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Fairytail Nationals final as Read holds strong in Top Fuel |
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Sunday, 16 September 2007 |
In just her second competitive appearance nineteen year-old rookie Top
Fuel driver Amanda Shepherd has orchestrated a maiden event final
appearance at Willowbank Raceway’s 42nd Australian Nationals.
It was a classic master versus the apprentice scenario in the final
as reigning Australian Top Fuel champion Phil Read continued his title
defence in style by claiming victory over the pint sized campaigner.
While it was a fairytale finale, Shepherd was forced to double pump the
accelerator to ensure a competitive run, while there were no such
dramas for Read as he powered to a smooth 4.62 second winning
performance.
His young adversary could only manage a 5.28 second final fling in
a gutsy effort, although full credit to Read on a consistent weekend.
In claiming the Redcliffe Dyno and Performance Top Fuel Nationals
title, the victorious Read team has now rocketed themselves into the
familiar number one post in the overall championship chase.
Further pleasing news today was the appearance of Phil Lamattina
after his dramatic Top Fuel qualifying incident last night in which his
Top Fuel dragster was destroyed.
Lamattina and his crew were welcomed guests of Willowbank Raceway
after such an eventful night and there were plenty of well wishers from
right across the drag racing fraternity.
Throughout all six Group One finalists action there was no shortage
of drama with competition remaining tight and the championship hunt
well and truly on after just two rounds of the Australian championship.
Jack Daniel’s Top Doorslammer had 2005 Australian champion Steve Stanic up against perennial front-runner John Zappia.
While Zappia had been shooting down good numbers all weekend, his
6.09 seconds in the final wasn’t good enough against Stanic’s 6.07.
Zappia did enough to maintain his overall championship lead, as
Queensland jeweller Stuart Bishop now finds himself in outright second
position after another sterling semi finals effort, while Stanic is
tied with Victor Bray in third position.
Queensland Events Top Alcohol had reigning Australian champion
Wayne Newby keeping the dragster dream alive as the sole rails finalist
among a crack contingent of Funny Car drivers.
His progress to the final may not have been flashy but it did the
job as his charge continued through to the major eliminator as he went
on to defeat Brisbane’s Aaron Lynch.
There was only one top qualifier today who managed to convert early
form into an Australian Nationals gold Christmas tree as Bundaberg’s
Aaron Tremayne made all the right moves to claim Travelaire Tours Pro
Stock honours over John Barbagallo.
Two wheeled action had its share of dramas as the Morgan and Wacker
supported categories sorted themselves through finals action.
In a Top Bike upset, Perth’s Ian Ashelford turned in a personal
best 6.66 second effort to topple number one qualifier and winner of
fastest and quickest event bonus points Troy McLean.
Fellow Pro Stock Motorcycle top qualifier Peter Cochrane was also a
surprise elimination in the first round of finals while his opponent
Graham Weston won through to the decider.
Callam Goddeasi set a personal best time to end Weston’s run and secure an elusive Australian Nationals title.
Willowbank Raceway officials will now enjoy a deserved break from
top level competition as they continue to roll out the numerous
grassroots drag racing activities during the lead up to Christmas.
The January 4 and 5 Top Fuel/Top Alcohol challenge will mark a fitting restart to professional proceedings in the New Year.
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