Fastlane Magazine - Issue 28 - September 2019

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EDITION 28

S E P T E M B E R

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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL DRAG RACING ASSOCIATION

GIANNAROS DOES THE

DOUBLE Michael Giannaros broke through for back-to-back victories in an ‘unbelievable’ Northern Swing for the Super Street racer

EDITION HIGHLIGHTS

PORTLAND TECH CHAMPIONSHIP STAGING LANES TORQUE POINTS SUCCESS SUMMIT RACING

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PERFECT

LIGHT

RACER ATFACES THE RACES

PROFILE

SUMMITRACING.COM

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contents

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TECH

TORQUE STAGING LANES

GIANNAROS DOES THE DOUBLE

FRAME CONNECTORS FOR FLEXI-FLYERS

SOUTH COAST RACEWAY SERVES UP SUCCESS

CHRIS LIOULIOS - RACER PROFILE

STREET MACHINE DRAG CHALLENGE READY TO LAUNCH

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT CONTINUES TO BACK JUNIOR RACERS

NEW MEMBER BENEFITS NOW AVAILABLE

FACES AT THE RACES

RACE REPORTS NT NATIONALS

DESERT NATIONALS JUNIOR NATIONALS

Fastlane is produced by the Australian National Drag Racing Association LTD.

Editor: Amanda Salmon (media@andra.com.au) Design: YBI Creative (www.ybicreative.com.au) Photography: Outlaw Images, Mark Cuffe/DragsSA. com, Craig Radcliffe Action Sport Photography, Jeremy Horvath/HighRPM, Heather Ford/Phaze 3 Photography, Automotive Event Images, South Coast Raceway.

Rogue Snapper Photography and Red CentreNATS

ANDRA Staff

BENARABY ALL BIKE DRAGS

QLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

General Manager: Brett Stevens Business Manager: Jackie Mills Business Development Manager: Jennifer Lingo (Harrison) Licensing and Membership: Kylie Hazelhurst Media & PR Officer: Amanda Salmon Technical Officer: Scott Halfyard

Contact Details

Phone: 08 8271 5355 Fax: 08 8721 6988 Email: info@andra.com.au Street: 11 McInnes St, Ridleyton SA 5008

RED CENTRENATS

ANDRA Board

Murray O’Connor (WA) Nathan Peirano (QLD) - Chairman Grant Wilson (SA) Peter Kapiris (VIC) Wayne Downes(QLD) Grant Hamon (NT)

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staginglanes $50K+ PRIZEMONEY DELIVERED

Across July ANDRA was pleased to distribute more than $50,000 in Summit Racing Equipment prize money to the top five placegetters of every bracket contested as part of the 2018/2019 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series.

Since the 2015 season, thanks to the generous support of Summit Racing Equipment, this fantastic prize money pool has been up for grabs as part of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series with Champions, runners-up, third, fourth and fifth place-getters all sharing in the spoils as long as they have complied with the out of division requirements of the Series.

“ANDRA would like to thank Summit Racing Equipment for its ongoing support which includes the generous prize money package that rewards our top five placegetters with a share of more than fifty thousand dollars,” ANDRA General Manager, Brett Stevens, said.

“With the 2019/2020 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series now underway, we are all very excited to see who will be laying claim to the prize money at the conclusion of what is set to be a great season.”

The Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series is a national, points-based competition open to all permanent ANDRA licence holders for participants in Groups two, three and four.

SUNOCO RACE FUELS RENEWS PARTNERSHIP Sunoco Race Fuels has continued its partnership with ANDRA through the renewal of its ANDRA Official Fuel Supplier status.

As part of this partnership, the top qualifier for Super Stock/SuperComp at each round of the 2019/2020 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series will be known as the Sunoco Evo 10 Race Fuels Top Qualifier, and if they are running Sunoco Evo 10 Race Fuels in their car, will receive two Sunoco Fuels Jugs.

Other benefits of the partnership include each of the 11 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series championship winners receiving a $500 Sunoco racing fuels voucher and a contingency programme for competitors in the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series; with winners and runners-up in the respective categories who are showing the appropriate Sunoco signage and are able to provide a proof of purchase able to claim $300 for a win and $100 for a runner-up. (contingency programme does not include Sunoco Methanol or Nitro Methane fuels) For more information on Sunoco, visit www.sunoco.com.au

JUNIOR FRONTAL HEAD RESTRAINTS ANDRA would like to remind all ANDRA members that effective from the 1st of July 2019 any driver of a Junior Dragster (or Junior Funny Car) is now recommended to use a Frontal Head Restraint system meeting either SFI 38.1 or FIA 8858-2002 or FIA 8858-2010.

From the 1st of January 2020 any driver of a Junior Dragster (or Junior Funny Car) will be required to use a Frontal Head Restraint system meeting either SFI 38.1 or FIA 8858-2002 or FIA 8858-2010.

The Frontal Head Restraint, when connected, must conform to the manufacturer’s instructions. A Frontal Head Restraint may be used with or without a neck collar. Where required, the fitment of tether post and eyelets to helmets must only be done in accordance with the manufacturers’ guidelines and only if the helmet is approved for the purpose. When using a Frontal Head Restraint, at all times that the driver is in the race vehicle, from when the vehicle is in the hands of The Starter until the vehicle is on the return road, the driver must properly utilise the Frontal Head Restraint, including connecting the helmet as required for full functionality of the device.

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NEW HANDICAP SYSTEM ETS RELEASED (GROUP 2) ANDRA recently released the New Handicap System ETs applied to all classes of Group 2 cars for the 2019/20 Season. The New Handicap System is based off the old National Records +0.1 seconds (for all distances).

These Handicaps, as listed below, are applied to any National Open level events where Group 2 cars run under the ANDRA Group 2 Handicap System.

•

GROUP 2 CARS – RECORDS AND HANDICAPS – 1/4 MILE (1320FT)

•

GROUP 2 CARS – RECORDS AND HANDICAPS – 1000FT

•

GROUP 2 CARS – RECORDS AND HANDICAPS – 1/8 MILE (660FT)

Note: the New Handicap System is not applicable to Group 2 Competition Bike classes.

To view the handicap documentation, please visit www.andra.com.au and go to the ‘Series’ drop down menu.

The supporting National Handicap Policy document can be found at www.andra.com.au/technical/technicaldocumentation

If you have any questions on the New Handicap System, or the data presented in the spreadsheets, then please email technical@andra.com.au

ANDRA ROLLCAGE SPECIFICATIONS UPDATED

Both ANDRA Rollcage Specifications have been updated to reflect a change in the definition of a vehicle with “modified wheelwells” (as per the 2019/20 ANDRA Rulebook).

MODIFIED WHEELWELLS (REAR ONLY)*;

WHERE MATERIAL HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE WHEELWELLS AND HAS CHANGED THE PROFILE OF THE WHEELWELL, (E.G. MINI-TUBBING OR TUBBING TO ACCOMMODATE LARGER REAR TYRES).

ANY CHANGES TO THE CHASSIS OR FLOOR AT THE WHEELWELL LOCATION IS RECOGNISED AS A MODIFICATION AND IS THEREFORE CLASSED AS “MODIFIED WHEELWELLS”.

THE RESHAPING OF EXISTING OEM WHEELWELL MATERIAL IS NOT CONSIDERED AS A “MODIFIED WHEELWELL”.

This change relaxes the vehicle performance limitations relating to a Single Rollover Hoop style rollcage. Note that there are no other changes to any rollcage requirements.

The new documents are as follows and were effective 1st August 2019. They can be viewed online at www.andra.com.au/technical/ technicaldocumentation.

•

ANDRA REMOVABLE ROLLCAGE SPECIFICATION V3.2

•

ANDRA WELDED ROLLCAGE SPECIFICATION V3.2

Note that all removable rollcages (or rollcages with removable components) still require design approval and registration prior to the vehicle being Tech Inspected.

If you have any questions on these changes please contact Scott Halfyard on technical@andra.com.au or 08 8271 5355.

2019/2020 ANDRA RULEBOOK The 2019/2020 ANDRA Rulebook was recently released and was effective from the 1st of July 2019.

The rulebook can be found on the ANDRA website under the Technical tab.

If you have any questions or comments regarding the content of this new Rulebook please contact ANDRA Technical on 08 8271 5355 or technical@andra. com.au

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2019/ 2020 HOMOLOGATED FUEL LIST Along with the rule book, the Homologated Fuel List for the 2019/ 20 ANDRA Drag Racing Season was also recently released. The full list can be viewed at www.andra.com.au/technical/technicaldocumentation.

The updated list has all Leaded fuels removed and the following new Unleaded fuels added: • • •

Sunoco Evo 10 PowerPlus 110+ Panta SIX

• • •

Panta XS Panta CX Panta SUPERMAX

• • •

Panta NR+ 105 Panta NS+ 105 Panta MAX

•

Panta NS 102

If you require any further information then please contact VPW (barneyd@vpw.com.au), PowerPlus (www.powerplusfuel.com.au) or Panta Distribution Australia (info@pantafuel.com.au) respectively, and/or contact ANDRA Technical on technical@andra.com.au or (08) 8271 5355.

NEW ANDRA CHAMPIONS POSTER The 2018/2019 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Australian Championship poster is now available for you to download, or you can pick up a printed copy free of charge at: • the ANDRA Head Office; • Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series events; and • Summit Racing Equipment Queensland Championship events.

To download the artwork, please go to www.andra.com.au/new-andra-championsposter-released

classifieds

BIKE & TRAILER For sale separately or together as a package are a 1989 Enclosed Dual Axle Trailer and a 2001 Kawasaki ZX12R Drag Bike.

The 1989 Trailer Dual Axle Trailer is 5.4 metres long x 2.1 metres wide x 2.6 metres high. It is fully enclosed and features lighting, awnings, 240 volt outlets, a refrigerated aircon unit (on top), left side shade sail, two pit tents, a front toolbox, storage, rear access drop door, LED trailer lighting, hydraulic brakes and an internal workbench.

