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World class Top Doorslammer field at Aussie nationals |
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Friday, 07 September 2007 |
Two recent sub-six second drag racing passes recorded by West
Australian driver John Zappia in the World class Top Doorslammer ranks,
points to a massive show in one week’s time when Queensland hosts the
42nd Australian Nationals at Willowbank Raceway, September 14-16.
Zappia was nothing short of sensational during qualifying and
elimination runs at Sydney’s AC Delco East Coast Nationals,
particularly in defeating Queensland’s six-time Australian champion
Victor Bray in the final where the veterans recorded the quickest ever
side-by-side pass.
Not only did Zappia turn in his second five second pass (5.965secs)
and the best of the meeting after doing likewise during qualifying
(5.988secs), Bray also dialed in his ride to almost perfection to
record a 6.045 second pass.
What remains to be seen now is the drama unfold as 14 entries in
Top Doorslammer throw caution to the wind in the pursuit of a highly
sought after Nationals title.
“Sydney was a fantastic result for us particularly after putting a
new engine combination into the Striker Monaro,” said Zappia.
“We were pretty comfortable with the new set up and didn’t hurt
anything so now we hope to try and match those big mile per hour runs
the other guys are doing.
“We won the Winternationals during our last run at Willowbank with
a 5.99 second pass so we’re again fairly of going there and getting the
job done.
“There are four qualifying runs at the Nationals so we’ll first
look to get in the show and then be shooting hard for times deep into
that five second range and throw out the challenge to the rest of the
guys.”
A record 10 Top Fuel entries have been received among a contingent
of 65 Group One drivers and riders for the Australian Nationals and
this in itself will make for a tremendous nitro-methane charged feature
program.
Willowbank Raceway General Manager Steve Bettes is looking forward
to marking the start of another action-packed season of top level drag
racing and expects big things from the headline performers.
“In Australia we really are blessed with a consistent first class
line up of competitors at our major shows and to have such an abundance
of spectacular top fuelers this time around will make the Australian
Nationals a must-see for Queenslanders,” said Bettes.
“A new season brings with it new cars, bikes and new drivers and
riders, but still the desire and goal of each competitor is to gain
that coveted gold Christmas Tree winner’s trophy.
“In that pursuit there’ll be plenty to see for spectators as the
best quarter mile drag racing duels are played out at Willowbank
Raceway where Australian and World records are continually being
broken.”
The annual Australian Nationals, which again features all six Group
One professional categories, kicks off a new season for Queensland drag
racing having been secured to the State in 2002 with the support of
Queensland Events Corporation under its Major Events portfolio.
Such support has allowed Willowbank Raceway to maintain its reputation as one of the premier tracks in Australia.
Willowbank officials will use the 42nd Australian Nationals as an
appropriate springboard towards a revamped 10-month program of drag
racing events.
42nd AUSTRALIAN NATIONALS – SEPTEMBER 14-16, 2007
Racing Includes: Redcliffe Dyno and Performance Top Fuel,
Queensland Events Top Alcohol, Queensland Events Top Doorslammer,
Travelaire Tours Pro Stock, Morgan and Wacker Top Bike, Morgan and
Wacker Pro Stock Motorcycle, Lifestyle Carpets and Vinyl Competition,
Lifestyle Carpets and Vinyl Super Stock, Willowbank Raceway Competition
Bike, Carpenter Ford Supercharged Outlaws, Bailey’s Brake and Clutch
Modified, Slick Industries Super Sedan, Cros Roads Freightliners and
Car Carrying Super Street, American Rides Modified Bike, Queensland
Diesel Spares Junior Dragster, High Impact Promotions Super Gas,
Perfect Print Perfect Light
TICKETING
Adult
Friday Admission $40
Saturday Admission $45
Sunday Admission $45
3-Day Pass $120
Student (must show ID)
Friday Admission $30
Saturday Admission $35
Sunday Admission $35
3-Day Pass $90
Children 13 & under are admitted free
Program
Friday 8th Qualifying 9am -8pm
Saturday 9th Qualifying 9am -8pm
Sunday 10th Racing 9am with feature racing from 2pm
Internet sites www.willowbank-raceway.com.au
Ticketing and General Information:
Contact – Willowbank Raceway
07 5461 5461
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