Amanda Cobb (media@andra.com.au)
Daniel Goonan - TwoSixOne Design ( www.twosixonedesign.com )
STAGING LANES ANDRA RECOGNISES VALUED SUPPORTERS
CEO UPDATE - LOOKING AHEAD
With winter now here, it gives us an opportunity to reset and get ready for the new season.
We recently released the dates for the 2025/26 ANDRA Sportsman Series, with everything locked in until Christmas.
We were hopeful of releasing the entire series, however the January to April dates are still being worked out, and it was getting too late to wait and not announce the first part of the calendar.
We were mindful of the time members need to plan their trips away and the need to book accommodation and flights and take leave from work.
With six rounds announced, I anticipate we will end up with ten rounds overall, once you add in another round in Portland, the Westernationals in Perth, Sydney and the Grand Final.
The most difficult part now is determining the dates of the final rounds, and if in fact they will all fit together and work for all stakeholders. Sydney already has an established calendar including Track Championship rounds, while April is busy for South Australia and Victoria with NDRC, Easter and other events to work around.
For now it is about settling on dates which flow well, are well spaced and considerate of other events and racing options for members.
While organising a calendar is a visible function of the ANDRA Office, it is the other not-so-visible functions that take the time.
The rule submission process is now in the last phase of being completed with the National Rules Committee and Operations Committee discussing all aspects of each rule submission in a methodical manner.
Our Technical Officer Scott Halfyard does a tremendous job bringing this all together, ensuring the consultation and rule change process is fair, robust and
reflective of what our members want.
All of this is complimented by other factors to be considered, including safety and strategic objectives and aligning with other sanctions both in Australia and overseas, where possible.
We have also identified a range of policies which need attention in the short term. Some of these include simple reviews and updates, and others need to be totally redrafted.
Tribunal guidelines and the Judicial process are one area which we realise need of a lot of work. Our Member Protection Policy is another related policy which doesn’t cover enough, in that it doesn’t link strongly enough back to the Judicial process.
One question we have, is how do crew members and others who are not direct members link back to this process? This is not so much about ensuring crew members are subject to judicial sanctions – it is more so reflective of protecting everyone in our drag racing environment.
One of the resultant considerations is offering a crew membership – but that needs some work and it doesn’t replace the fact that the policies around it need review and updating.
The Perth Motorplex is coming off a great season thanks to the hardworking team under Gavin Migro and Ray Treasure. We believe we have turned the corner and Drag Racing in Perth has recorded some great financial results.
All of our Perth members are starting to see the turn around and are getting behind Gavin’s ability to promote all disciplines at the Motorplex.
Enjoy a few weeks off and I hope to see you in Darwin in August for the new season to begin with Round 1 of the ANDRA Sportsman Series at Nitro Up North, followed swiftly by the Desert Nationals at Alice Springs Inland Dragway the following Wednesday.
ANDRA Chief Executive Officer
Tim McAvaney
As I sign off, I want to say a thank you to everyone who was involved in the 2024/2025 ANDRA Sportsman Championship. From the volunteers to the sponsors to the tracks, the competitors who got behind it, the DCs and their members, the stewards and the ANDRA tracks, we were so pleased to have your support in bringing this together.
I also want to make special mention of Scott Halfyard and Tammy Brown in our office, for all they did to make these events possible.
Best wishes,
Tim McAvaney ANDRA Chief Executive Officer
Following completion of the ANDRA Divisional Elections for 2025, the make-up of the five Divisional Councils has been confirmed.
Congratulations to Murray O’Connor (Division Director), Nick Gardiner, Bailey McClure and Brodie Zappia who were elected to the Western Australia Divisional Council by the Western Australian members.
Thank you to all of the nominees for their interest in becoming more involved within ANDRA drag racing.
Thank you also to the Western Australian members who voted in the WA elections.
