Fastlane Magazine - Issue 31

EDIT I O N 31

AUGUST 2021

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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL DRAG RACING ASSOCIATION

RACING TOGETHER

McClure Motorsport is a true family affair

SUMMITRACING.COM

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RACING

STAGING

LANES

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TOGETHER

CHAMPIONSHIP

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CALENDARS 18

TECH

TORQUE

CHAMPIONSHIP 14

POINTS LEADERS

BEST 17

PRESENTED

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RACER PROFILES

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

Editor: Amanda Cobb (media@andra.com.au) Design: YBI Creative (www.ybicreative.com.au) Photography: HighRPM, Amber Simms Photography, High Octane Photos, BrightDesign.com.au, Cackling Pipes Photography, McClure Motorsport, ACS Sports Images.

EVENTPS WRAP U

> TOP END NATIONALS > DESERT NATIONALS

ANDRA Staff

Chief Executive Officer: Brett Stevens Business Manager: Jackie Mills Business Development Manager: Jennifer Lingo (Harrison) Licensing and Membership: Kylie Hazelhurst Media & PR Officer: Amanda Cobb 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

ANDRA Board

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

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STAGING

LANES

2019/2020/2021 SRESS POSTER RELEASED

NHRA CONTINUES TO REWARD ANDRA MEMBERS The Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) are pleased to confirm the continuation of the exciting partnership they announced in 2019.

That partnership allows ANDRA members to access discounted NHRA digital membership and associated benefits and discounts specifically tailored to the Australian market, while also seeing the NHRA promote ANDRA drag racing to its large membership base through its popular NHRA.TV platform.

To celebrate the continuation of this partnership, any ANDRA members who purchase an NHRA digital membership for the discounted price of just $50AUD before August 26, 2021, will go in the draw to win one of five free subscriptions to NHRA.TV (valued at $119.99USD/approximately $155AUD).

For the full details, please click here.

ANDRA is pleased to release its new poster, celebrating the 2019/2020/2021 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Australian Champions.

To download the artwork, use the links below: Poster artwork (sized suitable for email) – click here High-resolution poster artwork – click here.

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LOOKING FOR MEMBER BENEFITS?

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SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT SPORTSMAN SERIES CHAMPIONS CROWNED The extended 2019/2020/2021 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series drew to a spectacular close with the ANDRA Grand Finals event in March at Mildura’s Sunset Strip.

FREE TO JOIN!

Claiming the ultimate reward for their efforts over the season were: COLIN GRIFFIN

Super Gas

SARAH DONNELLY Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster SHANE WALKER

Modified Bike

PAUL GARBELLINI

Super Street

MARTIN MIRCO

Super Sedan

ADAM MUNDY 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. Participating businesses of the ANDRA Member Benefits Program receive promotion through ANDRA’s database of over 5000 members and race fans, as well as exposure through the ANDRA website and the regular MotorMail email newsletter. This is the perfect platform to launch new products, advertise monthly specials and any other sale promotions you may have.

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

CHRISTINE STEFFENS

Modified Supercharged Outlaws

SAM CARDINALE

Top Sportsman

LEVI ADDISON

Competition Bike

MATT FORBES

Super Stock

CRAIG GEDDES

Competition

For a Q&A with each champion, click on their names above.

For the full championship tally, please click here.

ANDRA and Summit Racing Equipment congratulate the champions, runners-up and all of the racers on a fantastic effort across the protracted 2019/2020/2021 season.

For the full details, please click here.

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CROW CAMS REWARDS ADRC TOP QUALIFIERS

YOUR PERFORMANCE POWERHOUSE IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND

Crow Cams Australia has thrown its support behind the Australian Drag Racing Championship (ADRC) by sponsoring the Top Qualifier Award, alongside existing Top Qualifier supporter Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks.

Did you know that you can use the Summit Racing app to easily search for auto parts and accessories, shop more than 1.5 million auto and stock replacement parts from your mobile device, view the sale items, connect with the Summit Racing Equipment social media accounts, and read articles from OnAllCylinders.

The Crow Cams Top Qualifier Award presented by Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks will see the Top Qualifiers in Top Doorslammer and Top Fuel Motorcycle at ADRC events presented with a cheque for $1000 and $500 respectively, along with a Top Qualifier Medallion.

You can also view your orders, request a catalogue, and even watch Summit Racing Equipment YouTube videos. You can even contact ANDRA for your unique 10% off discount code to use while you shop!

Crow Cams Australia has been an Associate Sponsor for eight consecutive ANDRA seasons and its General Manager, Lindsay Izzard, said the company was excited to increase its support of ANDRA drag racing through the Top Qualifier Award for the ADRC. At the same time, it will also continue its support of the Crow Cams Best Engineered Award across both the ADRC and Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series (SRESS).

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We were so thrilled to hear of the launch of the new Australian Drag Racing Championship and are very excited to increase our involvement with ANDRA drag racing to support this new series, Izzard said.

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“Alongside Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks, Crow Cams looks forward to rewarding the top qualifying efforts of both Top Doorslammer and Top Fuel Motorcycle competitors across the ADRC season.

“At the same time, we are continuing our support of the Crow Cams Best Engineered Award, celebrating outstanding racing machines in both the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series and the Australian Drag Racing Championship.”

For more information, please click here.

