Torque sport: Power tool drag racers brace themselves

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

DIY fanatics with a need for speed were today bracing themselves for the ultimate drill-seeking experience — power tool drag racing.

Ultra-competitive drivers from around the world strap themselves into the small, makeshift dragsters powered by engines from chainsaws, disc cutters and leaf blowers.

The mini dragsters – at full throttle – are capable of more than 70mph thanks to their lightweight body and gutsy drivers.

Competitors are hoping to blow away the opposition on runways at the Silverline Power Tool Drag Racing Championship being held at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovil, Somerset.

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The hi-octane spectacle pits boffins from the Royal Navy teaming up with Five’s Gadget Show against power tool companies and DIY enthusiasts from around the globe.

But they face stiff competition from reigning champions, Somerset-based Toolstation, which is entering a three-wheel mini dragster named ‘Bolt Lightning’.

Toolstation completed the 100 metre strip in 8.6 seconds at an average speed of just 26mph last year.

But extra development and investment – they boast technology similar to Jenson Button’s F1 car – will enable them to go nearly THREE TIMES that speed.

Bolt Lightning bangs out 36 horsepower thanks to its SIX disc cutter engines and will be capable of hitting more than 75mph.

Drag racer Barry Lee put Bolt Lightning through its paces in testing and admitted the dragster exceeding expectations.

IT support manager Barry, 35, said: ”Our engineers have introduced innovative new processes.

”We also have an edge on competitors because we have access to some of the newest and most powerful tools coming onto the world market.

”The Makita motors worked perfectly in this morning’s test and while we don’t want to divulge the top speed we are happy to reveal that it superceded all expectations.

”We are really hopeful to achieve another national title this weekend.”

The Silverline Power Tool Drag Racing Championship takes place this weekend

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Adrian Hearn

Twitter: @swns

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Reg

hey,i used a McCullogh chainsaw motor in my racing go-kart in late ’70 ;s in Brisbane inAUSTRALIA !
so,using chainsaw motors for motorised power is old hat !!!

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Torque sport: Power tool drag racers brace themselves

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