Divisional Council Members (effective June 1)
Western Australia
• Murray O’Connor (Division Director) (re-elected)
• Andrew Frost
• Geoff Chaisty
• Ian Jenkins
• Michael Tomas
• Sandro Principe
• Paul Garbellini
• Nick Gardiner (re-elected) Bailey McClure (elected)
• Brodie Zappia (elected)
Victoria/Tasmania
• Rob Cassar (Division Director)
• Doug Penna (re-elected un-opposed)
• Tim Stewart
• Sue Stewart
• Bill Caris
• Shane Walker
• Edgel Mallis
• John Parisi
• Jacbus Kok (elected un-opposed)
• Mark Busscher (elected un-opposed)
Central Australia
• Tony Miskelly (Division Director)
• Ryan Lee (re-elected un-opposed)
• Bradley Hicks (re-elected un-opposed)
• Mathew Walden (re-elected un-opposed
• Kym Puckridge
• Cory Read
• Greg Oborti
• Leith Darrach
• Maxine Oppes
• Craig Plummer (elected un-opposed)
New South Wales
• Aaron Brookes (Division Director)
• Andrew Hurst (re-elected un-opposed)
• Jim Rowley
• David Erickson (re-elected un-opposed)
• Joe Khoury (re-elected un-opposed)
• John Willard (re-elected un-opposed)
• Garry Watterson (elected un-opposed) Darryl Stephen (elected un-opposed)
• Paul Stephen (elected un-opposed)
• Joe Polito
Queensland
• Craig Baker (Division Director) (elected un-opposed)
• Nathan Peirano
• Aaron Stibbs
• Ross Bryant
• Casual vacancies to be filled
GALLAGHER VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINATIONS OPEN NOW
ANDRA wouldn’t be what it is without the tireless efforts of our volunteer force.
At race tracks all around the country, dedicated volunteers work to ensure that competitors have a place to race.
In our last issue, ANDRA was pleased to announce the return of the Gallagher Volunteer of the Year Award, which is designed to
recognise the outstanding contribution and passion of volunteers who selflessly donate their time to ANDRA drag racing.
Nominations for 2025 are open now and ANDRA Members and Clubs are encouraged to put forward a volunteer they admire for this Award – please click here to access the 2025 nomination form.
JUNIOR DRAG BIKE RECEIVES CHAMPIONSHIP STATUS
ANDRA is pleased to confirm that Junior Drag Bike has received ANDRA championship status ahead of the start of the 2025/2026 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship.
“The support of Junior Drag Bike over the last season as an exhibition bracket has been something we have been really pleased to see, and the bracket has grown in such a way that the time is now right to recognise Junior Drag Bike as a championship bracket,” ANDRA Chief Executive Officer, Tim McAvaney, said.
“We can’t wait to see what our Junior Drag Bike racers have in store for us as they fight for ANDRA Christmas Trees and ANDRA Sportsman Championship points alongside their fellow championship brackets across 2025/2026.”
ANDRA members with questions should email info@andra.com.au
JUNIOR SHOWCASE JOINS THE ANDRA SPORTSMAN SERIES
The 2025 Junior Nationals will form part of the 2025/2026 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship for the Langtree’s Machinery Services Junior Dragster and Junior Drag Bike brackets.
The event, which will be held at the Atlantic Oils Sunset Strip across September 2728, has grown from strength to strength in recent years under the stewardship of the SDRA committee.
“The SDRA have been working long and hard over the years to make this a great event for the kids and we are so excited to take this next step of the event becoming a round of the ANDRA Sportsman Championship,” SDRA President, David Thornton, said.
“It is always a great weekend of racing, food and fun for parents and kids alike, but racing for an ANDRA Christmas Tree and championship points will bring an
extra bit of excitement.
“The format will be similar to previous events with separate brackets for A, B and C one day, and combined brackets the other day, at which the Junior racers will compete for ANDRA Sportsman Championship points and an ANDRA Christmas tree.”
For the full story, please click here.
Photo thanks to Ben Alexander / Snapshot Media
Photo thanks to Glenn Milne
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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
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CELEBRATING YOUR 2024/2025 ANDRA REGIONAL SPORTSMAN CHAMPIONS
Amidst a Gold Rush at the ANDRA Grand Finals, ANDRA was proud to reward 11 new ANDRA Regional Sportsman Champions
After two intense days of racing at Dragway at The Bend for the ANDRA Grand Finals across April 25 and 26, the 2024/2025 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Champions were celebrated to much fanfare.
ANDRA congratulates each of the champions, runnersup, and each and every racer who took part in what was a fantastic season, hosting no end of thrilling racing at ANDRA member tracks including Alice Springs Inland Dragway, the Perth Motorplex, the Atlantic Oils Sunset Strip, South Coast Raceway, and Dragway at The Bend.