To download the app, go to: Apple App Store: https://apple.co/2tuPOZf Google Play: http://bit.ly/3953d9x

HOT OFF THE PRESS

ANDRA WELCOMES TOP FUEL AUSTRALIA TO ITS CALENDAR

ANDRA is excited to confirm that the Australian Top Fuel Championship will feature as part of at least two events on its 2022 racing calendar alongside its Australian Drag Racing Championship and Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series.

Australia’s Top Fuel teams recently announced a six-round 2022 calendar for the Australian Top Fuel Championship, which will include visits to ANDRA events at Calder Park Raceway (Australian Nationals, February 5-6, 2022) and the Perth Motorplex (Westernationals, March 5-6, 2022). Details regarding a Grand Final are yet to come.

The Australian Nationals and the Westernationals will feature both the Australian Drag Racing Championship (ADRC) and the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series (SRESS), with the Australian Top Fuel Championship to run alongside these two series.

Read the full story here.

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GET ON BOARD WITH ANDRA DRAG RACING!

As a valued ANDRA business partner, you can 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:

> F ASTLANE MAGAZINE ADVERTISING (ONLINE)

> S PORTSMAN SERIES BRACKET SPONSORSHIP

> R ULE BOOK ADVERTISING (HARD COPY AND ONLINE)

> OFFICIAL SUPPLIER STATUS

> MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM (FREE TO JOIN) > E VENT NAMING RIGHTS (AT SELECT EVENTS, PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS) > N AMING RIGHTS TO THE ADRC CHAMPIONSHIP AND ITS BRACKETS.

> RUNNER-UP TROPHY SPONSOR FOR SPORTSMAN SERIES AND ADRC. > 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 For more information and to discuss opportunities, contact ANDRA’s Business Development Manager Jennifer Lingo (Harrison) on jennifer.harrison@andra.com.au

Photo courtesy of Amber Simms Photography.

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RACING TOGETHER McClure Motorsport has been turning heads for decades. Family patriarch Alistair McClure has claimed multiple championships over the years and now his sons Connor and Bailey and daughter Kasey are following in his footsteps while his wife and their mum, Natalie McClure, is also set to turn her hand to drag racing after recently gaining her license.

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30 years ago, Alistair started out racing his ‘Slime Time’ Torana at Ravenswood and the rest, as they say, is history.

“A few years after starting at Ravenswood I met Natalie and our team was literally born from there,” Alistair said.

“My brother and dad then got into racing and at one point, we had three generations running at one event.

“Now my kids live for the sport and have raced in Junior Dragster from eight years of age. As the boys started to grow out of Juniors and started to work, we went about building Slime Time II with their money and the dragster was bought for Kasey and Natalie to drive. I knew from the first time Kasey drove in Junior Dragsters that she was a very talented driver and would do well in a big car.

“I decided to retire two years ago as I had reached nearly all of my goals in racing with back-to-back Australian Competition Eliminated Championships (2014 and 2015), six national records and four state championships. I have no plans to race again but I do drive a three-seater dragster to help promote drag racing. My plans are

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to continue crewing for the team and enjoy racing for another 30 years!”

Unsurprisingly, Natalie is a very proud mum and also a budding racer herself.

“Seeing the team grow through the last two decades has been extremely rewarding and watching it evolve as my family has grown has made me proud of what we have achieved together,” she said.

“I would really love to see the team grow and maybe even move through into following generations, although I am told this won’t be happening anytime soon!” she laughed.

“The kids love racing, and I would like to see them keep being presented with challenges to help them increase their knowledge and involvement with the sport. It was certainly nerve wracking in the beginning to watch them take on the senior brackets, but they have all far exceeded my expectations and I am continually impressed by their maturity and race craft. Hopefully they will continue loving what they do for many years to come.

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It has obviously been a great thing to see the stages we have gone through as a team, but really at the end of the day it is just our family – we haven’t even had any crew for the last two seasons, it has just been the five of us Connor McClure

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“Kasey and I were going to share the dragster originally in the 2020/2021 season as we weren’t sure if she would be comfortable running a full season, however when she licensed she showed, for want of a better word, natural ability and it was really a no brainer to allow her the seat time to see where it took her.

“She really flourished in confidence and ability through the season, collecting second in Modified, Rookie of the Year and top female points scorer in WA, so it is safe to say we were very pleased with our decision, as was she!

“As far as my licencing goes, it was long awaited but when it finally came, I was extremely apprehensive. I received a lot of great advice though and my family were very patient with me, even though I was challenging,” she grinned.

“I was very proud of my first full track licensing pass in the dragster, a 7.97s at 270km pass was not too shabby, although a little overwhelming!

“I do look forward to competing in the future and at track days and test and tunes in the meantime. The racers in the West are some of my favourite people – we are like family, and it is always fun to be involved, racing or not.

“I have had many proud moments, watching Kasey come back from a series of incidents to emerge and face challenges outside her comfort zone and become a fierce competitor and proud team member; and also watching the debut of the Torrie after Al and the boys built it entirely from the ground up in our shed.

“I am more than happy to be on the startline and supporting my kids – Kasey hopes to continue her consistency this season and the boys have a new car to debut and have fun with, so everything is looking good for the future of McClure Motorsport!

“The people involved with this fantastic sport have seen us through good, bad and exciting times. It is not just about the cars and competition, it is about what you learn, who you meet and what is gained along the way.”

At just 16, Kasey’s arrival on the motorsport scene has been turning plenty of heads.

