If there was ever another name synonymous with the Cape petrolkop scene, it would be Jason ‘BoostSA’ Williams. Bobby Nitro knows this ou from back in the day, as he dodged shredded tyres on the spinning pitch all to get an awesome picture.
Jason started BoostSA about nine years ago, about the time Bobby was getting the nitrous fitted, and has been rolling around the Cape ever since and, as he puts it, “filming anything with four wheels and an attitude”. Committed to giving the Cape Town car culture a close-up of their favourite drivers and machines (much like Bobby Nitro), BoostSA has grown into a promotions firm.
Last weekend BoostSA hosted a cosy little drag meet at Saldanha Airfield, purposely kept niche to give participants the opportunity to do as many runs as they wanted, and for the spectators to get comfortable and settled in on the launch line.
Cosy is probably not the optimum choice of word here, as the sheer power of combined metal was enough to power a small dorpie. So, small and intimate, and very noisy.
So, last weekend saw about 40 drivers and 250 spectators converge on the 800 metre strip, known for the huge crowds it draws with the Saldanha Drags.
INTIMATE AFFAIR: About 40 drivers and 250 spectators attended the event
Jason says: “What we did is open the tar for free runs up until 3pm, and thereafter we ran the knock-outs, where drivers would go head-to-head in the various classes.”
There were no timers involved, the winner was the first over the line in what amounted to a simple and straightforward way to giv e koppe the opportunity to test their mettle on a top-end run.
ORGANISER: Jason Williams of BoostSA
Jason says: “We already have a big festival here, so what BoostSA has been doing in this, the fourth year of Dragging Rights, is also to create a space where spectators can bring their coolers, brollies and lunch, get close to the action and interact with other like-minded car people.”
There were some serious machines there, from the GTRs to a tuned Nissan 350z and a Toyota boxie or two (one assumes with the ubiquitous 2jz under the hood).
BEAUTY OF NOTE: Sheik Jaffer with his Performance Solutions tuned 350z
There are a few father and son teams in this business, and usually they’re on the same team, dad providing the vision and son bringing the no fear attitude. At Saldanha, however, we saw Sameeh Petersen up against his dad Shamiel over the 800m. Sameeh has a 2jz in his boxie, while his dad prefers the larger 2.7 litre 3rz as found in the Hilux.
BEAUTY OF NOTE: Sheik Jaffer with his Performance Solutions tuned 350z
Sameeh says: “This time, and it was a first, I got in front and stayed in front all the way over the line. That’s never happened before and it was due to having my car recently tuned just right at Performance Solutions.
“It was a great day, I got in eight runs which was ama-zing, and I didn’t have to wait in any queues to do so.”
Another kwaai vehicle there was the 350z belonging to Sheik Jaffer, 33, of Pinelands. Built by a renowned firm on the reef and supplied with various go fast goodies, including an APS twin turbo kit and the rather unusual Haltec management kit, this was Sheik’s second time on the 800m.
FAMILY BATTLE: Dad Shamiel in his Hilux took on his boy, Sameeh
He says: “I’d like to do more, but I’m working seven days a week at the moment in the motor trade, supplying parts and accessories.
“The day went well, and I was beaten by a boxie Toyota (Sameeh Petersen). I was shocked and impressed at the same time, that car is amazing.”
Apparently his 350z is a daily drive, so not in full racing form, though Sheik intends to do more on the performance side.
He says: “I’ve got plans, and I need to go faster.”
The car is tuned by Performance Solutions.
Jason, whose first passion is without doubt cars, said he has taken that plunge, quit his day job to focus entirely on the industry and promotions.
Bobby wishes him all the best in his venture. Apparently BoostSA also has a line of clothing coming out, so keep your eye out.
Jason concludes: “Another bonus in now being wholly dedicated to the car scene, is that there’s more time for fishing.”
FOUR-WHEEL CRAZE: All shapes and sizes were welcomed on the day