Claiming the top honours for their respective brackets at the conclusion of the season were Cory Dyson (Gallagher Modified), Adrian McGrotty (South Australian Drag Racers Association Super Gas), Leon Davies (Top Sportsman Competitors Group Top Sportsman), Tony Miskelly (Super Sedan Competitors Group Super Sedan), Rob Cassar (Lectron Australia Competition Bike), Michael Jennings (Goodyear Racing Super Street), Bailey Hawke (Langtree’s Machinery Services Junior Dragster), Doina Day (Huntsman Racing Supercharged Outlaws), Dean Jamieson (Ballistic Performance Parts Modified Bike), Steve Norman (Jackie Watt Consultancy / Fardella and Watt Racing Super Stock) and Rick Johns (Competition Eliminator).
Recognised as the runners-up in their title chases were Kenny Stewart (Gallagher Modified), Collin Griffin (South Australian Drag Racers Association Super Gas), Vlado Turic (Top Sportsman Competitors Group Top Sportsman), Robert Kardum (Super Sedan Competitors Group Super Sedan), Edge Mallis (Lectron Australia Competition Bike), Michael Bridges (Goodyear Racing Super Street), Taylor Horton (Langtree’s Machinery Services Junior Dragster), Shane Baxter (Huntsman Racing Supercharged Outlaws), Peter Bartlett (Ballistic Performance Parts Modified Bike), and Leigh Donaldson (Jackie Watt Consultancy / Fardella and Watt Racing Super Stock). Also celebrated as a title runner-up was Craig Geddes – while the 10-time ANDRA champ was unable to race at the ANDRA Grand Finals, he had accumulated enough points throughout the previous events of the season to take out the Competition Eliminator runner-up position.
Receiving special recognition at the end of season celebrations was Edge Mallis, who was awarded not only the runner-up trophy for Lectron Australia Competition Bike, but also the John Storm Memorial Trophy.
In this special feature, we hear from each of our 11 champions, and our John Storm Memorial Trophy winner.
GALLAGHER MODIFIED Cory Dyson
Runner-up: Kenny Stewart
“I am feeling amazing, absolutely amazing!” Cory Dyson said after taking the title.
“An ANDRA championship is something I have always wanted since I was a kid, and I am absolutely over the moon about it.
“To come away with the championship with such a tough field of racers in Modified in the ANDRA series is just unbelievable.
“It is just a bit of a shame that I couldn’t get it done when it came to winning the actual Grand Final race meeting, losing to Kenny Stewart in round two, but hey – he is a previous champion, so he is always tough!
“Thank you to my friends and family and all of my sponsors: Mobil 1, Statewide Oils, Glass Protech Glass Protection, and Transcal Fleet Branding Solutions.
“A massive thank you to ANDRA as well for the Series, and to Gallagher for sponsoring the bracket – it has been a fantastic year, and we are looking forward to next year so we can do it all again.”
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN DRAG RACERS ASSOCIATION SUPER GAS
Adrian McGrotty
Runner-up: Colin Griffin
“It feels good to win the championship, to say what it means to me, I don’t really know at this point – I am a bit lost for words! It is good to see some of the work paid off,” an almost speechless Adrian McGrotty said at the end of season presentations.
“We had a couple of seasons that were pretty ordinary, and now things sort of seem to be heading in the right direction. It definitely feels good to win the championship, but we were hoping to do a little bit better (at the ANDRA Grand Finals event), and this isn’t really how we wanted to win it, with a 0.001 red light in the first round!
“We were definitely hoping to go a bit further than the first round, that is for sure, so we are a bit deflated, but we also had luck fall our way a little as the person in second place, Colin Griffin, also was a red light in the first round, so we have to look at the big picture.
“We lost on the startline by the narrowest of margins, but you have to have a go at the tree!” he grinned.
“I want to say thank you to my crew for all their work, to The Logo Lady and Metro Pipe Services, and to Paul Turner for building my engine, as well as everyone else who has helped along the way. Thank you also to all of my fellow competitors, Super Gas racers are a pretty good bunch! And I also definitely want to thank SADRA for supporting our bracket – they have been involved in drag racing for a long time and it was nice to have them on-board.”
TOP SPORTSMAN COMPETITORS GROUP
TOP SPORTSMAN
Leon Davies
Runner-up: Vlado Turic
“I am pretty stoked!” Leon Davies said.
“Unfortunately, I went out in the first round (of the ANDRA Grand Finals), but I am still pretty stoked.
“I wouldn’t say I was feeling confident at all (heading into the weekend) – there were two other guys there in contention and it could have been anyone’s day, but all of us went out in round one and I was lucky enough to have enough points to win it.
“It feels just as good, if not better, to win it again.
