For a majority of us, racing cars is just something we see in movies, but for one Mudgee father and son team, it’s a reality.
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David Cliffe and his son Daniel will head to Queensland this week to make their mark in the Drag Fest Nationals.
This is the second time the team have been invited to compete, but this year, they go side by side.
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Owner of DNK Racing, David Cliffe says although his son is a good racer, it’s a matter of horsepower and skill.
“Oh I am definitely going to beat him.”
“The only way he is going to get me is if he is quicker with his reaction times and I don’t slip up, but he does do well, I’ll give him that.”
“It’ll be pretty interesting.”
The Cliffe boys were originally the first two from New South Wales to race in the fest, but 2018 will see another person from NSW race so now it’s three against one hundred plus Queenslanders, with an approximate total of 170 cars.
David will be in a 1700 horsepower machine, while Daniel will be in a 1500.
Both will compete in the supercharged outlaws category, a section for cars with a factory body and a blown injected engine.
“They go pretty quick.”
The race will be in an elimination style, with the finals held on the Sunday.
Last year, the Cliffe’s made it all the way to the finals but were knocked out, but are hoping to do better.
“It will be more competitive this year but we can always hope.”
“Things can always go wrong so you just never know.”
They were invited based on the fact their cars are huge crowd drawers, meaning the festival will cover expenses in return for spectator numbers.
While this is a helping hand, it is sponsors who really support the racers.
“We have one sponsor this year, Mid State Smash Repairs, and they will sign next year which is just great.”
The team have been preparing for months, checking the engines, and making sure everything is just right.
David and Daniel will head to Warrick on Thursday with their 10 crew members ahead of the event.
Races will begin on Saturday 13, with the all important finals on Sunday 14.
Email our sports journalist | jay-anna.mobbs@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