“Following my family’s footsteps into racing has been

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very enjoyable. My dad’s and brothers’ experience in racing made my transition into the dragster very easy as their advice and coaching helped in fast tacking my understanding of how to race the dragster,” Kasey said.

“My first season in Modified and in my first ‘big car’ turned out way better than I every could of expected. I went into the season with the intentions of just getting used to the car, building my race craft and overall just having fun. To get Rookie of the Year and second in the WA drag racing championship was not something I expected to achieve in my first year at all! But most importantly, I had a great time learning to race the dragster and those achievements are a bonus.

“My proudest moment as a racer so far would have to be coming runner up at the 50th Westernationals in my rookie season – this was again something I never expected to achieve so early on in my racing but it definitely is one of my proudest moments. Hopefully in the year to come I can continue building my skills and having fun.”

There is no doubt Kasey has had plenty of experience to draw upon, with not only her dad but also her brothers Connor and Bailey deeply involved in the sport.

“I watched my brothers race Juniors for years and they achieved a lot there, and are now building their second car with my dad. It has been really cool to see them continue to build and race bigger and better things and I can’t wait to see what they achieve in the coming years,” she said.

Like their sister, Connor and Bailey are very proud of the family’s efforts.

“It has obviously been a great thing to see the stages we have gone through as a team, but really at the end of the day it is just our family – we haven’t even had any crew for the last two seasons, it has just been the five of us,” Connor said.

“I am very proud of both Kasey and Bailey – they are both really good racers. Bailey and I raced against each other in Juniors, so I am a bit harsh on him! Kasey was good form her first meeting in Juniors and really impressed me and everyone I think when she came out and had the Modified dragster locked down after only a few passes!

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“People always bring up the sibling rivalry thing but we all just want to do our best job in the seat and have fun.

“With the new car for Bailey and I coming along in time for the new season, I am really looking forward to having loads of fun with the new adventure and it will be an awesome learning curve as well. I am really happy too for us to be back in Comp Eliminator where dad had a lot of success. I have always loved Comp Eliminator and it has always been my end goal.

“The new car is going to be awesome fun and I can’t wait to let go of the button. We are very excited to have Allfast Torque Converters on board as a major sponsor this season, hooking us up with a brilliant gearbox and converter combo that will have no problems dealing with anything we can throw at it. We are also grateful to have Haltech come on board also for this car.

“We are just going to creep up on it step by step and not rush anything, whatever it runs we will be happy. And hopefully we can see mum having a skid too soon in the dragster now that she is licenced!”

Running a multi-car team is never without stress, but Bailey says the McClure family have had it well under control for years.

“It has been crazy but at the same time, quite cruisey, seeing our team develop from a three car team with Connor and I racing Juniors and Dad racing all sorts of blown cars to now Dad stepping back to take the team coordinator/bus driver role and the rest of the family racing while sharing our builds on the internet for the world to see,” Bailey said.

“It has been really fun for me over the years, I am not so sure about for mum and dad, trying to look after two juniors and turn blown cars around in between rounds can be stressful – but for the most part it has been a really easy road for us coming through the ranks.

“We have had a lot of proud moments too, especially chipping away at the PBs in ‘Slime Time II’ and learning about the car, and as a crew member and family member watching Kasey at only 16 showing the other racers who is boss in her rookie season in Modified after only driving a Junior for one season. Travelling around the country chasing Dad’s national title dreams in 2014 and 2015 has also been a standout.

“It has been great to be able to race alongside my siblings, there has never been a shortage of laughs! And it is great to see mum stepping into a car too, she has driven in Super Street but Modified will be her first real drag racing experience and I look forward to that.

“We don’t really have any set plans as to what is next for the team now apart from debuting the new ‘Slime Time III’ in the 2021/2022 season – we just like to go fast and have fun, whatever happens on the way, happens. The new car is going to be a lot of fun as it is a car with rich Australian drag racing history which we are re-vamping with a modern spin – we can’t wait to get it on the track!”

To learn more about McClure Motorsport, go to www. facebook.com/McClureMotorsport McClure Motorsport will be racing as part of the WA Drag Racing Championship across the 2021/2022 season. For the full title details, visit www.motorplex.com.au

On-track images thanks to High Octane Photos I Other images supplied by McClure Motorsport I Team group photo thanks to ACS Sports Images

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CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDARS

HIDDEN VALLEY DRAG STRIP

ROUND 1

JULY 16-17, 2021

ALICE SPRINGS INLAND DRAGWAY

ROUND 2

JULY 24-25, 2021

ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

ROUND 3

OCTOBER 2-3, 2021

PERTH MOTORPLEX

ROUND 4

NOVEMBER 26-27, 2021

CALDER PARK RACEWAY

ROUND 5

FEBRUARY 5-6, 2022

PERTH MOTORPLEX

ROUND 6

MARCH 5-6, 2022

HIDDEN VALLEY DRAG STRIP

TOP END NATIONALS

JULY 16 & 17, 2021

ALICE SPRINGS INLAND DRAGWAY

DESERT NATIONALS

JULY 24 & 25, 2021

BENARABY DRAGWAY

ROCKET NATIONALS - CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19

AUGUST 28, 2021

BENARABY DRAGWAY

ROCKET NATIONALS - CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19

AUGUST 29, 2021

SUNSET STRIP (MILDURA)

SUNSET NATIONALS

ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY PERTH MOTORPLEX

SEPTEMBER 18-19, 2021 OCTOBER 2-3, 2021

GOLDENSTATES

NOVEMBER 26-27, 2021

SOUTH COAST RACEWAY

SOUTH COAST NATIONALS

DECEMBER 11-12, 2021

SOUTH COAST RACEWAY

SOUTH COAST 660

JANUARY 22-23, 2022

CALDER PARK RACEWAY

AUSTRALIAN NATIONALS

FEBRUARY 5-6, 2022

PERTH MOTORPLEX SUNSET STRIP (MILDURA)

WESTERNATIONALS

MARCH 5-6, 2022

TWILIGHT NATIONALS

MARCH 18-19, 2022

*Please note this calendar is subject to change.