“It really does mean a lot – it is a lot of work, a lot of travelling, and a lot of dedication, so we are absolutely stoked.
helping me, and crewing for me; all of my friends that have helped crew and helped work on the car; and also, my sponsors: Slape Crash Repairs, Custom Kitchen Company and Adam Mundy, EP Windscreens and Dave Barrowcliff, and Rick Daniels Recycling and Peter Daniels, for all their support for the year.”
“I want to thank my wife Lisa for everything she has done
SUPER SEDAN COMPETITORS GROUP SUPER SEDAN Tony Miskelly
Runner-up: Robert Kardum
“I am very happy to be the ANDRA Sportsman Series Super Sedan champion,” Tony Miskelly said.
“I had a couple of good wins throughout the season and managed to go a few rounds in the other events enabling me to accumulate enough points to claim the Championship.
“Many thanks to the other Super Sedan racers who have made it a very competitive and memorable season.
“With strong Super Sedan numbers this year as part of the ANDRA Sportsman series, it is shaping up for a bright future in Super Sedan with recent decisions on Swan Hill and Sydney Dragway.
“I would like to encourage any Super Sedan racer in Australia to come and race in the Spring Nationals at The Bend.
“Finally, I would also like to thank the Super Sedan sponsorship team: Pro Street Design (Jacob O’Halloran), Smart Road Wreckers (Ned Karanovic), Gawler Mechanical (Brett Mathew), Moss Refrigerated Transport (Dimos Stefanoloulos), Lazzaro Earthmoving (Simon Lazzaro), Coffee Barun (Mark Barun), Underground Designs (Marty Redshaw), and SFR Industries (Lisa Sherry).”
GOODYEAR RACING SUPER STREET
Michael Jennings
Runner-up: Michael Bridges
“I am super stoked, I have been trying for a lot of years to win one and I finally got it done,” Michael Jennings said.
“The season has been good and we have had a couple of wins, and in Super Street it is a real tough bracket, so it is hard to win. It would have been nice to win the event as well, but such is life!
“It does mean a lot to get the title, you always have to work hard in Super Street, going four or five rounds at every meeting, we have such a good and tough field of cars.
“Thank you to my brother, Paul Jennings – he gave up his racing this season so I could run his car as I hurt the engine in mine. He won the championship in 2019, so he had one up on me, but now he doesn’t, and we both won it in the same car! I am expecting he will want his car back now, so I will put mine back together and sort that out and then get back out there.
“I would also like to thank Coen for all of his help over the last couple of seasons, as well as Brett from Gawler Mechanical, Grant from Norwood Automatics, Ned and Karen from Smart Road Wreckers, and all of our racing family that we travel with.
“Thank you also to Goodyear Racing for their sponsorship of the bracket over the season, and congratulations to Mick (Michael Bridges) on coming runner-up as well.”
LECTRON AUSTRALIA COMPETITION BIKE
Rob Cassar
Runner-up: Edge Mallis
“We got the championship, the event win, two national records, top qualifier – the ANDRA Grand Finals was a very good weekend at Dragway at The Bend for us, that is for sure,” grinned Rob Cassar.
“I am so happy with how this has turned out - it is a very special achievement to win my third national championship.
“This is my second in Competition Bike, and I have the one in Top Fuel Motorcycle also.
“Maybe I should try and get one in Modified Bike now,” he laughed.
“It has been a fantastic event here this weekend, the track was great and we had an amazing time.
“I would like to thank my wife Katie Cassar for all of her support and all she does for me.
“I would also like to thank Lectron Australia for their support of the bracket, ANDRA and the ANDRA Board for listening to the racers, Amanda Cobb for all the media stuff she does, and our sponsors: Ballistic Performance Parts, Powerplus Race Fuel, Denso Auto Parts Australia, Shinko, and Lucas Oil.”
BALLISTIC PERFORMANCE PARTS MODIFIED BIKE Dean Jamieson
Runner-up: Peter Bartlett
“I am a bit speechless, it hasn’t really sunk in yet,” Dean Jamieson said after the event.
“I am obviously thrilled to win the championship – we knew going into the ANDRA Grand Finals weekend that we were going to be right up against it as we were trailing in the points and needed a few things to go our way.
“Thankfully, during the day things started to go our way and we had a bit of luck. We put a lot of effort into what we do, so this is a real reward for the effort that we have put in. We top qualified and got the bye for the first round, which was pretty invaluable, and then there was some really tight racing through the rounds.
“The championship wasn’t decided until the final was decided, and that is a testament to the group of Modified Bike riders we have, that the racing was just so close. Going into the final race, I put a fair bit of pressure on myself, it was right up there. I have raced Peter before and he has got me, so we are one-all now.