The 2001 Kawasaki ZX12R Drag Bike has a Muzzy Big Bore 1427cc engine, Muzzy Cams, a quick shift gearbox, MTC Slipper Clutch, Pace dry sump setup and Air shifter. It has had head work done and is fuel injected. It also comes with a spare ZX12 engine and associated parts, including a Haltech 2000 series ECM which has been fully programmed for both engines, as well as a new rear tyre and engine spares.

Pricing: Trailer only: $5000 / Bike only: $12,500 / Complete Bike and Trailer Package: $15,000.00 neg complete with all spares Please contact Zak Jermyn on 0411 775 668 or zak@austexeng. com.au for more information.

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LOOKING FOR MEMBER BENEFITS?

The ANDRA Member Benefits Program has been created to offer its loyal members the opportunity to receive discounts to products from supporting companies.

By joining the program, your business and products will be promoted to a performance-based target audience. Utilising our database, this is the perfect platform to launch new products, advertise monthly specials and any other sale promotions you may have!

Qtr Mile Child is the latest in a growing list of companies who are ready and waiting to help ANDRA members, including: DecoGlaze Glass Splashbacks Central Victoria Burns Stainless

WA Suspensions

Develo-Pro (D-Pro

Rick’s Mobile Slot Cars

Coolshirt Systems Australia

The Campaign Company

Performance Towing WA

Precision Turbo & Engine Fast & Loud Industries

Visner Engine Development ARC - Applied Racing Components

C & R Motorsport Developments

Hussey Performance, LLC AndyK Design

Street Machine

Shannons Insurance The Moving Man

FREE TO JOIN!

For more information about the program and to learn about the latest companies to sign-up, go to PAGE 29 of this magazine or visit www.andra.com.au

GET ON BOARD WITH ANDRA DRAG RACING!

As a valued ANDRA business partner, you will receive maximum exposure through the ANDRA Drag Racing brand and its events.

Your company will be showcased whenever and wherever possible, for example: racers will carry decals representing your logo, trophies will feature your branding, commentators will make reference to your involvement across events and media reports will highlight your involvement.

There is a host of ways you can support ANDRA drag racing, including investment in the following: • Fastlane Magazine Advertising (online) • Rule Book Advertising (hard copy and online) • Member Benefits Program (Free to Join) • Website Recognition • Motor Mail feature – Motor Mail is our members only newsletter, contact us to see an example if you don’t have an ANDRA member login • Facebook/Twitter Recognition • Sportsman Series Bracket Sponsorship

• Event naming rights (at select events, please contact us for more details) • Official Supplier Status • Live Streaming Show Advertising (at select events, please contact us for more details) • Presentation Rights to Championship Dinner • Runner-Up Trophy Sponsor for Sportsman Series • ANDRA transporter signage

For more information and to discuss opportunities, contact ANDRA’s Business Development Manager Jennifer Lingo (Harrison) on jennifer.harrison@andra.com.au

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After Deser to go

When Michael Giannaros snared his first ANDRA Christmas Tree from his first ever finals appearance at the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series 2019/2020 season-opening Desert Nationals, he was speechless.

A week later, he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry with elation when, after making a last minute change of plans to head to Darwin for the NT Nationals, he secured a second ANDRA Christmas Tree trophy for his mantlepiece with yet another event win in the Super Street bracket.

“In Alice Springs it was definitely a tough weekend but the most nerve wracking part was when I had a re-run in the semi-final,” Giannaros said of the first event.

“I thought I’d won the semi and I was very

excited to go to the final but then we had to do a re-run due to a faulty light, but thankfully it went in my favour again and I got to the final against Chris Hodge.

“I was very happy to run against him, I knocked him out on the first run last year so it was good we got to run against each other in the final – it was a very close run and I wasn’t sure who had won at the end of the line, I didn’t realise he had red lit.

“I was very happy to get to my first final and then to get my first ANDRA Christmas Tree – I was just stoked, I couldn’t believe it.

“That is why I decided then and there to go to Darwin – I hadn’t been planning on racing at the NT Nationals but I had such a good time in Alice Springs and everything went in my favour, so I booked my ticket and off I went to see if I could make it two from two.”

And make it two from two he did, with Giannaros and his 1984 Holden VK Commodore defeating

runner-up Claude Petrilli after beating Sarah Mae Bates (round one) and Howard Munt (semi) while enjoying a bye run in round two.

“In both Alice Springs and Darwin I had my fair share of nerves. In a lot of the match-ups I didn’t know the drivers I was going up against, so I just didn’t know what to expect,” the 44 year old racer explained.

“In the first round Sarah Mae ran me right down the line and I was thinking I was out, but then I got the time slip and saw that she had run a red light – it was a great race but that is just how racing goes sometimes.

“The bye in round two was very welcome as it gave me a bit of a break to see how the car was running and prepare for the next round which was the semi against Howard Munt before I took on Claude in the final.

“I still can’t even begin to describe how it felt to take out the win at the NT Nationals – to take out the first one was unreal but to take

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DOUBLE

GIANNAROS DOES THE

securing his first ever ANDRA Christmas Tree at the season-opening rt Nationals, Super Street racer Michael Giannaros changed his plans o to Darwin and in an incredible turn of events, did it all over again.

Image courtesy of Mark Cuffe/DragsSA.com

out two is just totally amazing. I said to my wife afterwards that I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, it was just completely unreal.

“The whole experience of going back to back is just totally unbelievable to me, my mind keeps ticking over on it and keeps going around in circles. It is certainly a great payoff for that last minute decision to head to Darwin, that is for sure!”

While he also wasn’t planning on heading to Mildura’s round three of the 2019/2020 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series due to family commitments, Giannaros’ family has backed him and made it possible for him to try and keep the winning streak going.

“My brother was holding his daughter’s christening on the weekend of the Sunset Strip Nationals so I wasn’t going to go, but you wouldn’t believe it, he has actually changed the date specifically so I can go to Mildura!”

Giannaros exclaimed.

“I went to him and I said ‘I have two out of two, sorry but I am going!’” Giannaros laughed, “and then he said ‘you know what, I am going with you!’

“Racing is racing but family is family at the end of the day, so it is pretty cool that he has done that for me so we can try and go again in Mildura.”

Unsurprisingly, Giannaros has a number of people he would like to thank for playing a part in his extremely successful August.

“Thank you to Alice Springs Inland Dragway, the Hidden Valley Drag Strip, Summit Racing Equipment and ANDRA for some great events.

The facilities in Darwin in particular were just amazing – I had been told it was a nice place and we really just loved it,” he said.

“I would also like to thank to Matty Abel, Ray Treasure and our sponsors Mark Hunt and Maxine Oppes from Huntsman Racing who

sponsored us from the Desert Nationals to Hidden Valley and back home to Adelaide.

“Thanks must also go to all of the competitors for racing – without these guys the event wouldn’t be possible – and I would also like to send a special thank you to my mechanic Tim Triantafillou.

“Last but not least, I must thank my wife and crew member Rebecca for all of her support.”

For more about the NT Nationals, please go to page 36 of this magazine to read the event report.

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Frame Connectors For Flexi-Flyers STORY AND PHOTOS BY WAYNE SCRABA

Tripping through the quarter mile in less than ten seconds never crossed the engineers’ minds when the Camaros, Novas, Mustangs, Falcons, and other unit-body cars many of us love were designed. The underpinnings for most were based on economy cars of the time, which meant ‘cheap’ and ‘easy to build’ were of primary consideration.

As a result, these old cars with their huge-by-large front subframes or engine cradles are pretty much flexi-fliers. In the case of the early Camaro or Nova, that front subframe is connected to the body with just four bolts. After years of use and abuse, the bodies and the subframes tend to go their separate ways.

In extreme cases, there’s so much movement that the door, deck lid and hood gaps can change permanently. You might have even checked out (or own) an example where the floor pan has buckled and cracked. It’s not a pretty picture.

[1]

There is a simple fix – add frame connectors and replace the subframe mounting bushings. These pieces add rigidity to the car, eliminate buckling and cracking, and allow the door gap and panel gaps to remain consistent. More importantly to us drag racers, these parts will help to make the car quicker and faster. The energy previously spent twisting the car can be repurposed to create forward momentum.

When it comes to frame connectors, you have a lot of choice; the Summit Racing catalogue alone offers over two hundred examples. They can be weld-in or boltin and made from square, rectangular, or round steel tubing depending on the application. Weld-in connectors that tie into the floor offer the most rigidity, but bolt-in connectors could be a better choice if you don’t have access to a welder or don’t want to make permanent changes to the car.

When it comes to subframe bushings, adding a set of solid aluminium mounts can eliminate virtually all flex between the subframe and the body, improving your car’s ET by increasing chassis stiffness. That’s why solid mounts

should be used when installing sub frame connectors for maximum torsional rigidity. If you drive your car on the street, be warned that solid mounts also transfer lots of vibration and noise into the interior.

Some of the coolest solid mounts we’ve ever used are those manufactured by Detroit Speed. These billet aluminium body mounts are CNC-machined and then hard coat anodized. Using hard coat instead of bright anodizing resists corrosion that can occur between steel and aluminium surfaces. To learn more about Detroit Speed solid mounts, please click here.

The photos featured in this article show how the Detroit Speed mounts and a set of bolt-in Competition Engineering frame connectors are installed in a Nova. The connectors are well made and fit nicely, but it is necessary to very slightly trim the connector bracket at the forward leaf spring perch. You may also have to use a hydraulic jack to move the floor pan (typically a very small amount) to allow the connector to slide into place. Other than that, the installation is a breeze.

This is the Detroit Speed billet aluminium body mount kit Summit Racing offers for Camaro and Nova applications. The kit includes four hard coat anodized body mounts, two radiator support mounts, and some very cool bevelled stainless steel washers.

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You can also get stainless steel mounting bolts and for Nova applications, a billet aluminium spacer. While vintage Nova and Camaro subframes are pretty much identical, the Nova requires a spacer and a longer bolt for the body mount at the cowl. Keep this in mind if you’re mixing and matching parts.

Here’s what the Detroit Speed solid bushings look like on a vintage sub frame. The second photo shows how the radiator support bushing looks from the top.

[4]

It’s a very good idea to use anti-seize compound on the stainless bolts to keep them from galling and becoming almost impossible to remove. If that happens, you’re in for a lot of work – ask me how I know!