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TECH

TORQUE PRECISION FILING A SLICK TOOL TO SET PISTON RING GAP Story and Photos by Wayne Scraba

File-to-fit piston rings let you set the precise ring end gap for your particular engine combination. Typically, a file-to-fit ring set comes from the factory with top (and often the second) rings having a 0.005-inch larger diameter than the specific cylinder bore size.

The ring fitting and filing process is not difficult, but it’s very easy to mess up. If you cut too quickly without measuring, you’re liable to end up with a gap that’s far too large and in plenty of cases, not exactly square.

SETTING INITIAL RING GAP Place the ring inside the cylinder near the top of the bore. In some cases, the ends might overlap. If that’s the case, it will be necessary to file just enough material to position them in the bore. Any time material is removed from a piston ring, use a fine-tooth file to lightly debur the cut.

Make sure the ring is square inside the cylinder bore in relation to the deck surface. A ring squaring tool works perfectly, although a flat-top piston of the correct bore can be used to push the ring down approximately an inch within the cylinder.

Use a good quality feeler gauge to check the gap. Piston and/or piston ring manufacturers all have recommendations for the desired gap.

FILING PISTON RINGS When filing rings, the idea is to “sneak up” on the correct gap. You must be careful not to remove too much material at once. Rings should be filed or ground “inward” toward the inside diameter of the ring. If you file toward the outside diameter of the ring, there’s a chance any moly in the ring can flake off. Some pros suggest filing one side of the ring to create the necessary gap. Always

remember to lightly file off any burrs or rough edges prior to installing the ring in the bore–even for checking.

After filing the ring, re-square it in the bore and recheck the end gap to ensure it is correct. Make certain the edges of the rings are parallel to each other. It might take several filing operations to get the gap right.

That’s good because you sure can’t add material to the ring if you remove too much!

RING FILING TOOLS Over the years, I’ve used several different methods of filing rings and various filing tools to get the job done.

The electrically-operated tools are

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cool but can be pricy. Some folks don’t bother using a ring filing tool. Instead, they clamp a fine-tooth file in a vice and move the ring back and forth on the file to remove material.

One high quality manual ring filer option is the Summit Racing Precision Piston Ring Grinder. The tool has a billet aluminium body, a fixed front stop, and an adjustable ring position locator to get repeatable, precise gaps every time. The grinding wheel has diamond abrasive on one side.

You can permanently mount the tool to your workbench or in a vice. The handle can be moved from right to left by removing the wheel and shaft set screw, then removing the shaft and reinstalling it on the left side.

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We’ll show you how the Summit Racing Precision Ring Filing Tool Works.

It’s extremely simple and straightforward.

There are all sorts of tools you can use to file piston rings. This is a small selection from my toolbox–a fine-tooth file, an old Speed Pro ring filing tool, and the Summit Racing Precision Ring Grinder.

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As noted in the text, the Summit Racing filing tool can be permanently mounted on a workbench. That’s what the four countersunk holes in the main body are for.

McClure Motorsport has been turning heads for decades. Family patriarch Alistair McClure has claimed multiple championships over the years and now his sons 4 daughter 5 Connor and Bailey and Kasey are following in his footsteps while his wife and By removing the wheel and The piston ring their mum, Natalie set screws, you can swap the mounts against handle to left-hand operation. front stop. It McClure, is also set to turnthe her hand to drag racing should be positioned squarely against the grinding wheel. after recently gaining her license.

6 Next, adjust the inside locator until both contact points touch the inside edge of the ring. Tighten the thumbscrew.

8 To file the ring end, turn the handle with light, even pressure to remove material.

7 To file the ring end, turn the handle with light, even pressure to remove material.

9 The diamond abrasive wheel will eventually wear out. Not to worry-Summit Racing offers this replacement (click here).

Alternatively, you can simply clamp the tool in your shop vice.

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Winning Takes Work.

Getting Parts is Easy.