“I want to thank my fellow racer Gavin Dohnt for his help and guidance, the input he has had into my racing and letting me bounce ideas around is very much appreciated. I also want to thank my daughter Marissa; my sponsors Casterton Motorcycle and Top Shop Casterton; and also bracket sponsor Ballistic Performance Parts, for all of their support.”
LANGTREE’S MACHINERY SERVICES JUNIOR DRAGSTER Bailey Hawke
Runner-up: Taylor Horton
“I am feeling pretty good and very excited about winning the championship,” Bailey Hawke said.
“I am very emotional, very grateful…. I don’t know what else to say.
“I am just so thankful. I was feeling very confident heading into the event, and then the weekend went really well.
“The car was extremely consistent and we went all the way to the final.
“To win in my first full season is definitely very special.
“I would like to thank my mum and dad for all their support, Lachlan Walker, and also my sponsors: First National
Copper Coast, Robust Worx, Country Living Homes, Promintz Engineering, AutoPro Kadina, SCG Racing Parts, and Moonta Bay Holiday Park.”
HUNTSMAN RACING SUPERCHARGED OUTLAWS
Doina Day
Runner-up: Shane Baxter
“I feel fantastic to have won the title – I had to be lucky, and I was lucky! Shane had to lose when he lost, everybody had to lose when they lost, so I was very, very lucky,”
Doina Day said.
“It is a fantastic achievement and very rewarding, it feels quite surreal.
“We have been working hard, Peter in particular has worked very hard getting this car going.
“It was a wonderful weekend, the Bend is a beautiful facility and a fantastic track, it was just great.
“Unfortunately, the car was not really performing very well, for some reason we were going slower and slower, and hosing fuel, so we were indeed very lucky in the championship chase, given we weren’t performing very well. We will make sure we address that before we come back next season.
“I would like to thank John Drysdale who has been my sponsor since 2006, we have a great relationship and it has been fantastic. And thank you to Peter and Swarfking, without Peter it doesn’t happen. Thank you also to Mark Hunt and Huntsman Racing for sponsoring the bracket, and to ANDRA for listening to us, putting on the series, and making it work.
“I am just so thankful to everyone, this means a lot.”
JACKIE WATT CONSULTANCY / FARDELLA AND WATT RACING SUPER STOCK
Steve Norman
Runner-up: Leigh Donaldson
“This is our third title for ANDRA and it is excellent, I am pretty proud of it,” Steve Norman said.
“The ANDRA Regional Sportsman Series has worked really well and has been well patronised, and having the ANDRA Grand Finals in our home state was obviously really good.
“The car ran pretty well all weekend, although we unfortunately couldn’t front for the final as we had starter motor troubles.
“We were in real good shape for the title heading to the final, but even if we weren’t we would still have gone, as it is the Grand Final – you can’t miss that.
“Finally, a big thank you to Dragway at The Bend, it is a fantastic facility. It looked a bit iffy a few times over the weekend (weather-wise) but they got through it like they always do.”
“As usual I want to thank Reg and Ryan Lee, Peter Ridgeway, Sam at SA Trans, Ben Seal for the fabrication work he does for us, and the Super Stock bracket sponsors, Jackie Watt Consultancy and Fardella and Watt Racing.
COMPETITION
Rick Johns
Runner-up: Craig Geddes
“This is beyond words really,” Rick Johns said.
“It is a dream come true; an absolute dream come true.
“We have got good hardware, a great crew, had a big road trip, and have really enjoyed ourselves here.
“I started racing in 1984 and this is my first national championship, and my head is just spinning at the moment.
“What an amazing weekend – this track is so smooth, the traction is amazing, the people have been really welcoming.
“Thank you to Steve Norman who lent us 5L of fuel for the final, in which he broke – I feel a bit horrible about that, but that is how it goes sometimes.
“Thank you also to Danny Selva for the awesome power, Chris Dimoff for a flawless transmission, and Justin
Appelbee who put life on hold to come on the road with me. Our crew are just the best, and my family who have been beside me for the whole journey.”
“We won the championship, won the event, set two national records, ran a perfect light, and even got the Longest Distance Travelled Award – what an absolutely amazing weekend. Just, wow!”
JOHN STORM MEMORIAL TROPHY Edge Mallis
Commissioned in memory of Mr John Storm, the first National Director of ANDRA, the John Storm Memorial Trophy is an annual national award made to the competitor in Group Two, Three or Four who scores the highest total overall points from all rounds of the ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship, including the final event.