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These Competition Engineering frame connectors are designed to bolt in place, although plenty of folks do weld them to the front subframe once installed to add some extra insurance.

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To begin the frame connector installation, loosen the rearmost bolt that attaches the subframe to the body, then slide the front of the frame connector into the sub frame. You should sandwich the frame connector between the bushing and the inside top of the frame rail. Don’t tighten the big subframe bolt yet.

Someone got ahead of themselves by installing a set of traction bar mounts.

That forward leaf spring perch must be removed to install the connector. The idea is to sandwich the connector mounting bracket between the rear frame rail and the spring perch. This is the point where you’ll probably have to notch the frame connector bracket to fit. Trim a little at a time until it fits cleanly.

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Once the sub frame connector is in place, reattach the spring perch.

Typically, you’ll have to place a floor jack under the connector to persuade it into place. Right about now, you can tighten up the rearmost body/subframe bolt. You can see how close the connector is to the floor pan.

Here’s a look at the passenger side connector. The fit is tight, but there is sufficient room at the backside of the connector to snake a large diameter (-10 AN) fuel line over the top.

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This is the finished project. The front bolts don’t hang down under the car and for all intents and purposes, are pretty much invisible.

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Competition Engineering provides a template to drill two 13/32 inch holes in the Nova subframe at this location. The idea is to bolt the leading edge of the connector solidly to the subframe. As pointed out earlier, some folks weld the connectors at this spot, but don’t underestimate the strength of a thread.

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Winning Takes Work.

Getting Parts is Easy.

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Shopping is simple. Use the Summit Racing Mobile App to easily browse parts, add items to your cart, and check out right from your phone.

Shipping is Fast! And our Landed Cost Shipping includes all duties, taxes, and clearance fees, so you can spend more time racing and less time waiting for parts.

EXPERT ADVICE. HUGE INVENTORY. FAST DELIVERY. WORLD-CLASS CUSTOMER SERVICE. Get The Summit Racing app for Apple and Android devices.

Int’l: 1.330.630.0230 FIND IT AT

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2019/20 CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS

COMPETITION

PTS

SUPER STREET

PTS

SUPERCHARGED OUTLAWS

PTS

SUPER STREET

PTS

COMPETITION BIKE

PTS

MODIFIED BIKE

PTS

TOP SPORTSMAN

PTS

SUPERCHARGED OUTLAWS

PTS

SUPER SEDAN

PTS

Vlado Turic Jason Arbery Ashley Smith Leon Davies Greg Damiani

Christine Steffens Jon Ferguson Justin Russell Mark Hunt Andrew Cole

Robert Cassar David Willis Danny Rickard Jason McFarlane Tony Frost

Jason Arbery Vlado Turic Darren Saliba Ricky Smith Glenn Henley

Paul Stephen Mark Hunt Mike Evans Jason Keily Tim Stewart

Chris Lioulios Martin Mirco Joe Carbone Darren Mallison Peter Tzokas

200 170 110 110 100

230 180 170 110 60

380 380 370 130 130

460 380 350 300 240

Michael Giannaros Paul Garbelllini Craig Hodge Claude Petrilli Rodney Kerr

Paul Jennings Nikolas Karanovic Michael Bridges Rodney Kerr Tony Barbara

Levi Addison David Denner Gavin Dohnt Jake Hamilton-Moderate Allan Henry

JUNIOR DRAGSTER

Aidan Abel Tommy Turic Danielle Abel Brodie Zappia Sarah Donnelly

250 110 80 80 80

310 210 190 180 160

170 150 100 80 80

PTS 190 140 110 100 80

430 390 320 280 120

210 170 140 140 110

CLICK HERE OR GO TO ANDRA.COM.AU FOR FULL CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS

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SOUTH COAST RACEWAY

SERVING UP Portland’s South Coast Raceway held its first event in 2006 after four years of hard work by a dedicated band of volunteers and since then has provided large economic boosts to the Portland and Glenelg Shire thanks to the thousands of racers and spectators that visit every year.

At the same time, the track’s dedication to constant improvement has seen it able to provide top-class racing experiences to ANDRA drag racers, making it a truly popular stop on the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series calendar.

“In 2002 12 members of the newly formed South Coast Drag Racing Association held their first meeting and decided to build a track in Portland,” SCDRA Club Secretary, Scott Cleary, explained.

“Throughout country Victoria there are a few temporary drag racing tracks to accommodate the demands of motor enthusiasts looking to take their cars or bikes out for the weekend and race against each other off the streets.

“However, these temporary tracks unfortunately did not provide the quality

facilities and track surfaces required to race all types of drag racing vehicles. The newly established South Coast Drag Racing Association observed the demand and lack of supply for a permanent purpose-built track outside of Melbourne and Adelaide and so went to work to build a dedicated eighth mile track in Portland (Victoria).

“Those first 12 members of the SCDRA took out a loan and were guarantors for the $120k used to start building the foundation of what would become South Coast Raceway and four years later, the track would run its first ANDRA-accredited meeting on the 11th of February, 2006.”

Not ones to rest on their laurels following opening, there was plenty of big milestones ahead for the SCDRA and their South Coast Raceway facility as well as plenty of track

development.

“The Grand Opening in February of 2006 was obviously a massive milestone for the Association and one that is fondly remembered by everyone,” Cleary said.

“The next year we saw our first Supercharged Outlaws meeting run at the track in January and then the track’s first four second pass, run by Garry Busch/Greg Brown in April.

“2011 saw the Slamfest Doorslammer series come to the track for the first time, while the first Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series round was held in Portland in 2013.

“The Aeroflow Outlaw Nitro Funny Cars made their maiden visit to South Coast Raceway in 2014, and in 2015 our first threesecond pass became a reality thanks to Rick Gauci (3.909s) in January.

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P SUCCESS FOR PORTLAND “Since our opening meeting we are proud that the track has been a huge local tourist attraction to the Portland and Glenelg Shire areas – it is fantastic that we are able to contribute such a large economic boost to our small town every season thanks to the thousands of people that visit Portland to race and spectate at our track.

“Over the years we have been constantly maintaining and upgrading the facility as well to ensure it remains a fantastic place to race for all who come here. As part of this commitment we recently installed new and improved tyre barriers in the emergency braking area and we will also be upgrading the startline over our next off-season.”

As so often is the case, the South Coast Raceway success story would not have been possible without the dedication of passionate volunteers.

“We have been blessed with an enormous amount of fantastic and dedicated volunteers over the last 13 years and it surely would have been impossible to be

where we are today without their efforts,” Cleary said.

“So many volunteer hours have been poured into the facility over the years and our diverse group of volunteers from all kinds of trades and backgrounds truly are the backbone of South Coast Raceway and the South Coast Drag Racing Association.”

For those looking to support South Coast Raceway and the South Coast Drag Racing Association, there are a few ways to help.

“We are always welcoming new volunteers to the Club and interested parties can also become involved through membership to the Club or by taking up sponsorship partnerships,” Cleary said.

“All of these avenues of support make an enormous difference to our Club and help us to continue our efforts to upgrade the track every year.

“Our thanks goes to each and every racer, volunteer, spectator and sponsor that has helped up out and attended our facility over

the years. Every dollar we make is poured back into the track to improve it and we don’t pay any of our workers – they are all volunteers.

“Special mention must also go to our major sponsors who have supported us over the years such as Fuchs as well as our recent major sponsors Aeroflow, Rocket Industries and McDonalds Portland.”

There is plenty of action coming up at South Coast Raceway, including the Wildbunch Meeting on December 14, a round of the 2019/2020 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series, and February’s Radial and Rotary Meeting as well as the track’s regular off-street meets every Friday. For more information, visit www. southcoastraceway.com.au

Image courtesy of South Coast Raceway

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MAYOR BURNETT SINGS BENARABY’S PRAISES

Benaraby Raceway was pleased to host Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett as part of its August 30 Off Street Drags event recently.

During the visit, Cr Burnett spoke with racers, fans and was treated to a ride down the quarter mile in a 9.50 second Ford XY thanks to driver Noel Smith.

“It has been a fantastic day here at Benaraby Raceway,” he said at the conclusion of his visit.

“The raceway is a valuable asset to our community, and I commend all of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure its continued success.”

Cr Burnett thanked Track Secretary Rebecca

McLaughlin and track staff who ensured a great day was had.

“I am proud we have a motorsport precinct in the Gladstone Region that encourages road safety while providing a safe place to race and have fun.”

Benaraby Raceway President Glenn Williams said he was honoured to have the Mayor visit the drag strip.

“As a not-for-profit community venue, having the support of our local politicians is vitally important and we are so glad to

enjoy the support of Mayor Matt Burnett and to have been able to host him at the track,” Williams said.

“We have a lot of great plans for Benaraby Raceway and enjoyed being able to speak to Mayor Burnett about those while treating him to the sights and sounds of the Off Street Drags and also giving him his own run down the drag strip.”

For more about Benaraby Raceway, please visit www.benarabyraceway.com

Rogue Snapper Photography

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perfect

DARREN MALLISON

Jeremy Horvath/HighRPM

After posting a 0.000 light in the Super Sedan Semi Final for the NT Nationals - Round Two of the 2019/2020 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series – at Darwin’s Hidden Valley Drag Strip, Darren Mallison was awarded with the Perfect Light Award.

The NT Nationals Super Sedan Top Qualifier and event runner-up made the trip to Darwin from his home in Mount Barker (South Australia) with a new car that has plenty of history behind it.

so in the semi-final I was definitely chasing the light – I wasn’t necessarily chasing a triple zero, that was just luck, but for sure I was chasing a good light as you have to be pretty sharp in Super Sedan to win.

“Our car has a bit of an interesting story – it is a Mark 1 Cortina which was owned

by Kym Petterwood back in the 70s, it was apparently an Australian Championshipwinning Super Stock car back then,” Mallison said.

“We had a good crack at it and it was a pleasant surprise to see the triple zero there after taking the semi-final win to make it through to the final against Chris Lioulios.

“I bought the car and completely refurbished it. The NT Nats was only the second meeting (after its debut at Alice Springs) we had run since we rebuilt this old legend of a car.

