Big Island Auto Club Completes Season Opener

It happened a month late, but the Big Island Auto Club was finally able to open up its 2015 season at the Hilo Drag Strip over the weekend.

The season was supposed to start last month with a points meet on Feb. 21 and Feb. 22, but heavy rain and unsafe track conditions kept that from happening. That means that the March Points Meet, held March 14-15, served as the new kickoff to the island’s drag racing season.

Among the highlights of the event was the Junior Dragster exhibition, highlighted by Hilo’s Kaimi Francis. Bracket racing was held on each day, including a motorcycle bracket event that concluded on Sunday.

Next up for the BIAC is its annual “Bug In,” held April 18-19. The event will feature bracket racing, quick eight races, an import shoot-out, the Japan vs. Germany team championship, and a Volkswagon car show.

2015 Big Island Auto Club March Points Meet results

Saturday, March 15

Bracket races

Winner – Dean Kalawe in a Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck (8.40 seconds/149 mph)

Runner-up – David Francis in a Chevrolet Camero (red lighted)

Sunday, March 16

Bracket races

Winner – Canin Francis in a Chevrolet Nova (8.55 seconds/153 mph)

Runner-up – Jerry Andrade in a Chevrolet Vega (8.95 seconds/150 mph – red lighted)

Motorcycle bracket races

Winner – Cody Vitale on a Harley Davidson Sportster (11.62 seconds/113 mph)

Runner-up – Kendell Appelt on a Yamaha (11.33 seconds/92 mph)

Results submitted by track announcer Russ Roberts. Hourly reports are provided during each month’s events on radio stations KBIG FM, Native FM, KAPA Hawaiian FM, and ESPN Radio.