Singaporean drag racer Desmond Yeo (top) has no problem describing the sport's biggest thrill.

"Imagine you're racing in a car that goes from 0 to 250kmh in less than 10 seconds," said the 29-year-old racing enthusiast.

"Nothing beats that feeling of sheer speed."

Indeed, he has been actively taking part in races at Malaysia's Sepang and Pasir Gudang circuits since 2004.

This year, success arrived as he came in runner-up in two races - the Sepang Drag Battle and Pasir Gudang's Johor Sprint Challenge, where he lost in the final after incurring a "false-start".

Still, it was gratifying for Mr Yeo, who is one of the rare racers who use their daily-drive cars - his is a Subaru Impreza WRX - for racing in sanctioned tournaments.

He explained: "Usually, cars specifically used for races will be lightened - air-conditioning systems are removed, non-driver seats taken out, and a light fibreglass body is used for the car's interior.

"But I still want my air-con and sound system intact, so I worked actively with my car-tuning company to get the optimal engine for rapid acceleration."

Together with his tuning company, Edge Tuning, Mr Yeo started planning to build his newly versatile car last year.

Mr Yeo's success this year validated his decision and he hopes that, with events such as the upcoming Carrerista Jamboree and the growing popularity of motor sports here, Singapore can hold its own regular drag races eventually.

• Standing 1
• Standing 2