“Chris is very, very sharp and as it turned out it was a really close race – he was something like one thousandth of a second over his dial-in while I went two thousandths of a second under mine. It was that tough!

“We were expecting it (to run well) – we have been really easy on the car at the moment with a real soft tune in it but we expected it to run in the ‘eight-fives’ which it did.

“Chris was absolutely spot on and when someone goes one thousandth of a second over their dial in they are always going to be hard to beat – he had a great meeting and I don’t think I could have done much differently.”

“We were giving it all on race day and in Super Sedan every field we race in is tough,

Along with his runner-up plaque, DecoGlaze Glass Splashbacks Victoria Top Qualifiers

Medallion and Perfect Light Award, Mallison was also very pleased with the facilities on offer at the Hidden Valley Drag Strip.

“I have raced basically everywhere except the Perth Motorplex and this is the best facility I have been to – using the garages and everything is fantastic; I absolutely loved it and all our crew loved it, it was just the best place to race,” Mallison said.

“My thanks goes to the Hidden Valley Drag Racing Association and to all involved in the event, as well as Graham of Horner Performance who had the biggest hand in building the car; my brother and crew chief Mick Mallison who prepares the car between runs and rounds; and also my daughter Candace Mallison who is part of our crew as well.”

For more about the NT Nationals, please go to page 36 of this magazine to read the event report.

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CHRIS LIOULIOS

racerprofile Age 40 years old Hometown Virginia, SA Occupation Storeman

You are currently leading the way in Super Sedan following the first two rounds of the 19/20 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series – how does that feel?

Jeremy Horvath/HighRPM

The NT Nationals (round two) went particularly well for you, bringing your first win of the season. What was the event like for you?

DARREN MALLISON

Started racing When I was around 24 years old Classes competed Super Street, Super Sedan Best ET and speed 9.11s at 147mph Sponsors Self-funded Favourite TV show Don’t really have one Favourite food Pasta

Favourite racetrack Portland (South Coast Raceway)

It feels good to have a great start to the season but it is still early days in the championship.

You were third in the Super Sedan standings last season, shy of the runnerup spot by just 10 points - what are your championship aspirations this season?

Last year we only attended half of the meetings and managed to contest for the championship in the finals. This year the goal is to attend as many Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series rounds as possible and hopefully take out the championship in the end.

What is it that you love about Super Sedan racing?

I really like the close racing that the Super Sedan bracket brings.

The NT Nationals event was awesome. The facilities were great at Hidden Valley and the car ran flawlessly all weekend.

How did you find the season opening Desert Nationals?

It was a good event and the highlight for me was seeing my good friend Joe Carbone make it through to the final.

Is there anyone you would like to shine the spotlight on for their support of your racing?

I want to send a huge thank you to Mick Yfantidis for everything he does. I would also like to say thank you to my crew members Jim and Elena, and most of all my wife Natalie for being so supportive.

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TOMMY TURIC

Craig Radcliffe Action Sport Photography

racerprofile Age 15 Hometown Adelaide, South Australia Occupation Student Started racing 2017 Best ET 8.00s Sponsors Vlado Turic Pty Ltd/ Huntsman Racing, Maxinne Oppes Favourite race vehicle My dad’s Favourite TV show Street Outlaws

You are currently second in the 19/20 Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster Championship following the opening two rounds – how do you feel about that and what are your championship aspirations for this season?

What has been your racing career highlight so far?

It is amazing that I am currently second.

I am hoping for a top two finish in the championship this season.

What do your school friends think about your chosen sport?

Winning at the Mildura Easter Nationals event and being the Runner-Up in Portland and Darwin were definite highlights.

DARREN MALLISON What were your favourite moments from the Desert Nationals and the NT Nationals?

Being the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster Runner-up in Darwin and my dad being back-to-back Runner-Up in Top Sportsman were the highlights.

Favourite food Vietnamese

What is it that you love about Junior Dragster racing?

Favourite racetrack Darwin

I love the atmosphere; meeting other families and friends; making new friends and the after party on track!

They think it is great and amazing that I drive up to speeds of 130kmh in eight seconds!

Is there anyone you want to thank for the role they play in your racing?

I want to thank my father and my family for all of their support travelling around the countryside. I also want to thank Emily Cozamanis for her great help and for travelling with us; Mark and Maxi from Huntsman Racing for their ongoing commitment, transport and storage; and ANDRA, Summit Racing Equipment, the track staff and all of the volunteers.

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DRAG

Street Machine Drag Challenge is Australia’s answer to Hot Rod’s very successful Drag Week.

Those behind the Challenge explain that in the USA’s Drag Week, the fastest cars are carbon fibre monsters with composite bodies over tube frames and 3000hp twin turbo engines with the quickest running low sixes at over 250mph. But that is in America where the road rules are liberal to say the least.

Here in Australia the road rules are a lot

tougher but that doesn’t make the cars of Street Machine Drag Challenge any less impressive – instead of 2500lb carbon fibre “street doorslammers”, the quickest cars at Drag Challenge run low sevens while tipping the scales at 4000lb and more!

Competitors are tasked with driving to four different tracks in five days, with

no support vehicles or tow cars as they attempt to complete the mandatory 1500km of road driving and run at least one pass at each track.

This means a minimum of five passes in five days and more than 1500kms of driving; however history shows that most competitors make more than 20 passes during the week and travel even more

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CHALLENGE READY TO LAUNCH

kilometres as they seek out fuel, food and accommodation. And don’t forget - if your car has to be towed or can’t complete the street miles under its own steam, you’re out of the running.

chance to take part, with Frank Marchese taking home the top trophy with his twin turbo Ford XW Falcon running a string of consistently fast times and a best of 7.37s at 192mph.

Street Machine Drag Challenge first began in 2014, with just 18 competitors putting their hands up to take on the gruelling task and it has grown in leaps and bounds every year since.

This year’s event is already boasting well over 200 entrants, and with eight different classes to choose from there’s a place for just about everyone.

Last year’s event saw more than 250 entrants pack the staging lanes for their

The craziness kicks off on Monday November 11 at Calder Park, before the competitors head to Swan Hill Dragway,

Mildura’s Sunset Strip, Portland’s South Coast Raceway and then back to Calder Park on Friday November 15 for the finale.

For more information on Street Machine Drag Challenge 2019, please visit www. w h i c h c a r.c o m . a u / s t r e e t m a c h i n e / events/drag-challenge Street Machine Drag Challenge

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LONG-TERM CROW CAMS & ANDRA PARTNERSHIP CONTINUES Crow Cams and the Australia National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) are pleased to announce that the highly successful long-term partnership between the two organisations is set to continue for another 12 months.

Crow Cams has been an Associate Partner of ANDRA for seven consecutive seasons and with this latest renewal will continue to offer support to ANDRA members while sponsoring the much-pursued Crow Cams Best Engineered Award.

“Crow Cams has long been an enthusiastic supporter of ANDRA drag racing and we are as such very pleased to announce the renewal of our partnership with ANDRA for another 12 months,” Crow Cams Marketing Manager, Robert Henty, said.

“From driving on the street to racing at the strip, Crow Cams’ valve train technology has you covered with world class performance and reliability.

“We look forward to continuing to work with ANDRA racers across the coming racing season and to once

again celebrating some outstanding racing machines with the Crow Cams Best Engineered Award.”

The Crow Cams product range includes Next Gen Camshafts, Next Gen Stainless Roller Rockers, Next Gen Race Pushrods, Crow Cams Billet Timing Chain Sets, Crow Cam Followers and Crow Cams Hot Rod Camshafts. Also included are Crow Cams Valve Springs and Retainers, Ford XR6 Turbo Camshaft packages, Next Gen LS V8 Cams, Modular Ford V8 camshafts, Next Gen blower camshafts and more.

“After more than three decades of maintaining the most advanced cam development and CNC grinding facilities in Australia, there is no questioning the value which Crow Cams brings to Australian motorists and racers,” ANDRA Business Development Manager, Jennifer Lingo (Harrison), said.

“To continue to have the backing of such a well-respected company is something we are very pleased about and we look forward to another great season ahead in partnership with Crow Cams.”

For more information about Crow Cams, visit www.crowcams.com.au If you are looking for business opportunities within ANDRA Championship Drag Racing, please email Jennifer Lingo (Harrison) at jennifer.harrison@andra.com.au

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DECOGLAZE GLASS SPLASHBACKS VICTORIA REWARDS TOP QUALIFIERS

DecoGlaze Central Victoria has extended its support of ANDRA drag racing, coming on board as sponsor of the Top Qualifier Medallion awarded as part of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series.

This new partnership is in addition to the company’s existing support of the ANDRA Member Benefits Program, which sees Australia’s leading supplier of glass splashbacks offer ANDRA members a 10 percent discount.* DecoGlaze Central Victoria is headed up by six-time ANDRA drag racing champion Craig Geddes and his business and race team partner, Rob Martin.

“Rob and I are both passionate supporters of ANDRA drag racing and we wanted to expand on our participation in the ANDRA Member Benefits Program. Sponsoring the Top Qualifier Medallion award is another important step for us in extending our support of ANDRA members and ANDRA drag racing,” Geddes said.

“The Top Qualifier Medallion is a very important piece of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series and is very highly sought after, so we are of course very happy to play a part in this coveted award moving forward.”

Geddes explains DecoGlaze has a long history as Australia’s leading supplier of glass splashbacks and is the world’s largest sole measurer, manufacturer and installer of glass splashbacks.

“What sets us apart from other suppliers is our self-imposed Quality Assurance System – every process in the production, supply and installation of our quality Glass Splashbacks is done in-house under

strict quality control,” Geddes explained.

“From cutting, edging and polishing, toughening and painting, DecoGlaze controls it all in house and this ensures the highest quality finished product, industry-leading warranties and best-inindustry lead times.

“We can custom produce coloured glass to suit your own style and you can even be adventurous and create your own custom colour. With a coloured glass splashback, any area can be transformed and we have a large range of exclusive colours including flats, metallics, Tuff Mirror and paint-match option.

