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Driver safety proven at 500 kilometers per hour |
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Saturday, 15 September 2007 |
 In an outright advertisement for the safety standards of Australian
drag racing, a Top Fuel driver contesting tonight’s 42nd Australian
Nationals at Queensland’s Willowbank Raceway, has walked away unscathed
after his dragster snapped in half and burst into flames travelling at
close to 500 kilometres per hour.
Mildura’s Phil Lamattina had already covered the quarter mile
competition distance in an incredible 4.68 seconds before he became
airborne when his dragster frame appeared to crumble.
Thankfully he was soon able to drive by and salute the crowd to confirm his good health much to the relief of drag racing fans.
In a fiery night of fuel charged entertainment fellow Top Fuel
driver Allan Dobson had his machine in a ball of flames on the very
next pass to give his crew a full night of repairs before tomorrow
night’s finals action.
While Lamattina will be unable to rebuild before tomorrow, Perth’s
Martin Stamatis will have gained confidence as the top qualifier in
Redcliffe Dyno and Performance Top Fuel.
Nineteen year-old Sydney driver Amanda Shepherd worked her 50
kilogram frame into seventh qualifying spot to book a finals showdown
with reigning Australian champion Phil Read.
The forecast of major milestones being achieved at Willowbank
Raceway’s Australian Nationals rang true across all Group One
categories during qualifying.
Australia’s quickest ever field will be aiming to secure a
Queensland Events Top Alcohol Nationals title with Brett Stevens
leading the bunch after mastering a 5.625 second quickest pass over the
quarter mile.
Such was the domination of drivers the quickest bump spot (eighth
on the time sheets) had already been established during the earlier
third qualifying session of Top Alcohol.
Stevens’ time remained the best after the fourth and final round,
while fellow Brisbane driver Gary Phillips was in eighth in a time of
5.769 seconds
As one of the more recognisable names in Australian drag racing,
Stevens ensured his colours will be well represented during tomorrow
night’s finals as he also qualified second in Morgan and Wacker Top
Bike behind team mate Troy McLean.
Queensland Events Top Doorslammer sees another impressive line-up of drag racing superstars out to claim the Nationals spoils.
Crowd favourite Ben Bray was back to his best on his home strip and
was able to maintain top qualifying position with a 6.030-second effort
carried over from Friday night.
The World’s fastest jeweller Stuart Bishop continued his impressive
form, shrugging off a drama-packed final qualifier to slot into second
position with a 6.06-second performance at an amazing 246mph.
In another spectacular side-by-side finale tonight, Bishop was on a
wild ride when opponent Kym Petterwood’s Corvette exploded after the
finish line and almost slammed into him in the braking area.
Travelaire Tours Pro Stock will have the Tremayne brothers well
represented with Aaron top qualifying at 7.228 seconds and Tyronne
turning in 7.28 seconds as fourth qualifier.
Morgan and Wacker Pro Stock Motorcycle sees the familiar S+S Buell
out of the Brett Stevens Racing stable also claiming top spot with
Peter Cochrane aboard and claiming a 7.213-seconds elapsed time.
Overnight leader Callam Godeassi remained strong to nail down second spot with his 7.238-second effort.
The question now on everyone’s lips .. can it get any better during tomorrow’s finals eliminations.
Tomorrow’s eliminations action at Willowbank Raceway starts from
9am tomorrow in what is sure to be another entertaining day and night
of drag racing to wrap up the Australian Nationals.
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
Sunday Admission $45
Student (must show ID)
Sunday Admission $35
Children 13 & under are admitted free
Program
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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