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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CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS LEADERS TOP DOORSLAMMER

TOTAL

SUPER SEDAN

TOTAL

JOHN ZAPPIA

206

PETER TZOKAS

180

DANIEL GREGORINI

192

MARTIN MIRCO

170

MATHEW ABEL

162

DESMOND JEFFREE

170

KELVIN LYLE

112

RENEE COCKERILL

110

ROBIN TAYLOR

67

GEORGE TIPOUIKIDIS

80

TOP SPORTSMAN

TOTAL

SUPER STREET

TOTAL

VLADO TURIC

210

LISA GARBELLINI

250

LEON DAVIES

170

MICHAEL BRIDGES

200

KEVIN MCIVOR

140

PAUL GARBELLINI

150

CORY READ

110

GLENN STERKENBURG

130

TODD KNIGHT

80

SHAUN BOYER

60

TOTAL

MODIFIED BIKE

TOTAL

CRAIG BAKER

100

ALLAN HENRY

100

CHRISTOPHER MOORE

80

DEAN GUNSON

100

BRADLEY HICKS

20

ROB HARRISON

80

DENNIS BAYLIS

20

GARY FLATT

80

BEN BRUSNAHAN

80

MODIFIED

JUNIOR DRAGSTER

TOTAL

COOPER PLUMMER

160

BRODIE ZAPPIA

120

AIDAN ABEL

100

SCARLETT SHERWOOD

100

DANIEL WILLOX

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

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PUTTING THEIR

BEST FOOT FORWARD

At the 2021 Top End Nationals and 2021 Desert Nationals, two very deserving teams were recognised with the Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award.

The winner of the Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award at each event is chosen based on the presentation of the team’s whole package – the car, dragster or bike and its crew.

ANDRA would like to congratulate the teams of Daniel Gregorini and Rob Evans on receiving these special accolades during the Northern Swing.

DANIEL GREGORINI

ROB EVANS

“The Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award is a great addition to the series and I want to say a big thank you to Matt Czerny for supporting ANDRA and the championship,” Gregorini said.

“I was very happy to receive the award, it was great to have recognition for the hours I have spent on the car over the years. I have always presented my car to the highest standard and it was a pleasure to win the award – everyone knows how much work I put into my car,” Evans said.

racerprofile Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award Winner, 2021 Top End Nationals

“After winning the opening event of the ADRC and resetting the Top Doorslammer speed record, taking out the Award was the icing on the cake for our team. It was one of those dream meetings where everything went perfectly.

“We always do our best for presentation when at the race track, from out pit area to our on-track presentation, so we were hopeful one day to receive the award but it did come as a surprise at the presentations considering there are so many teams that are at a professional level in drag racing.

Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award Winner, 2021 Desert Nationals

“My wife continually helps me to present my car at its best and everyone always comments on how detailed and well maintained it looks. Thank you to Brenton Bassett Specialised Engine Services, Darren Conroy Midcoast Diffs, Luke Thorning, Doug Elsworthy Chassis, my wife Sue, Craig and Renee for their support.

DARREN MALLISON

“I would like to thank my crew, my wife Lisa, my Dad Peter, and also Adam, Neil and Chris – without their dedication I can’t physically do this and I am also very appreciative of my sponsors who financially commit both with money and consumables, including major sponsors Scratch & Match Autocolour, Kerb Doctor, Westcoast Siteworks, Kendall Oils, S & S Industries and Dalisa Estate Winery as well as our supporting sponsors Signbiz WA, PT Promotions, Go Print, Dirty Detailing, Final Drive Engineering, Gforce Race Cars, Resolution Racing Services and DMPE. “I do follow the work Vinyl Wraps and Graphics do and it’s at the highest level I have seen from small to large projects, and more importantly, he’s a racer and he’s supporting ANDRA so it’s important as the racer gives back so I’m hoping this exposure boosts Matt’s work load from the drag racing community.”

“Vinyl Wraps and Graphics have become very popular and their designs are more advanced and look great. I would like to thank them for sponsoring the award, it is much appreciated.”

Photo courtesy of Amber Simms Photography

Headed up by respected racer and 2018 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Modified Champion, Matt Czerny, Vinyl Wraps and Graphics is behind some of the best presented sportsman and professional teams across the country. Not only does it specialise in making racers look their best on and off the track, the Melbourne-based business also specialises in commercial vehicle signage, fleet signage and commercial wall signage.

For more information, visit www.vinylwraps.com.au or www.facebook.com/vinylwrapsandgraphics Photo courtesy of HighRPM

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PROUDLY SUPPORTING ANDRA

Transit and static race vehicle insurance In an industry that is no stranger to risk, your vehicle, transporter and tools are exposed to risks every day.

Our longstanding history working with the motor sport industry, means our insurance experts understand your risks and can help you find the right cover to keep your passion on track.

Talk to us today Martyn Luck – 08 8172 8121 martyn.luck@ajg.com.au Renee Morris – 08 8172 8084 renee.morris@ajg.com.au

001494-MAR18-V1.1

Proudly supporting ANDRA

RACER PROFILES fastlane 20

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SHANE WALKER MODIFIED BIKE

NAME: SHANE WALKER

Before COVID-19 put paid to your plans to race at the Desert Nationals, there was something else you had to overcome to enter the event – tell us about that.

AGE: 58

I injured my left shoulder in a non-motorsport related incident the week before Christmas. Due to the Christmas/New Year period it was the Friday of the Portland round before I was able to get scans. They confirmed my fears of a torn rotator cuff tendon. I raced at Portland and despite plenty of pain off the bike, actually riding wasn’t an issue at all and we managed to sneak a win. I was then booked in for an MRI scan which revealed another two torn tendons. With the usual hold ups to get to see a surgeon the Grand Finals at Mildura were upon me, so I decided to ride, bagging the biggest win of my career and fulfilling a dream.