“In addition to the standard range, we also offer a designer range, which sees a design painted on using stencils, and also our innovative Impression series where any high quality image can be printed directly onto the back of the glass using our specially designed Digital UV printer. Whether it be a photo, a unique artwork design, or a purchased image, the applications are only limited by your imagination.”

ANDRA Business Development Manager, Jennifer Lingo (Harrison), said she was pleased to welcome DecoGlaze Central Victoria on board.

“Having the support of our ANDRA members is so vital to the success of ANDRA drag racing and for DecoGlaze Central Victoria to extend their support

in this way is greatly appreciated,” Lingo said.

“On behalf of all at ANDRA I also would like to take this opportunity to thank TileCo-TheShowerPeople, the Carranzas, and KC Tools for their generous support of the Top Qualifier Medallion Award over the last two seasons. All at ANDRA appreciate their support and wish them all the best.”

The DecoGlaze Central Victoria Top Qualifier Medallion Award is presented to the top qualifying racer for each Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series bracket contested at 2019/2020 Series’ events.

DecoGlaze Central Victoria is located at Unit 1 / 4 Villiers Drive, Wendouree, Victoria, 3355. For more information, contact Craig Geddes on 0422 109 595 or craigg@decoglaze.com.au or visit www. decoglaze.com.au.

If you are looking for business opportunities within ANDRA Championship Drag Racing, please email Jennifer Lingo (Harrison) at jennifer. harrison@andra.com.au

* As part of the ANDRA Member Benefits Program, DecoGlaze Central Victoria offers ANDRA members within a 200km radius of Ballarat (Victoria) a 10 percent discount on its glass splashbacks.

Image courtesy Mark Cuffe/DragsSA.com

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SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT CONTINUES TO BACK JUNIOR RACERS

Summit Racing Equipment and the Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) are excited to announce that The World’s Speed Shop has renewed its naming rights support of ANDRA’s Junior Dragster category.

For the fourth consecutive season the racing bracket, which offers three levels of participation for eight to 16 year olds, will be known as Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster.

The partnership with Summit Racing Equipment will allow ANDRA to continue to offer discounted licenses for Junior Dragster families.

“Summit Racing Equipment is always looking to support sportsman racing and an important part of that is fostering the next generation of the sport,” Summit Racing Equipment Motorsport and Events Manager, Jim Greenleaf, said.

“Junior Dragster racing is all about families racing together while kids learn about teamwork, sportsmanship and mechanics as well as the emotions of winning and losing.

“We look forward to once again being a

part of the Summit Racing Equipment grow both on and off the track.”

Junior Dragster bracket and wish all of Summit Racing Equipment carries the junior racers and their families all millions of parts in-stock from more the best for the 2019/2020 season.” than 1,600 name brands, including ANDRA Business Development parts for racing, street performance, Manager, Jennifer Lingo (Harrison), trucks and off-roading, tools, and said all at ANDRA were pleased to once more. You can order online anytime again have Summit Racing Equipment at SummitRacing.com or with the free on board with the junior category.

Summit Racing App while accessing fast shipping, world-class customer “The Junior Dragster bracket officially service and expert tech advice. To launched into ANDRA Championship learn more about Summit Racing Drag Racing in 1992 and has since Equipment and its products, visit seen our sport benefit greatly through www.summitracing.com the fostering of many of our presentday drag racing superstars,” Lingo For more information on the Summit explained.

Racing Equipment Sportsman Series, please visit www.andra.com.au If you “Having this vitally important bracket are looking for business opportunities supported by a highly-respected within ANDRA Championship Drag company like Summit Racing Racing, please email Jennifer Lingo Equipment is greatly appreciated and (Harrison) at jennifer.harrison@ plays a key role in allowing our next andra.com.au generation to learn their craft and Automotive Event Images

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NEW MEMBER BENEFITS NOW AVAILABLE The ANDRA Member Benefits Program continues to deliver savings to ANDRA members with the list of companies signing up to offer discounts and special offers getting longer and longer.

The latest company to join the ANDRA Member Benefits Program is Qtr Mile Child, a specialist creator of drag racing decorative decals for children which has signed up to offer ANDRA members a discount of 15 percent.

be surprised to hear I wanted to decorate my so I could offer a special discount to ANDRA son’s room in a drag racing theme!” Lingo members. explained.

“I am looking forward to working with ANDRA “The problem was that when I went to do so, members to provide them with high quality it was actually really difficult to find anything products – including custom orders – to help suitable, so I set about creating my own drag them and their children further celebrate Qtr Mile Child is a new business for our racing themed decorative decals. their love of drag racing.” sport’s littlest drag racing enthusiasts and “It was suggested to share what I had created To receive Qtr Mile Child’s ANDRA Member was born when its creator, ANDRA Business with others so they too could decorate Benefits discount and to confirm shipping Development Manager Jennifer Lingo rooms, schoolbooks and more for their own rates, please email info@qtrmilechild.com (Harrison), realised there was a real gap little drag racing enthusiasts; and so Qtr Mile in the market when it came to drag racing Qtr Mile Child is based in United States. For Child was born! themed decoration products. more information, visit www.qtrmilechild.

“Once I launched the new business, it was of com or contact Jennifer Lingo (Harrison) on “As some of our members will know, I had a course the natural next step for me to join info@qtrmilechild.com or +1 (985) 445baby last year and I am sure not many would up to the ANDRA Member Benefits Program 7871.

A WHOLE HOST OF BENEFITS AWAIT

Qtr Mile Child is the latest in a growing list of companies who are ready and waiting to help ANDRA members, including: • DECOGLAZE GLASS SPLASHBACKS CENTRAL VICTORIA • BURNS STAINLESS

FREE TO JOIN!

• WA SUSPENSIONS • DEVELO-PRO (D-PRO

• RICK’S MOBILE SLOT CARS

• FAST & LOUD INDUSTRIES

• COOLSHIRT SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA

• VISNER ENGINE DEVELOPMENT

• ANDYK DESIGN

• THE CAMPAIGN COMPANY

• ARC - APPLIED RACING COMPONENTS

• STREET MACHINE

• PERFORMANCE TOWING WA

• HUSSEY PERFORMANCE, LLC

• PRECISION TURBO & ENGINE

• C & R MOTORSPORT

WHAT IS THE ANDRA MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM? The ANDRA Member Benefits Program has been created to offer loyal ANDRA members the opportunity to receive discounts on products and services from supporting companies. It is FREE to join.

Member Benefits Program receives promotion through ANDRA’s database of over 5000 members and race fans, exposure through the ANDRA website, the quarterly FASTLANE digital magazine and the fortnightly MotorMail Participating businesses of the ANDRA email newsletter.

DEVELOPMENTS

• SHANNONS INSURANCE • THE MOVING MAN

If you would like more information on the program or want to complete your free registration, please click here. To view a listing of all ANDRA Member Benefits Program offers, please visit www.andra.com.au/directory/ member-benefits-program-directory

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FIRST WINNERS CELEBRATED IN ALICE SPRINGS Following two great days of racing at Alice Springs Inland Dragway, the Desert Nationals saw the first winners of the 2019/2020 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series celebrated on Sunday the 4th of August.

When all was said and done, it was Brodie Zappia (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Gavin Dohnt (Modified Bike), Michael Giannaros (Super Street), Martin Mirco (Super Sedan), Justin Russell (Supercharged Outlaws) and Greg Damiani (Top Sportsman) who emerged victorious with ANDRA Christmas Tree trophies.

Runners-up were Sarah Donnelly (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Jake Hamilton-Moderate (Modified Bike), Chris Hodge (Super Street), Joe Carbone (Super

Sedan), Christine Steffens (Supercharged Sedan victory was the perfect start to his Outlaws) and Vlado Turic (Top Sportsman). championship defence despite hurting his motor recently. On his way to his final against Also awarded at the presentations were the Joe Carbone, Mirco faced off against Chris recipients of the DecoGlaze Glass Splashbacks Lioulios (semi), top qualifier Kevin McIvor and Victoria Top Qualifier Medallions, with Aiden Alex Gkroidis. Carbone meanwhile did battle Abel (Summit Racing Equipment Junior with Peter Tzokas (semi), Brett Mathew and Dragster), Gavin Dohnt (Modified Bike), Tim Jeff Maslin.

Bryan (Super Street), Kevin McIvor (Super Sedan), Andrew Cole (Supercharged Outlaws) “It was a very good event and a good start and Darren Saliba (Top Sportsman) taking out to our season, even if it was a little bit the prestigious medals. unexpected as we have ‘plan B’ in motion at the moment – we damaged the motor For Martin Mirco, the Desert Nationals Super

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Mark Cuffe/DragsSA.com

on the dyno a few weeks (before the event) and without the money or time to fix it we weren’t even sure we would make it to Alice,” Mirco explained, while thanking Lost Racing Products, WA Bolts, JD Automotive Repairs and Detailing and WA Bolts for their support.

at the recent Nitro Up North event. Russell’s victory over Christine Steffens followed wins from Jon Ferguson (semi) and Rodger Weste while Steffens had bested Andrew Cole (semi) and Mark Hunt to secure her place in the final.

“We pulled the motor out of the Street Car and we pretty much had no idea what it would run as we had no data, we were just lucky that some of the radial guys hired the track at the Motorplex (the weekend before the event) and we had some testing, and then everything went well (in Alice).

“We have had a great weekend! We put a fair bit of effort into it to get here,” Russell “It has just been a really, really good weekend explained after clinching the win. and it was great to have a field of Outlaws here. Racing at Alice and Darwin is pretty “After we hurt the engine, Mark Hunt took special, and it was also a very special trip for it back to Adelaide and I put pressure on my me to have (Justin’s son) Ryan with me – we engine builder Paul Greghini to turn it around were very busy running the Junior and the in two weeks as I really wanted to be in Outlaw car at the same meeting!”

Alice Springs for the first round. He turned it around and got it to Mark who brought it up For Greg Damiani, it was a picture perfect so we could fly up and put it all together the weekend in Alice Springs. His victory over day before the event.

