might have live feed.

From Aruba a couple of competitor's names that stand: Proud & Rebel, Molester, and Don Flip Racing. Of course, Venezuela will be dully represented with more than 12 cars, amongst others a range of Zapato Grande entries. From the Dominican Republic, the following cars will be present: El Barney (Giomaly Correa), and The Beast (Vladimir Curiel). And from Puerto Rico: El Burro, El Pa, La Zulaima and New Rooster.

Car classes are as follows: Super Modified Stock A, Extreme Imports, Super Pro Comp, Super Comp, Super Gas, Top Sportsman, Import Class, Import Class, Outlaw FWD, Krioyo Bracket, ET Bracket.

Bike classes are as follows: Sportsman bike, Super Comp bike, Quick 32 bike, Krioyo Outlaw Bike.

Event schedule:
Tuesday, April 28, traditional auto show at Brionplein, Willemstad
Wednesday, April 29, a Test & Tune session
Thursday, April 30, drag races
Friday, May 1        drag races
Saturday, May 2    drag races

Below are some of the cars that will be arriving next week to participate in the Curaçao Drag Fest.

cars representing Puerto Rico

Zapato Grande from Venezuela

The Beast

Source: Fundashon Autosport Curaçao (FAC), Curaçao Int'l Raceway
Photo credit: FAC

Our Cars!

Maybe its just me, but I am always very proud to see "our" cars competing at the highest levels in drag racing stateside. Such small islands like Aruba and Curacao still have enough fighting spirit to be amongst the only foreign teams, or car owners in the case of King Kong V, to be competing in ADRL, the most exciting drag racing league in the world. This is not an exaggeration. To see for yourself, click here.

With "our cars" I am referring to the Ford Mustang of Team Aruba, driven by Trevor Eman (an Aruban native), and the Dodge Stratus of Frankie Brandao, driven by legendary racer Pat Musi, who uses his engines to power King Kong V to many round wins and even some records. The two cars do not compete in the same category.

The video below shows, amongst others, King Kong V's first round win at 1:26 minute mark, and a second round loss at the 2:45 minute mark, at the Spring Drags in Bristol, Tennessee.



Team Aruba is one of those that is loved by the fans. They have been presented the friendliest team award by the fans, at least once that I can remember.... correct me if I'm wrong.
The team is mostly, if not completely, comprised of Arubans who fly back and forth to the U.S. to race against the well established American teams. They do one hell of a job and are well on their way to securing a win one of these days. And Trevor is gaining much experience each round and is very quick on the tree. They are racing this weekend at the 34th Mountain Motor Nationals at Budds Creek, Maryland.

To watch another video of King Kong V racing at M.I.R., click here.

Thanks for reading.

Source: ADRL