“The John Storm Trophy represents the ultimate recognition for those who have made the biggest contribution to the sport—competing at every round, putting in maximum effort, and performing well throughout the season. Winning it is an honour, as it truly rewards dedication and consistency in the sport,” Edge Mallis said.
“As someone said to me at the ANDRA Grand Finals, there are 11 champions but only one John Storm Memorial Trophy, so yes it was very important to us. It feels awesome to win it, it has been a big effort – I have been in every final bar one all year and had two runners-up and all the rest were wins, so it was going to be hard for anyone to beat me. It is very rewarding definitely; I am having a great year! When it comes to who to thank, I seriously have had so many crew this year, and no one could do what we have done without all of their efforts, so thank you to everyone who has crewed throughout the season.
“Thank you to Blazecraft (Blaze Hansen and Gavin Hansen), my son Jeram, Mick Donahoue, Daniel Fox, Heather Hall, Max Theocharides, Nathan Stone, Mathew Stone, Joe Khoury, Cheryl Beddoes, Jake Hamilton Moderate, all of my fellow racers in our class, Mr Six Second Luke Crowley and Donna Marie Balmer, Jay Gardner and Patrick Honan, Aaron Kilderry, and Simon Allinson – none of this would have been possible without them.
“I also must make special mention of my life partner Letishia for her unwavering support; ANDRA for this series; CIM Wellness Centre; and Brock’s Performance USA; and bracket sponsor Lectron Australia.”
Photos thanks to Ben Alexander / Snapshot Media
Photo courtesy of Ben Alexander / Snapshot Media
fastlane24
.000 PERFECT LIGHT
A number of Perfect Light performances were also celebrated at the ANDRA Grand Finals, with Steve Paech, Rick Johns and Peter Bartlett all laying down perfect reaction times at the Dragway at The Bend event. We caught up with them to find out their thoughts on this achievement.
STEVE PAECH
It was a strong weekend at Dragway at The Bend for Steve Paech, taking out the Top Qualifier Medallion presented by New Gen Business Park, setting a Perfect Light, and also being the event runner-up in Super Sedan Competitors Group Super Sedan.
“We had a great weekend with some very close races to make it to the final. In the semi-final we were up against Chevy Taylor who is always one tough person to race, and we ended up wining by a margin of 0.00022 – it doesn’t get much closer than that!” said the 51-year-old truck driver from Woodside in South Australia.
“For the Perfect Light run, we had a bye thanks to being the Top Qualifier, and I said to my crew as we sat in the staging lanes that we were going to triple zero on the light on this run. I took some time out
of the delay box and to my amazement when the crew came down to pick me up in the deep end they were all so happy and cheering that I got the perfect light! “Thank you to Snapshot Media for supporting us sportsman racers with their sponsorship of the Perfect Light and Best Package.
“The light felt good, but you never really know. While I have never won a Perfect Light award before, I have got a 0.000 at the Spring Nationals at Dragway at The Bend in 2024.
“Having such a big field of Super Sedans is always great and to come runnerup for the event made it even better. It was a very well run event even with the necessary rain breaks and I want to give a huge shout out to all the track staff, officials, firies, ambos and volunteers.
“We are hoping to compete at most of the ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship rounds next season and hopefully we will be out there chasing a Gold Christmas Tree. In the meantime, I would like to thank my wife Amie for always being by my side and supporting me; my crew Shane Borman, Naomi Ward,
and my son Kyle Paech; and Cory Read from Reads Automotive and Performance for building me one tough motor and gearbox and his ongoing help at the track with advice and tuning.
“I also want to thank my sponsors, Bluechip Electrical, Murray Valley Sheds, Jet Trucking, Watts Car Audio and Wiring Installations, Chooks Custom Graphics, Sawyers Performance Fabrications, Ox Business Solutions, RT Racecraft, and Tuff Mounts.
“I also want to make mention of my best mate, Chris Francis. We lost Chris in December of 2022 to a heart attack. We used to do everything car related together and some of his ashes now ride in the car with me every run. I know he is looking down, and I’m making him proud.”
RICK JOHNS
Rick Johns had his hands full at the ANDRA Grand Finals presentations, taking out not only the Jackie Watt Consultancy / Fardella and Watt Racing Super Stock event win and the Competition Eliminator Championship, but also a Perfect Light Award. He also reset two ANDRA national
Steve Paech
Photos thanks to Ben Alexander / Snapshot Media
records (B/AA ET to 7.096s and TS to 187.37mph) and received the longest distance travelled award.