Vlado Turic was preceded by successful races against Andrew Thompson (semi) “It ran on-song all weekend with ‘six eighties’ and defending champion and John Storm off the trailer. We left the set-up at that as Memorial winner Jason Arbery while Turic we didn’t want to try and turn it up for Top had enjoyed a bye run to the final following a Qualifier, we were just happy to be consistent round one win over Ashley Smith. and look after it because we wanted to make sure we were there at the end for the final!

“I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend.

I came to Alice Springs last year and didn’t “I have an awesome team – my thanks goes

“We are going to do the whole series and defend the title. We came into this season with the same goals as last season – with Darwin ad Alice Springs offering the bonus points we were hoping to get at least 100 points and we have that already now!” Micro said at the end of the Desert Nationals event.

For Justin Russell, the Supercharged Outlaws victory capped off a momentous two weeks of work to be ready for the event after he damaged the engine of his Camaro in Darwin

to Pete McDonald from Pete’s Truck and Diesel who worked his family holiday around these events, Craig Blake my crew chief who has never done that job before but lifted and did what he had to do, Heather ‘Parky’ Parkinson and our promotional staff Bethany and Trinity.

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do one pass – the car failed on me every run and this year we had the exact opposite!”

Damiani enthused while thanking sponsors Mitolo Group and VP Race Fuels as well as his crew Adrian Lowe and Tony Hall and his wife and kids for their support.

“The car was perfect all weekend and I couldn’t have asked for any more. We had three close races; I beat Jason Arbery in the first round who in my opinion is the best racer in Top Sportsman and that set me on my way.”

In the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster ranks, Brodie Zappia and Sarah Donnelly faced off in the final after event winner Zappia had earlier dispatched George Limperis (semi) and Tommy Turic (round one) while enjoying a bye run in round two.

Donnelly meanwhile enjoyed a bye to the

final after successfully facing off against some really good friends at these tracks too.

Sarah Osborne (round two) and Daniel Willox The extra points are a bonus also! (round one).

“I have always had the ANDRA Christmas “We came into the weekend with a car that I Tree at the top of my list of things I wanted had only raced twice before and with a new to achieve, and to get it now, at the start of set-up. We had no idea of how it would run, my A/JD career, means quite a bit. so we went out to the first two passes with “I have been trying for a while, and have a bit of a soft tune, before making some been in three national points round finals changes and going all out for the next three prior to this meeting, but this time I’ve been qualifiers to end up second qualifier overall,” victorious,” he said, while thanking his Mum said the West Aussie youngster who turned and Dad, John Zappia of Zappia Racing, 14 just weeks after the Desert Nationals.

Scruffy of BL&SG Lake, ACS Computers and “I have been lucky enough to travel and race his Grandpop Green for their support. at the national meetings around Australia, Gavin Dohnt converted his DecoGlaze Glass and this was our sixth visit to the Desert Splashbacks Victoria Top Qualifier medallion Nationals. I really enjoy going to the smaller winning performance into an event win regional tracks as the atmosphere is great, in the Modified Bike bracket with victory the competitors are all really friendly and over defending champion Jake Hamiltonthe track staff are very welcoming. I’ve made Moderate in the final. Dohnt had a bye run

33 fastlane into the final, after having earlier done battle with Matthew Dare (round two) and Levi Addison. Hamilton-Moderate booked his trip to the finale courtesy of wins over David Denner (semi), Andrew Sellears and Ian Read.

“The event was very, very good for us. We made some changes to the bike in the offseason to help get it off the line a little easier, so qualifying was the first time we had run it with the new bodywork on it and it behaved very well,” Dohnt explained after the event while thanking Komatsu Forrest, LV Dohnt Forestry, Port Haul Haulage and his wife Jodie for all of their support.

“We ended up Top Qualifying and on race day we actually went quicker than the bike has ever gone before which was good considering the air and the conditions in Alice. We had no expectations as the young guys like Levi

Addison and Jake Hamilton-Moderate are all Also on track at the Desert Nationals were very good on the tree and extremely good racers from the track’s Street Car and riders, so we were hopeful but not confident. Street Bike brackets, with Angelique Stainer and Patrick Honan topping those classes “We ended up with a pretty consistent bike respectively. that behaved itself all day and were lucky enough to make it through. We were very Across both days of the Desert Nationals, happy – this was our fourth visit to Alice the passionate crowd of race goers were Springs and we have won there three times also treated to exhibition passes from Top now, so it is a bit of a favourite spot for us.”

Doorslammer racers John Zappia and Mat Abel; Top Fuel Motorcycle pilots Jay Upton, In the Super Street bracket, Michael Danny Rickard and John Zahra; and Peter de Giannaros took out the event victory over Wit in his popular Jet Car. Chris Hodge following earlier wins over Paul Garbellin (semi) and Top Qualifier Tim Bryan ANDRA thanks the Central Australia Drag (round one) and a bye run in round two. Racing Association (CADRA), Alice Springs Hodge enjoyed a bye run to the final after Inland Dragway and all of its volunteers and earlier victories over Rodney Kerr (round two) sponsors for an outstanding racetrack and a and Stephen Ariston. To hear what Giannaros well-run event. had to say about it all, go to page 8 of this magazine to read our cover feature.

Mark Cuffe/DragsSA.com

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BENARABY ALL BIKE DRAGS A

HUGE SUCCESS

More than 130 bike racers from all over Australia travelled to Queensland’s Benaraby Raceway in early August for the 2019 All Bike Drags event.

Headlined by Benny Stevens’ Nitro Harley Challenge, the event brought together a party atmosphere with competitive racing, plenty of skids and some great camaraderie for a “classic good time” had by all.

“The lead up to Benaraby was an absolute great time, we went down the coast to the Harley dealerships that supported us for the event – Mackay Harley Davidson, Rocky Harley and also Harbour City Harley. They were awesome to have us in the shop for the day and we were able to do some great promotional stuff for the event and also for the race team,” Benny Stevens said.

“When we got down to Benaraby we had a look at the track and were pretty impressed and could see the surface had a lot of potential. We made the right adjustments to get both bikes down the track and while Kim (Stevens) had a few technical problems with his bike, I couldn’t have asked for more

from my big bike. The track surface prepped up great and I have the data to prove that if it was a full flat racing surface we could have run at least ‘six sixties’ which is pretty cool.”

utilised ANDRA’s trial Single Event Licence and a free ANDRA technical inspection day held in the days leading up to the event allowed a number of keen racers to take part who otherwise may not have been able to “Overall the weekend was absolutely participate. awesome – the interaction with the crowd was unbelievable, the track itself had a great Also playing a special part in the event was atmosphere and myself and my team loved it. the Adam Witt Memorial, in memory of We can’t wait to come back again next year racer Adam Witt who passed away just a – there is a quote that sometimes you win couple of weeks before the event. Witty was and sometimes you learn and I can definitely remembered with some special words from say that at this race meeting everyone won, his closest friends and a moment of silence it was an absolute ball tearer of a good time.” which was cleared with the starting of ‘Witty’s’ bike while a fellow racer performed Alongside the hugely popular Benny Stevens a skid and a solo pass in his honour ahead of Nitro Harley Challenge in being new for this the start of racing. year’s event was the Outlaw Grudge Bike Eliminator bracket, the LAMS Group riding Despite a short delay in getting on the track legally-restricted LAMS motorbikes, a raffle of due to last minute minor repairs and final a Honda Grom (taken out by Brisbane’s Matt track preparation for the Nitro Harleys, event Smith) and specially-made event t-shirts. organisers report that the event managed It was also the first time the event had to host exactly 900 successful races on the

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Heather Ford/Phaze 3 Photography

2019 BENARABY RACEWAY ALL BIKE DRAGS EVENT AWARD RECIPIENTS day with no major issues. Racers and fans were able to follow along with all of the action as it unfolded thanks to the recently implemented LIVE1320 Benaraby App – the free app allows spectators globally to see timecards as the action unfolds and is also a valuable tool for lane marshals and racers.

Once the racing was finished, participants were treated to entertainment from live rock band ‘Let Loose.’

“With 900 races on the board, competitors of all ages on all types of bikes; ear shattering Nitro Harleys; smoke filled skies; winners of cash, trophies and a Grom; and Rock n Roll through the night – we like to think this was the typical All Bikes Drags at Benaraby,” Benaraby Raceway All Bikes event organiser Viv Jocumsen said.

“We would love to thank all of the competitors, sponsors, ANDRA staff, track staff, volunteers and all involved in helping us to put on another successful All Bikes event.”

Top Qualifiers, Runner-ups and Winners of each bracket of racing took home fantastic flat-packable bevelled glass trophies made

by Bundaberg Trophies and Gifts, sponsored

by Bank of Queensland North Rockhampton.

All competitors received a commemorative decal provided by CutGrafix specifically made for this event.

For more information on Benaraby Raceway, visit www.benarabyraceway.com

Tannum Family Practice Junior Drag Bikes

Rocky Harley Davidson Sportsters

Top Qualifier

Charlie Houston

Top Qualifier

Lisle Egerton

Runner-Up

Blake Walsh

Runner-Up

Brett Alloway

Winner

Bailey Schneider

Winner

Shannon Josefski

Milward Motorcycles & HealTech Electronics LAMS Approved Bikes Top Qualifier

Scott Schofield

Runner-Up

Jye Whitney

Winner

Scott Schofield

Harbour City Motorcycles & HealTech Electronics Street Bike Top Qualifier

Don Baird

Runner-Up

Jacinta Dickenson

Winner

Bruce Little

Harland Auto Electrics & HealTech Electronics Historic/Pre-1989 Top Qualifier

Stephen Clarkson

Runner-Up

Peter Davis

Winner

Peter Johnson

Harbour City Harley Davidson & HealTech Electronics Twins and Singles Top Qualifier

Mark Harris

Runner-Up

Dean Ballard

Winner

Lincoln Tedman

T.H.G Tires Baggers Top Qualifier

Jacob Davis

Runner-Up

Scott Bill

Winner

Mitchell Ward

Brown and Meyers & HealTech Electronics Modified Bike Top Qualifier

Dayne Brandon

Runner-Up

Mark Anderson

Winner

Glen Bungay

Bundy Harley Davison, Mate’s Racing & McKie Diesel Services Grudge Bikes Top Qualifier

Reegan Ward

Runner-Up

Reegan Ward

Winner

Peter Johnson

Rosenburg Motorcycles Burnout Comp Winner

Rider of the BLUE Harley Dyna

Consolidated Bikers Australia Light of the Night Winner

Brett Alloway

Adam Witt Memorial Shield (best reaction time and dial-in package) Winner

Gary Bungay (Modified Bike)

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RACERS NAIL IT

IN THE NT

Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series competitors impressed at Darwin’s Hidden Valley Drag Strip across August 9 and 10 for the NT Nationals – round two of the 2019/2020 Series.

