After eight years of racing on the circuit, as well as competing in drag racing, 26-year-old Loumari Grobler came to a place where she had to choose only one.
“Although I loved racing on the circuit, I decided to concentrate on drag racing, because I feel I have a better chance at excelling,” she said. According to her, she has been involved in drag racing for almost four years, competing in the South African National Drag Racing Championships at Tarlton Raceway. “I enjoyed the events very much, but decided to look for another venue to live out my passion,” she said.
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She found this venue early this year and started competing in the Street Wars and Fast Fest events held at the old airport in Brakpan. “We have races on the first Sunday of every month which totals to 12 events a year. To qualify for the championship and prize money, you have to compete in at least six of these events. When I competed in my first race at my first event, I rode my best time ever, which was 9,63 seconds at a speed of 237 kilometres per hour over 400 metres. I loved it!” she said with a big smile.
Loumari’s motorcycle is a blue Suzuki GSX 1 000 which she has lovingly named Smurfie. “We bought this motorcycle from the late Wayne Heasman. It was the first motorcycle on which he set a drag racing record – and the record still stands today,” she said.
She said her goal is to win the drag racing championship this year. She believes that she stands a good chance to do so. “Although the year is still long and anything can happen, I believe I can win the championship. At the moment I share the lead with another competitor, but you can score a lot of points at each event, making it possible for me to pull out in front,” she said.
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The thing she loves most about the drag racing circuit, is the support from the spectators. “There is always a lot of spectators – they love the speed and noise of the engines. I love it when people come and talk to me or take photos with me and the motorcycle – I feel like a celebrity!” she said, laughing.
The Record asked her what the secret of being a good racer is, and she answered without hesitation, “You have to be best friends with your motorcycle, and have trust in it, otherwise you will be uncomfortable and not be able to ride. You motorcycle is not like Herbie – it cannot ride itself – you have to do it.”
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