“We won the championship, won the event, set two national records, ran a perfect light, and even got the Longest Distance Travelled Award – what an absolutely amazing weekend it was,” Johns said.
“The Perfect Light was set in the second round of racing. I had had a look at the lovely race track that is Dragway at The Bend a couple of times by then and was feeling very comfortable and seeing the lights very well. Our little race car really did love Dragway at The Bend and this was another great, straight and smooth run for us.
“In doing the run, I had in the back of my mind a recent red light against the commodore of Jake Chaisty back in Perth – my opponent being in the same class, and being the chaser, is always tough and I didn’t want that to happen again. I knew it wasn’t red as I went by the tree, but I had no idea it was that close.
“I don’t recall ever having a perfect light to that many decimal points before. It is a bit scarily close to red and not something I am keen to do again!” laughed the 61-year-old self-employed metal fabricator from Perth.
“The event was great, the weather was great, and the people were so accommodating. The racing surface was prepped beautifully, and even after the oil down from the Friday night, you wouldn’t have even known anything had been there. We really appreciate the racers who stepped up to make the field and without Ryan Lee’s help with this, we wouldn’t have been able to achieve what we did.
“It is great racing in Group 2 Comp and Super Comp, and I would recommend anyone toying with the idea of stepping up, just do it.
“We will now do an engine freshen, a chassis check on the jig, and some new electrical components and wiring, then hit the track and see what happens. We have achieved such a lot this last season, after 40 years of trying. It has been quite magical.
“Firstly, I would like to thank the guy who
makes the power, Danny Selva from SRP – he is always available when you need his advice. I also want to thank Chris Dimoff and Peter Versma; my amazing crew; and my wife and my daughters who have made sure they still support me even when they have been so busy doing amazing things with the Doorslammer.”
PETER BARTLETT
For Peter Bartlett, it was a successful weekend at Dragway at The Bend for the ANDRA Grand Finals, seeing him walk away with the runner-up honours in the Ballistic Performance Parts Modified Bike title as well as for the event, setting a Perfect Light along the way.
“The ANDRA Grand Finals certainly went well for us – heading to the event, it was mathematically possible to win the championship, but we had to have all the planets align,” explained the 58-year-old Paintless Dent Repair Technician from Warrnambool.
“We drew the points leader in the first round and were lucky enough to take the win. For the result to fall our way we had to have Dean Jamieson go out in the early rounds, but he was switched on all day and won the event and the series, so we were runners up to him in both.
“The event was great, ANDRA and the staff at Dragway at The Bend went above and beyond to make it happen smoothly and it was good to see some championships not decided until the later rounds. It was an enjoyable event with a good outcome for us and saw us round out our season with two event wins and a runner-up for runner-up in the title.
“It was great too at the event to see the growth and interest in Junior Drag Bike, how it has developed over the last few
seasons has been great and the way the racers and families present themselves in the lanes and in the pits is fantastic. These youngsters are going to be dishing it up to the old dinosaurs like myself, Finny, Deano and Matt in the not too distant future, I am sure about that!”
Bartlett’s Perfect Light came in the third round of eliminations. “It had been spoken about with the crew that we had to cut a good light for the pass, as the Harley in the other lane had been good on the tree all weekend and had been dialling tighter as the meeting went on,” Bartlett said.
“It was a good pass on both sides with a small breakout for the Harley and we got to back off just before the stripe to be safe. I caught a glimpse of the green on the tree as we left, so I was happy it wasn’t red. With how quick we caught the bike in the other lane I was expecting a good zero something light, but I was not expecting 0.00 at all. I have had a Perfect Light Award once before at South Coast Raceway many moons ago, so it was good to get another one and the look on the faces of the crew made it worthwhile – from total disbelief to damn that was close to red!”
Looking ahead, Barlett is already planning a championship challenge in the new season.
“We will run a few more rounds for the 2025/2026 season to see if we can put ourselves in a position to take the winner’s trophy away from Dean Jamieson,” he said. “In the meantime, I want to send a thank you to Mick and Alison from Heavy Duty Magazine, a massive thanks to my wife Helen for all she does when we are at the track, and also Chris, Robyn and Ozzy – thanks heaps for joining the circus and having a ball with us!
Peter Bartlett
BEST ENGINEERED DARREN WHITFORD’S PONTIAC GTO
ANDRA’s Best Engineered Award is a specially commissioned award presented to the car or motorcycle judged to be the best engineered at the Goldenstates and ANDRA Grand Finals events. To be eligible, it must have been no more than five years since building or restoration, Australian built, and show technical excellence in engineering and detailed presentation.