After an exciting day of qualifying on the Friday, Saturday hosted eliminations racing for all of the championship series brackets and when all was said and done, it was Aiden Abel (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Levi Addison (Modified Bike), Michael Giannaros (Super Street), Chris Lioulios (Super Sedan), Christine Steffens (Supercharged Outlaws) and Jason Arbery (Top Sportsman) who emerged victorious with ANDRA Christmas Tree trophies.

Runners-up were Tommy Turic (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Al Henry (Modified Bike), Claude Petrilli (Super Street), Darren Mallison (Super Sedan), Jon Ferguson (Supercharged Outlaws) and Vlado Turic (Top Sportsman).

Street), Darren Mallison (Super Sedan), Christine Steffens (Supercharged Outlaws) and Todd Knight (Top Sportsman) who each earned DecoGlaze Glass Splashback Victoria Top Qualifier Medallions thanks to their top qualifying performances on Friday.

For local racer Aiden Abel, the NT Nats Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster victory was a great early birthday present for the young gun who turned 14 later in the month.

The DecoGlaze Glass Splashbacks Victoria Top Qualifier Medallion recipient faced off against Tommy Turic in the final after defeating Scarlet Sherwood in the first round and enjoying a bye run in the semis. Turic meanwhile had taken on Madison Harris in Also recognised at the presentations on the opening race before facing off against Saturday evening were Aiden Abel (Summit Aiden’s sister Danielle Abel in the semi-final.

Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), David “It was a good weekend – the car was Denner (Modified Bike), Tim Bryan (Super

consistent for once and it was especially good to come back and win after being disqualified in Alice Springs; and to clean sweep it with top qualifying and the win is pretty great too,” Abel said while thanking his dad Mathew Abel and also Tony Wood for their support.

“This is a bit of an early birthday present and it is my first ANDRA Christmas Tree ever – that feels pretty amazing as no one else in my family has ever got one!”

For Christine Steffens, taking the win in Supercharged Outlaws over Jon Ferguson saw her make up for a final gone wrong at the opening round at Alice Springs.

Thanks to her Top Qualifying success on Friday, Steffens enjoyed a bye run in the first round before emerging victorious from her semi-final against Mark Hunt. Ferguson meanwhile had booked his spot in the final

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after taking wins from Rodger Weste and Accounting for their support.

Dennis Bayliss (semi).

Another racer who was making up for lost “Finally! I am stoked that it finally all came time in Darwin was Jason Arbery. The twotogether!” Steffens enthused after taking time and reigning Top Sportsman Australian the victory just one week after a broken Champion and John Storm Memorial Award input shaft put paid to a promising final run Recipient struggled at the opening round against Justin Russell at round one. but turned it around for round two to take out his third consecutive Summit Racing “We actually found a cut in the dragster’s Equipment Sportsman Series victory at the number six spark plug lead earlier (in the NT Darwin facility.

Nats weekend) so Ricky fixed that and we went from running ‘six- eighties’ to ‘six-fifties’ On his way to the final against 2018/2019 Top and she decided she was going to be a very Sportsman Champion Runner-Up Vlado Turic, good girl from there on so we were pretty Arbery took on Dwite Breffies (round one) and happy.

Ash Smith while Turic defeated Kevin McIvor and Leon Davies. Top Qualifier Todd Knight “We are very happy to have another tree to was defeated in the first round by Smith. add to the forest,” Steffens concluded, while thanking her crew Ricky Steffens, David “We had to climb out of a bit of a hole after Michel and Shaun Kinnane as well as Lockyer Alice – the engine has had a freshen up and Engine Reconditioners and Christine Steffens the tune-up changed a bit (since last season)

so I was chasing that a little bit but we got that right in Darwin in qualifying and with that our MPH and our consistency came back,” Arbery explained.

“On the Friday all I had to do was my job as the car was back – we did it, and this one feels really good. (To win) is one thing when you are on top but it is another when you are climbing out of a hole or coming from behind and it feels really good to be back!

“This makes three from three in Darwin, and we are all absolutely thrilled with that. After the first one my wife said I had to come back and we did and then after the second one she said we had to come back again and here we are and we are all happy! Our thanks goes to the Hidden Valley Drag Strip for another good event.

“I also have to say thank you to my crew,

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Mick, Jacob and Bianca; my family back home; Vlado for yet another good final; and my sponsors Komatsu Forrest, Trident Tyre Centre, Henley Chassis, Paul Rogers Performance Racing Transmissions, Hyland Fox Signs and Shannons Insurance.”

In the Modified Bike rankings, Levi Addison took the victory over Al Henry after having earlier dispatched Shane Gaghan (round one), Adam Rapp and Mike Lockhart while Henry had successfully faced off against Andrew Sellears, Dean Hersey and Top Qualifier David Denner.

“I have been racing dirt drags and taking my street bike down to my local track for a few years, but this is my first year of doing the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series championship,” Addison said while thanking Bad Company Racing Team, his family, Gordy and Teresa, Fastamoto, Harley Heaven Melbourne, Addison Memorials, The Collective Family Custom Graphics, Krock Automotive Moama, Autobarn Echuca, Moto Shack, BMC Australasia and SRT signs as well as ANDRA and the Hidden Valley Drag Strip.

“It was extremely special for me to take the win at the NT Nats and especially to do it at that event as a lot of family and friends put in

a lot of hard work for me to be able to travel Darren Mallison and Chris Lioulios, with so far away to go racing, so I was very happy Lioulios taking the event victory after earlier to take the win in front of them. wins over Craig McGregor (round one), Brett Mathews and Brian Breed while Mallison “To be leading the points chase is fantastic defeated Kass Ward (round one) and Brad too, I am absolutely stoked and I think it Prowse (semi) while enjoying a bye run in is great for a Harley Davidson to be up the round two. To hear from runner-up Darren front.”

Mallison and winner Chris Lioulios on their The Super Street honours were claimed by weekend, please visit page 17 (Darren Michael Giannaros in an impressive display Mallison Perfect Light Feature) and page 18 which backed up his breakthrough victory in (Chris Lioulios racer profile) of this magazine. his first ever Super Street final just last week Across both days of the NT Nationals, race in Alice Springs. fans were also delighted by exhibition Giannaros defeated runner-up Claude Petrilli racing from Top Doorslammer racers John after beating Sarah Mae Bates (round one) Zappia and Mathew Abel as well as Modified and Howard Munt (semi) while enjoying a bye competitors. run in round two. Petrilli meanwhile claimed ANDRA thanks the Hidden Valley Drag Racing the runner-up honours following earlier Association and all of its volunteers and victories over Nikolas Karanovic (round two) sponsors for an outstanding racetrack and a and Theo Karamanidis (semi) following a bye well-run event. run in round one. Top Qualifier Tim Bryan took no part in Saturday’s racing after car issues The 2019/2020 Summit Racing Equipment forced him to withdraw from the event after Sportsman Series will now travel to Mildura’s qualifying. To hear what Giannaros had to say Sunset Strip for its third round of the season, about the victory, please go to page 8 of this to be held across September 21 and 22. For magazine to read our cover feature. event information, go to www.sunsetstrip. org.au or www.andra.com.au The Super Sedan battle came down to Top Qualifier and Perfect Light Award recipient Craig Radcliffe Action Sport Photography

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JUNIORS RACE

TO GLORY IN MILDURA RACERS NAIL IT

IN THE NT

Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series competitors impressed at Saturday C/JD Darwin’s Hidden Valley Drag Strip across August 9 and Top 10Qualifier for the NT Nationals Alex Rottenbury – round two of the 2019/2020 Series.

Runner-Up Mason Kuchel After an exciting day of qualifying on the Friday, Saturday hosted eliminations racing for all of the championship series brackets and when all was said and done, it was Aiden Abel (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Levi Addison (Modified Bike), Michael Giannaros (Super Street), Chris Lioulios (Super Sedan), Christine Steffens (Supercharged Outlaws) and Jason Arbery (Top Sportsman) who emerged victorious with ANDRA Christmas Tree trophies.

Street), Darren Mallison (Super Sedan), Christine Steffens (Supercharged Outlaws) and Todd Knight (Top Sportsman) who each earned DecoGlaze Glass Splashback Victoria Top Qualifier Medallions thanks to their top qualifying performances on Friday.

The second annual Sunset Strip Junior Nationals was held in Mildura across August 9 and 10.

Almost 40 Junior Dragster racers from all over the country descended on the Sunraysia For local racer Aiden Drag Abel, theRacing NT Nats Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster Association’s Sunset Strip inwasVictoria for two big victory a great early birthday present for the young gun who will turned 14 later in the days of racing action. month.

Runners-up were Tommy Turic (Summit Despite being dogged by high winds andThe Images, Werribee Farm Supplies, DecoGlaze Glass South Splashbacks Victoria Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Al Henry then wet weather, the track, its crew andTopJ.Gem Earthmoving, Overland Locksmiths, Qualifier Medallion recipient faced (Modified Bike), Claude Petrilli (Super Street), attending race teams all banded togetheroffCCagainst Royal, Tommy VP RaceTuric Fuels,in SCG the Race final Parts, after Darren Mallison (Super Sedan), Jon Ferguson to ensure the event was a success.

Stares Scarlet Family Sherwood Motorsport, Paul defeating in the first Rogers round (Supercharged Outlaws) and Vlado Turic (Top Performance and enjoying a Transmissions, bye run in the Board semis.Family Turic “We had everything thrown at us but thanks Sportsman).