BASED IN: MADDINGLEY, VICTORIA OCCUPATION: SERVICE ADVISOR STARTED RACING: 1995 CLASSES COMPETED: TOP FUEL MOTORCYCLE, MODIFIED BIKE BEST ET AND SPEED: 9.37S AT 141MPH ON CURRENT MOD BIKE SPONSORS: PENRITE OILS, JORDAN’S SPEED & CUSTOM, MOTO LIGHTS AUSTRALIA, BURSON AUTO PARTS, AND HIS EMPLOYER PETER STEVENS MOTORCYCLES FAVOURITE TV SHOW: NCIS FAVOURITE FOOD: ANYTHING CONTAINING SUGAR FAVOURITE RACETRACK: SYDNEY AS A FACILITY, PORTLAND BECAUSE ITS NICE AND GREEN, MILDURA BECAUSE NUMBER OF WINS THERE.

After seeing three surgeons, the first wouldn’t operate, the second couldn’t operate until late June due to the COVID backlog, and I was scheduled to have surgery with the third to repair the three torn tendons in late April. It was a race against time to be fit in time to compete at the start of the 2021/2022 season. Available time off work was limited due to the injury and the minimum 10 plus week recovery time meant it was looking grim – Darwin’s round one was ruled out, so we aimed for Alice Springs and while it was touch and go, I got the go-ahead from my physiotherapist and surgeon to compete following a grueling campaign of physio four times a day. It is safe to say I was ecstatic, but then unfortunately, COVID-19 border closures ruled us out at the last minute, so we are now shifting our focus for a comeback to racing at the Sunset Strip Nationals in Mildura.

What are your plans for the rest of the season now you are physically cleared to compete?

I believe the Number One plate holder should make a concerted effort to attend as many rounds the following year as they can, work and finances permitting. I absolute intend to defend the title, starting in Mildura. I would also dearly love to do at least one Perth round (likely the Westernationals) as well as more local events such as Portland, Mildura (which is my winning-est track) and Calder and Adelaide when they come back online.

Is there anyone who you would like to shine the spotlight on for their involvement in your racing?

At the top of the list has to be my wife Monika, her support is amazing, and I would also like to mention the lifelong friends I have made over the years, many of which I am still pitting with or competing against over twenty years on.

Along with long term sponsors Penrite Oils, Jordan’s Speed & Custom, Moto Lights Australia, Burson Auto Parts, and my employer Peter Stevens Motorcycles, I would also like to thank my surgeon Graeme Brown and physio Back in Motion for their support to enable me the chance to compete at Alice Springs, even though we weren’t able to get there in the end due to COVID-19.

Photo courtesy of BrightDesign.com.au

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SARAH OSBORNE SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT JUNIOR DRAGSTER

NAME SARAH OSBORNE AGE: 15 HOMETOWN: LANGWARRIN, VICTORIA OCCUPATION: STUDENT STARTED RACING: 2016 BEST ET: 7.86S AT 82.3MPH FAVOURITE RACE VEHICLE: MY DAD’S SUPER STREET XD FAVOURITE TV SHOW: RBT FAVOURITE FOOD: FRUIT, WATERMELON FAVOURITE RACETRACK: PORTLAND Photo courtesy of Cackling Pipes Photography

What is your goal for the 2021/2022 season?

I am focused on the championship this season and I am hoping to get to as many meets as I can. Hopefully we do well enough to be in contention at the finals as I only have two seasons left in Juniors. Hopefully my Dad’s car will be ready also and we can race a Summit Racing Equipment round together.

What do you plan to do when you graduate from the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster class?

When I ‘age out’ I plan to go into Super Street in a turbo Ford Falcon and then maybe eventually move up the ranks and race a dragster.

We have lots of racing to do before then though, and in preparation for this season we have given some parts a freshen up to keep the car running fast, but other than that we are keeping everything on the car the same to keep it as consistent as possible as we ran a 8.000 on the last pass of the last season on a 8.00 dial-in – we can’t do better than that!

What do you enjoy about the Junior Dragster bracket?

I enjoy racing in the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster bracket a lot as I love being able to race friends and be competitive and also have fun after racing has finished. I also enjoy travelling all over the country - I just love my racing and all that goes with it.

Is there anyone you would like to thank for the role they have played in your racing?

I would like to thank my Mum and Dad for all their support with my racing. They spend a lot of time and money to make sure I have a safe, reliable car that I can race and have fun with.

I would also like to recognise the support from Craws Racing in the USA for all that they do for us with parts and advice.

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Behind the Wheel with Jr. Dragster Racer Billy Kuhn “It’s great to compete at such a young age in a cool car and being able to get to know other Junior Dragster racers.

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D N E P TO NALS NATIO

The 2021 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series and Australian Drag Racing Championship got off to a brilliant start in Darwin with the Top End Nationals across July 16 and 17.

In the Australian Drag Racing Championship, Daniel Gregorini placed his name into the record books and claimed the opening round honours with an exciting victory.

Gregorini began Saturday on a strong note with a speed of 258.47mph in the final qualifying session, enough to reset the national Top Doorslammer record of 258.42mph which had been held by Peter Kapiris since 2013.

In the elimination round, Western Australia’s Gregorini dropped the quickest time of Saturday with a 5.808 blast to defeat the NT’s Andrew Sutton, who was unable to fire his Corvette for the race. Booking a spot in the final alongside Gregorini was fellow Western Australian John Zappia, in

a 5.849 to 6.824 win against Victoria’s Robin Taylor.

