MANA — Adam Beetles was a dual winner at the final drag races for the 2023 presented by the Garden Isle Racing Association at Kaua‘i Raceway Park in Mana.
Spanning two special race events, Beetles was the winner of the Two-Wheel Takedown for motorcycles and the King of the Track, which featured top winners of each of the race classes.
“Adam Beetles put on quite a show and was the victor of the motorcycle class Two-Wheel Takedown netting him a prize purse of more than $1,000,” said Rob Nelson, a GIRA board member. “He outraced a field of 14 bikes, including longtime racer Mike Wellman, who finished second.”
Beetles continued on his winning journey, facing cars from the Pro ET and Sport Compact classes to claim the King of the Track honor.
According to Nelson, top point earners for the season from each of the classes participating include Beetles in the Motorcycle class, Jackie Nakamutra in the Street class, Rob Nelson in Super Pro division, Brandon Fujishiget in Sport Compact class, Zailea Lawrence as Top Gun, Manny Lawrence tying in the Top Gun class, Tyler Clark in Muscle V8 class, and Jason Barros in Pro ET class. The top point getter in the Junior Dragster division belonged to Christian Silva, who was crowned Prince of the Track.
During the second day of racing, former Kaua‘i racer David Debutiaco, currently living on Maui, rode Beetles’ 2007 Honda CBR1000RR to capture the win in the Motorcycle class.
Kaua‘i racer Lacin Montemayor took his Chevy Pickup for a spin in the Super Pro class for a taste outside his usual Pro ET class that he finished the season in first place.
The GIRA extends its thanks to the race title sponsor Napa Auto Parks PS&D and the numerous other race sponsors for the continued support through the 2023 race season.
“This has been an exciting season, and could not have happened without the tireless support of the GIRA members and volunteers,” Nelson said.
Drag racing at the Kaua‘i Raceway Park resumes in March 2024. The full schedule of races can be found at www.dragrace-kauai.com.