Racing, Drag’N Fly Racing, D&J Harris Haulage, meanwhile had taken on Madison in to the persistence of our amazing crew we Mowing, MBD Also recognised at the presentations on theBursons openingAutomotive, race beforeGone facing off against never gave up and were able to have a great Airconditioning, Plumbtec Mildura, ACS Saturday evening were Aiden Abel (Summit Aiden’s sister Danielle Abel in the semi-final. event,” Sunraysia Drag Racing Association Computers, Larcombe & Mee Racing, Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), David President, Kingsley Kuchel, said.

“It was a good weekend – the car was Gasrite Racing, Sporting Scribe Muscle, Denner (Modified Bike), Tim Bryan (Super “I can’t thank the crew enough and my words WADRA, J&M Boskovich, Summit Racing will never come close to truly showing how Equipment, SLR Distributions, Hi-Tec proud I am of them all. To hear the amazing Oils, Huddleston Performance, Repco, feedback from all of the race teams and to V.E.K Tools, Cajed Racewear, Ductmakers see the happy faces of parents and children Mildura, Zappia Racing, Armor Composite Engineering, Southern Car Care Centre, was fantastic.”

SAAS, Davis Distributing and Pluckas Race The Sunset Strip Junior Nationals thanks Craft for their support. all of its team and volunteers for their efforts as well as sponsor partners Mprint Industries, Uplift Cranes, B.L&S.G Lake, Outlaw Images Cool Shirt Systems Australia, Outlaw

Winner for once and it was Alex Rottenbury consistent especially good to come Saturday B/JD back and win after being disqualified in Alice Springs; and to clean Top it Qualifier sweep with top qualifying and Zac theHarvey win is pretty great too,” Abel said while thanking Runner-Up Chelsea Sammut his dad Mathew Abel and also Tony Wood for Winner Zac Harvey their support.

Saturday A/JD “This is a bit of an early birthday present and it isTop my Qualifier first ANDRA Christmas TreeOscar ever –de that Main feels pretty amazing as no one else in my Runner-Up Oscar de Main family has ever got one!”

Jake Berias For Winner Christine Steffens, taking the win in Supercharged over Jon Ferguson Saturday BoyOutlaws and Girl Racing saw her make up for a final gone wrong at Saturday boys v boys TQ* Dylan Knezevic the opening round at Alice Springs.

Saturday girls v girls TQ*

Zara Board

Runner-Up

Stephanie Davies

Winner

Brodie Zappia

Perfect Light

Ella Stares

Best Package

Georgia Fardella

Anita Board Sportsmanship Award

The Kuchel brothers

Best Presented

Stares Family Motorsport

Thanks to her Top Qualifying success on Friday, Steffens enjoyed a bye run Saturday Best Boys Package Oscarindethe Main first round before emerging victorious from Sunday Racing her semi-final against Mark Hunt. Ferguson meanwhile had booked his spot inBrooke the final Top Qualifier Camilleri

*Racing for these brackets not run due to weather

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SUMMIT RACING QLD CHAMPS

ACTION HEATS UP

BENARABY Rogue Snapper Photography

Following a fantastic round two of the 2019 Summit Racing Queensland Championships at Benaraby Raceway on August 31, there is now just one event standing between the racers of the popular three-round regional series and being crowned the Summit Racing Queensland Champions with prestigious ANDRA Copper Christmas Tree Trophies.

Taking victory at round two were Rodney Hansen (Supercharged Outlaws), Nathan Thwaite (Sportsman), Brett Kelly (Super Street), Ronald Shaw (Street), Laeith Skinner (Modified Bike), Peter Johnson (Street Bike) and Skylah Wagensveld (Junior Dragster).

Runners-up were Michael Cameron (Supercharged Outlaws), Earl McCallum (Sportsman), Craig McVie (Super Street), Cameron Kaddatz (Street), Russell Bell (Modified Bike), Richard Culey (Street Bike) and Emma Wagensveld (Junior Dragster).

Cameron, Kelly and Kaddatz had their hands full at the presentations, also taking

out the Top Qualifying awards for their respective brackets alongside Dave Roderick (Sportsman), Reegan Ward (Modified Bike), Ray Wiggett (Street Bike) and Jaidyn Seng (Junior Dragster).

“I haven’t raced my car since the first round of the Summit Racing Queensland Champs at Roma earlier this year so I was doing a fair few changes and we had a bit of a problem on Friday night, so we were just trying to set up the car and everything,” Also competing at the weekend was the Thwaite explained. local Junior Bike bracket, with Hunter Oliver taking the victory over runner-up Rylan “We were able to just creep up on it with McKie while Charlie Houston took out the each race which was good and it ended up top qualifier honours. going pretty smoothly actually with the car going well.

Bundaberg’s Nathan Thwaite was pleasantly surprised to take out the victory in the hotly “We are really happy with the result. I didn’t contested Sportsman bracket. expect the win, it was a pretty big field and I am still trying to do a few things to my

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car as I go, changing a few things on the bike up, but unfortunately for Craig Oliver he suspension and so on, but it turned out well! broke out.

“I would like to thank everyone at the HJ Racing Crew and also send a special thanks to Terry Seng from Paramount Performance in Toowoomba as well as all of the volunteers and track staff.

“I am definitely going to the final round and we will be making a few little changes between now and then. We will get up there early and do the Test and Tune before and have a bit of a play and go from there!”

Laeith Skinner might have had a tricky run to the final at Benaraby but the Mackay racer made the most of it to clinch the Modified Bike victory in Gladstone.

“A win is always good, I am yet to have a bad win! This one came off the back of a final in the last round and a runner-up result at the Winternats, so the bike is certainly working and can do it if the rider can,” Skinner chuckled.

“The whole group of us that travelled down from Mackay to race at Benaraby fought the track the whole weekend just trying to get the tuning right and I had a few slips off the line – I had a lucky win in the first round as I spun severely off the line and crossed the

“I then had some good runs after that and in the finals it was a double break-out, I just happened to be closer to my dial-in.

“We have been at every Summit Racing Queensland Championship event so far since the series started and we know what to expect – it is always a good event, the Mackay one is always the best though in my opinion,” he laughed.

“I want to thank Komatsu for being the bracket sponsors, it is good to have some corporate sponsorship, as well as my whole team that comes down from Mackay, my wife Lisa Skinner who was racing as well and Russell Bell for being the runner-up.”

The three-round state-based Summit Racing Queensland Championship develops and promotes drag racing in regional Queensland.

The third and final round will be held at Palmyra Dragway across October 4 and 5.

The Summit Racing Queensland Championship will release the points tally following round two shortly. For more information on the Summit Racing Queensland Championship, please visit www.facebook.com/andra.QLD.Champs/

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RED

THR

Over three days (August 30-September 1) and across multiple venues, the fifth annual Red CentreNATS hosted a record-breaking 861 entrants to the delight of race fans.

Friday’s day one got the jam-packed program off to a roaring start with pre-judging, scrutineering and qualifying for the Burnout Championship and Burnout Masters, with motorsports fans of all ages flocking to Alice Springs Inland Dragway (ASID) to see the biggest field in Burnout Masters history take to the burnout pad with the hope of qualifying for Sunday’s finals.

Come Saturday it was time for drag racing to take a starring role in the automotive entertainment line-up with the muchanticipated Heavy Hitters racing drawing

throngs of people to ASID to witness 20 of members of the family at Blatherskite Park, Australia’s fastest drag cars battle it out to with a show full of live activations including win more than $10,000 in prize money. trophy karts competitions, a packed show ‘n’ shine, grass driving challenges, dyno battles, When all was said and done, it was Simon elite show car pavilions, a 4WD course, Daley and his Pontiac Transam (7 second children’s entertainment and much more. winner), Greg Damiani and his Holden Thousands of locals and visitors also turned Monaro (8 second winner), Allan Applebee out to experience the biggest street parade and his Holden Gemini (9 second winner) of its kind at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre and Craig Hodge and his Holden Ute (11 Red CentreNATS Street Parade, which saw second winner) who would take out the hotly hundreds of modified and custom vehicles contested Heavy Hitters competition on cruise through the heart of Alice Springs in a Saturday evening. huge spectacle of colour and noise.

Also on Saturday, there was something for all

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D CENTRENATS

RILL IN THE NT Images courtesy of Red CentreNATS

On the third and final day of Red CentreNATS, the Road to Grand Champion drag racing and the street and pro drag racing competitions at ASID entertained with Allan Appleby taking out the Street win over Craig Hodge and Mark Thomas winning the Pro category over Clinton Hayward. At the same time, the motorkhana took place at Lasseters and the Burnout Competition finals and the Burnout Masters finals also took place at the drag strip.

Park and was taken out by Brent Murray and the drag strip, with 20 of the nation’s fastest his 1968 Dodge Dart “EVL 68.” This car was drag cars reaching top speeds of up to 300 the first non-Ford/Holden to win the Grand km/h.

Champion title since the event’s inception.

“Alice Springs came alive with hundreds of Warren Gersekowski and his 1971 Holden entries making their way to Central Australia HG Ute “1 TUF HG” was the Burnout Masters from right across the country for the fifth winner while Casey Tolcher won the Burnout annual Red CentreNATS. The event attracted Championship in his 1985 VK Commodore a broad range of attendees, from passionate Sedan “HI RI2K.” automotive enthusiasts to the car-curious.

DJ Hot Dub Time Machine closed out the event at Blatherskite Park as part of the In order to take out the Grand Champion Podium Party to round out Australia’s title, entrants had to impress judges in looks, ultimate festival of wheels for 2019. engineering, style and drive-ability to gain points across five separate events, including “It was fantastic to see so many people at judging.

ASID enjoying the new Heavy Hitters drag racing feature category,” event Co-Owner, The 2019 pathway for Grand Champion Andy Lopez, said. included drag racing at ASID, motorkhana at Lasseters and grass driving at Blatherskite “There was plenty of exciting action to see on

“The best part about Red CentreNATS is that you don’t have to be a car lover to appreciate these incredible machines being raced, cruised and displayed. The event reached thousands in the Red Centre and those who didn’t see it definitely would have heard it.”

To find out more information, www.redcentrenats.com.au.

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Craig Radcliffe Action Sport Photography