28 AUG 2012 - I have been in a Dragster!

I have been a spectator of drag racing for over 15 years now and I have always wondered, "what does it feel like to be thrown into the back of your seat when a car takes off". After years of curiousity I found out that Sydney Dragway together with Fastrack Racing have bought the experience to us mere mortals.

I originally purchased a ticket for my husband for Fathers Day but while standing next the 3 seater beast I was sucked in (or high on fumes???). I signed the indemnity form, paid my money and I was thinking "can I really do this". Hell yes!!!. Standing at the start line watching the others take their turn I started to get a little nervous to be honest, but then it was my turn. Nerves went out the window. No time for them. I was asked to put the racing suit on, while I was doing that I realised I didn't have closed in shoes.. I didn't plan to participate so wasn't prepared. One of the friendly staff of the track came to the rescue and lent me his sneakers. My size 6 foot was swimming in them... I looked ridiculous. The lengths we go to...

Anyway ...

I was suited up with my clown shoes on ready to climb in the monster. On goes the gloves, helmet and neck brace, in goes little me and I couldn't even see over the top of the steering wheel. I think there was about 7 cushions put in behind and under me just so I could see SOMETHING..Whilst getting strapped into the harness I had to put on arm restraints (not because I'm crazy). This is something I didn't know about, that the racers had to have their arms strapped to their harness in case of an accident so their arms aren't flailing around outside the roll cage getting mangled. OK, so I have my helmet on, gloves on, my lounge chair in, my arms strapped to my harness, ready.... or am I.

Before I could ask myself that question the engine fires up and we pull forward to line the back wheels up in the water for the burnout. I was expecting SMOKE SMOKE SMOKE.. oh wait I'm not on the burnout pad, its just to warm the tyres up. Tick Tyres warm. On to the start line we go. I look at the christmas tree, we are staged. The lights slowly pass down the tree from one to the other until. GREEN - HOLY HELL I think I left my teeth on the start line. My cheeks are in my ears, my hands are clenching the steering wheel ( like I'm steering, bwhahah if only). I don't know why I was worried about seeing something. It was over so quick I didn't see anything. We motored back down the return lane and circled back to the start line where I ungraciously climbed out of the monster.

Wow, I'm glad I didn't have anything to worry about other than sitting there. I don't know how anyone can steer a machine going that fast, it isn't anything like me racing (I use the term racing loosely, Its more like a Sunday drive) in my little blue pulsar. My car is a grandma's car compared to this. This was certainly an experience, I can now say...   "I have been in a dragster".

For more information on the Fastrack Drag Racing experience click here.