Two of the Manx Drag Racing Association dragsters are to compete in a prestigious international event.

They are making the long trip over to Malta to compete in an international field of cars and bikes at the Maltese Drag Racing Association’s finals between November 22 and 25.

The ’Helzapoppin’ nostalgia dragster based on a Ford Model ’T’, owned by Peter Astell-Burt from the Point of Ayre, and Ballaugh man Ian Merryweather’s ’Banzai’ dragster based on a Fiat Topolino, were shipped over to Heysham, thanks to the Steam Packet, before loading into a container for departure from Felixstowe.

Both cars, which can be seen at the MDRA events at Jurby Motordrome 2019, are powered by supercharged 1000hp v8 6500cc engines with methanol as a fuel - ’Helzapoppin’ runs a Donovan (Chevrolet V8) and Banzai a 392 Chrysler Hemi engine.

’Banzai’, built and driven by Mr Merryweather, has been competing in the UK’s supercharged outlaw class at Santa Pod for the last two years.

Although still under development, the car is capable of covering the 1/4mile in 8.06sec at 169mph - that’s 0-169mph in 8.06sec!

’Helzapoppin’ previously raced back in the 70s and 80s by Dave & Sue Coles from the UK before their retirement.

The car has now been completely rebuilt by Mr Merryweather and ’Banzai’ crew member Steven Russell for Peter Astell-Burt. The beautiful paint and powder coat was applied by Top-Coat of Douglas.

The car will be driven in Malta by Roy Wilding from Wolverhampton who built the new chassis. For the 2019 season a driver is still decided upon.

â?¢ Keep up to date with the team’s progress on Facebook at Team ’Banzai’ Fiat Topolino Supercharged Outlaw.