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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, February 14, 2003

'Aiea teen has solid success in Europe

Advertiser Staff

Dennis Lajola, ranked 13th nationally in the 14-under group, played on the USA Tennis High Performance travel squad last month in Europe.

LAJOLA
Lajola, 13, from 'Aiea, represented the U.S. at Teen Tennis in England and Les Petits in France. Both are major international 14-under championships.

He was a singles finalist at Teen Tennis and reached the doubles quarterfinals in France.

Past Les Petits champions include Martina Hingis, Kim Clijsters, Michael Chang and Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Lajola won the Boys 14 singles backdraw at the USTA Super National Winter Championships in December, cementing his spot on the team.

"Dennis' selection to the USA High Performance team was based on his excellent tournament results throughout 2002," according to Rodney Harmon, High Performance director of coaching. "He is really a special player and has a chance to become a world-class player in the years to come."



Racing exhibitions set

Some of Hawai'i's top street racers and motorcycle stunt riders are scheduled to compete in a unique motorsports exhibition Sunday at Hawai'i Raceway Park.

Titled "King of the Street," the competition will feature a variety of events from 5 p.m. to midnight.

In one event, drag racers will call out their competitors and race "heads-up," with no starting lights or timers.

In another event, "drifters" will be pushing their vehicles beyond their tire's ability to maintain traction, causing the cars to slide across turns at high speeds.

Motorcycle riders will perform high-speed stunt routines such as wheelies, burnouts, handstands and other tricks.

Drivers will also compete in a "Donut Contest," sending their vehicles into a smoky spin at the starting line.

Unlike all other motorsports events that use lights, timers, judges, and finish lines to determine winners, the King of the Street will rely on public opinion.

After the completion of each event category, spectators will call in to a King of the Street phone hotline to vote for their favorite competitor.

All events will take place on the quarter-mile straightaway of Hawai'i Raceway Park with activities centered around the race tower.

Event organizers said they hope that the lure of illegal street racing can be curbed by providing controlled competitions.