Unfortunately Zappia – who earlier in the event took out the Crow Cams Top Qualifier Award, presented by Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks – sustained engine damage in the race and was unable to get the motor changed in time to make the call for the final round, leaving Gregorini to take a solo.

“We just kept trying to catch the track which was getting better and better,” Gregorini said. “We kept applying power and the track kept taking it. On the final run it went towards the centre line and I decided to pedal it and it did a big power wheelstand, but the car is healthy.”

In the fight for the 2021/2022 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series, it was Cooper

Plummer (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Allan Henry (Modified Bike), Lisa Garbellini (Super Street), Martin Mirco (Super Sedan), Craig Baker (Modified) and Leon Davies (Top Sportsman) who emerged victorious with ANDRA Christmas Tree trophies at the end of the event. Runnersup were Scarlett Sherwood (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Robert Harrison (Modified Bike), Michael Bridges (Super Street), Peter Tzokas (Super Sedan), Chris Moore (Modified) and Todd Knight (Top Sportsman).

South Australia’s Davies faced a tough opponent in the Northern Territory’s Knight for the Top Sportsman final, but Davies guided his Camaro to a narrow win – only one hundredth of a second separated the pair at the finish line. “(The racing) went absolutely awesome,” Davies said at the close of the event. “In qualifying we had some issues with one of the chips in the car on the first

two runs, but it didn’t miss a beat from there. I ran a personal best 8.104 in qualifying and we repeated that to the thousandth in the final.

“I’d like to thank my wife Lisa who crewed for me, it was just me and her and she did an awesome job. Thanks to all my sponsors and my brother-inlaw Andrew Thompson. They have all done an awesome job and it is much appreciated.”

The Modified final was decided on the start line when local driver Moore left a red light on the tree to give Victoria’s Craig Baker the automatic victory. It was the second Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series win in a row for Baker, who also won the ANDRA Grand Finals earlier this year. While he came away with the ANDRA Christmas Tree it was far from smooth sailing for Baker in the run up to the event.

“We had issues with the tow car in Alice Springs and we had to put a new driveshaft in the

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Land Cruiser,” he explained.

“Fortunately I had fellow racer Bradley Hicks with me and we were able to get back on the road.

“Then the whole race weekend started off shaky. We had fuel pump issues so we only made one representative run in qualifying on Friday. As the conditions changed we started going quicker, and it was tricky trying to choose a dial, but we managed to choose well.

The guys here were fantastic, fellow competitors that came and supported us with enough cars.”

Super Sedan saw a familiar name in the winner’s circle as reigning Summit Race Equipment Sportsman Series champion Mirco once again emerged with the ANDRA Christmas Tree. Mirco’s 9.218 on a 9.16 dial in defeated Tzokas’ 8.933 on a 9.88.

“This is the third time I have been to this track and the first two years I have really

struggled, losing in the first round and the second round,” Mirco said. “This time it was great to have a good start. It sets us up well for the rest of the season.

Henry backed up his Friday performance with a Saturday win. A brilliant .015 reaction time and an 8.679 on an 8.65 dial in was too tough for opponent Harrison.

“Thanks to all my sponsors One Residential, Lost Racing Products, Comp Engines, WA Bolts, JD Automotive Repairs and Detailing and Xtreme Auto Detailing, to my family, and to my crew Michael and Danny for helping out this weekend.”

“I had a couple of races on my hands there but it was happy days,” he said. “It was a team effort, especially for Adam my crew chief. All I do is twist the throttle.”

WA’s Lisa Garbellini claimed her first ever Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series win and her first ANDRA Christmas Tree to go with it, defeating a red lighting Michael Bridges in the final. Lisa was racing at the Top End Nationals alongside her husband Paul, who she defeated in the semi finals.

“It doesn’t seem real to come here and be racing and then taking a win, I am over the moon,” she said.

Modified Bike top qualifier

The Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster field saw some surprises as leading qualifiers Brodie Zappia and Aidan Abel were bundled out in the first round, setting up a final between Cooper Plummer and Scarlett Sherwood. The welltravelled Plummer took the holeshot by almost a tenth of a second, setting himself up for a 9.438 win on a 9.40 dial in.

ANDRA thanks the Hidden Valley Drag Racing Association and all of its volunteers and sponsors for an outstanding racetrack and a well-run event.

Photos courtesy of High RPM

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T R E DES NATS Just one week after the Top End Nationals in Darwin, racers for the Australian Drag Racing Championship and the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series descended on Alice Springs for part two of the ‘Northern Swing’ for the Desert Nationals at Alice Springs Inland Dragway across July 24 and 25.

In the ADRC, John Zappia fired back after missing the final the weekend before to take the win, defeating the Northern Territory’s Matt Abel in the final round, 5.853 to 5.960, and taking over the lead of the Top Doorslammer points.

The day began well for Zappia as he improved on his Saturday times in Sunday’s compulsory qualifying session. He used a 5.847 in the Dananni Hotshots/ Tony’s Auto Wreckers Monaro to not only claim the number one position but to also win the Crow Cams Top Qualifier Award presented by Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks.

“We just crept up on it and put a bit more in for the last qualifying run and it all worked,” Zappia said. “It did everything it was supposed to do and we managed to get that 5.84 that we knew the track could hold.”

