This follows recent reports that many Capetonians have had their license discs removed by the city's traffic department as officers clamp down on modified vehicles.
Killarney, home of the Western Province Motor Club (WPMC), regularly hosts Club Drags, Street2Strip (S2S) and a Streetcar Track day events each month. S2S is an event where road going cars use the drag strip and the full circuit is used in Streetcar track days. Many drivers from all over the Western Cape and as far away as George and Knysna participate.
"Safety is vitally important to us - on the track and on public roads. Modifications by qualified and reputable specialists will generally improve road safety by improving the handling of the cars and off-road vehicles. It is known that driver behaviour - recklessness, impatience, drowsiness, excessive speed, alcohol and substance effects - are the primary reason for road accidents. Unroadworthy vehicles and modified vehicles are not, necessarily, the same thing," says Des Easom, executive manager of Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town.
Long pants, long sleeve tops and a decent crash helmet are required for all drivers and passengers at S2S and Trackday events. The vehicles are also required to pass a safety check and medical teams and the Killarney marshals are at these events.
The WPMC Drag days offer faster drivers the chance to strut their stuff. S2S has a 13 second rule, being the time to travel down the 400m drag strip. Drivers who are quicker are not allowed back to S2S for safety reasons; however, the faster cars may compete at the drag events held under the banner of Motor Sport Association with all the licences and medical insurance cover in place.