The pass set Zappia up for a firstround confrontation against his arch rival Daniel Gregorini, in the Scratch & Match Motorsport Camaro. Gregorini’s 0.121 to 0.280 reaction time holeshot put him in strong contention but Zappia’s 5.886 was able to sneak around Gregorini’s 6.097 for the win light. On the opposite side of the ladder, Abel also survived a spirited challenge as his 5.99 came home over a 6.163 from Kelvin Lyle.

“We put a little bit more in it for the race against Daniel,” Zappia said. “I ended up having too many revs on the start line and was dragging the clutch and it left with our best 60 foot time of the weekend but I had to pedal and punch second gear early.”

That left only the final against Abel, whose consistent form had Zappia looking over his shoulder. Abel’s black ’57 Chevy got the jump on Zappia early

in the run with a 0.113 to 0.170 holeshot, with Abel stretching his lead at the 60 foot timers.

But from there Zappia clawed back for a 5.853 to 5.960 victory, taking the finish line stripe by just over five hundredths of a second in a thrilling final race for the Alice Springs crowd.

“We had a tiny bit more on the tune-up to keep up with the track and I managed to get it down there without needing to pedal,” Zappia said. “Matt was right there and it was side by side. It was close enough to where any mistake would have seen Matt take it.”

Zappia was able to celebrate his latest win with nephew Brodie Zappia, who won the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Junior Dragster class on the same day.

him some extra bonus points.

The Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series saw old faces and new in the winner’s circle, with Brodie Zappia (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Lisa Garbellini (Super Street), Dean Gunson (Modified Bike), Desmond Jeffree (Super Sedan) and Vlado Turic (Top Sportsman) taking the wins over runners-up Aidan Abel (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Michael Bridges (Super Street), Ben Brusnahan (Modified Bike), Chris Lioulios (Super Sedan) and Kevin Mcivor (Top Sportsman).

“We have doubled up a few times with Brodie now and it is always a great feeling through the pit area when we can both bring a win home,” he said.

Desmond Jeffree’s Super Sedan win had plenty of emotion attached, as his struggle to even make it to the ‘Northern Swing’ paid off big time with a popular win. Jeffree is well known for helping out many other competitors in the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series, and all were happy to see him take home the trophy.

In the B Final, Gregorini salvaged some points with a 6.038 to 6.086 win against Lyle.

Gregorini’s speed of 255.36mph also proved helpful, granting

“We were building a new motor in the two weeks before we were due to head off, but it blew up on the dyno,” he said. “We searched around and found an old 460,

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Photos courtesy of Amber Simms Photography

with no carbs or anything bolted to it. The thing was leaking fuel and oil in Darwin and we were just trying to kill problems as we found them.”

Kevin Mcivor. Turic defeated Leon Davies in round one, who amazingly managed to rebuild his car following a pit area fire at the start of the event.

The Victorian driver continued to work on the car as the team arrived in Alice Springs, where he discovered the engine only had 24 degrees of timing.

Modified Bike saw Dean Gunson’s Kawasaki get by Top Qualifier Brusnahan’s Suzuki in a close final round. Gunson booked his spot in the final with victory over Gordon Crawford in the opening round, while Brusnahan had taken victory from Gary Flatt.

“I said to my crew, how funny would it be to take it out with this piece of crap,” he said. “The boys did so many late nights just to even get it here. We packed the grandkids in the motor home for this trip and everything gelled into place.

“We had really solid packages all day. It might have been the slowest car I have driven in my life, my old Super Street car was faster. I was nearly ready to paint a race number on the motorhome!”

Vlado Turic was not to be stopped in Top Sportsman, as the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Medallion getter navigated his way through the rounds for his final win against

In Super Street, WA’s Lisa Garbellini said it was a dream come true to win her second straight Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series event, as she backed up her Top End Nationals win from Darwin with victory at the Desert Nationals.

“It was definitely worth the trip, but I don’t think my husband will take me on trips anymore,” she laughed, having once again defeated Paul Garbellini in the semi finals. “I’m on top of the world and I can’t believe it. To go travelling and win makes it all worth it.”

Lisa took out top qualifier Michael O’Brien in round one.

After eliminating her husband in the semi finals, she then faced Michael Bridges in the final.

It was a repeat of the Top End Nationals, and the result was the same.

The Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster final might have been confused with the Top Doorslammer final of the Australian Drag Racing Championship, as the surnames Zappia and Abel battled it out. WA’s Brodie Zappia is the nephew of John Zappia, and he emulated his uncle’s victory with his own win against the NT’s Aidan Abel, son of Matt Abel. It was an unusual final with Abel’s car experiencing issues, as it barely made it to the staging beams.

“I heard Aidan’s car start up late and I didn’t hear anything in the burnout, so I guessed there was some form of issue with them,” Zappia said.

“As I left the line I looked over and his stage light was still on.

He had the handicap advantage

but I couldn’t see him out front, so as I came to the finish line I gave it a few taps to run safely over my dial in.

“We had some challenges in Darwin and what we were running in Alice Springs is a completely different configuration. We overcame the challenge and got there in the end; the confidence is coming back.”

ANDRA wishes to thank all of the officials and volunteers at Alice Springs Inland Dragway and the dozens of racers from across Australia who braved changing border closures and lockdowns to make the Desert Nationals happen.

The next event for the Australian Drag Racing Championship teams will be held at Adelaide International Raceway across October 2 and 3, while the next round of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series is Mildura’s Sunset Strip Nationals, scheduled for September 18 and 19.