At the ANDRA Grand Finals in April of 2025, Darren Whitford was awarded this honour for his impressive Pontiac GTO.
Like many, Whitford came to the sport of drag racing thanks to familial influence. “For me this all started all the way back when Dad was racing as far back as I can remember as a kid. He finished off his career racing an alcohol funny car after a long list of cars, starting from the first ever meeting at AIR, so for me I had no chance!” Whitford laughed.
“I initially built a Torana during my apprenticeship and raced that in street and progressed to a WB with a 615ci leaf
spring car which we raced for a few years on and off, but there was always a want to go faster.
“In 2021 I made the decision to sell the WB as a roller and find a chassis car to put that motor in, with the goal to run Top Sportsman. We ended up finding the GTO – an ex Greg Anderson / Jerry Haas NHRA Pro Stock car – in Adelaide.
“At this point we engaged Bill from BK Engines to give the 615 a birthday. Then, with the aim of running in the sixes, we decided to move on that motor and work with APD in the US to supply one of their Top Sportsman Procharged packages.
“With the change of motor, we had to accommodate with chassis changes throughout most of the car – obviously these chassis were built to handle 1500HP out of a NA 500ci big block with a liberty five speed, not a supercharged package with a huge Turbo 400 hanging out the back, so there was considerable change that we had to implement to make this work.”
Since hitting the track, the Pontiac has been turning heads.
“This is the first full season with the car after testing in March last year. The ANDRA Grand Finals was our most successful event to date with Top Qualifier and a semi-final finish, and of course the Best Engineered Award; we were super happy. It was a great event overall too – very well executed by ANDRA, the officials and the track staff, and it had a great atmosphere.
“So far the car has run a PB of 6.28 at 222mph which I believe makes it the quickest and fastest current Top Sportsman car in competition in Australia.”
For Whitford and his team, to be recognised with the Best Engineered Award was very rewarding.
“It was a real honour to receive this award amongst a big field of nicely engineered race cars. It was recognition of the vision we had from the start: the car had to firstly
be safe, have functionality, and look fast standing still. To receive this award was recognition for all the hard work the team has put in up to this point.
build, his tech support and parts sourcing and advice are second to none – he is the best in the business. Thanks so much Fred, you’re a legend.
“The best thing for me through the process was to work with Dad again in the workshop fabricating and machining what we needed to create this vision – I can’t thank him enough for all the hard work he put in. The knowledge he has around chassis building is vast, he has forgotten more than I will ever know!” Along with his father, Whitford has a list of people he wishes to thank for the role they have played in the build and his racing journey overall.
“This is a team effort both at home in the shop and at the race track. My wife Kim and daughter Maya are the leaders of the team, with my dad Barry, and mates Ryno, Fiona and Damo leading the charge at the race track,” he said.
“I would like to thank Kim and Maya for all they do, and for putting up with all the time and money that goes into our programme, and my dad, Ryno, Fiona and Damo for all their help and donating their precious time to allow me to live my dream. There are also a lot of valued sponsors and supporters I must recognise.
“Bill from BK engines – without him this engine programme would have never got off the ground as quickly as it did, I can’t thank him enough for all of the endless phone calls and I am proud to have him as a mate and a mentor. Thanks so much Billy.
“Fred from Protrans – Fred has gone above and beyond for us during this
“Marc from MSR USA – we have worked with Mark across the 18 month build and his knowledge on suspension on quick door cars is unbelievable; he has taught me a huge amount and is a big reason why this car is performing like it is. Thanks so much Marc.
“Outlaw Speed shop – thanks to Benny, Aaron and Harvey for all their support over the build. This is the best speed shop in Australia.
“Select Auto Electrical – thanks to Stuart who is a great mate that has gone above and beyond for me on this build, I appreciate all the weekends and late nights you have spent away from your family to help me out.
“Chooks Custom Grafix – thanks Chook for your ongoing support and the design of this current wrap on the car. I went
to him and said I want bright orange and satin black and I don’t want to be involved! I think you can agree he produced a fast-looking race car. Thanks mate, I appreciate everything you have done for us.
“I also must recognise all of the track staff and ANDRA officials at Dragway at The Bend. To name a few, Jason for the track prep, he is the best in the business; Vlad and Shane for all their hard work to get these meetings realised; and of course, Sam Shahin for making this track a reality, I can’t thank all these guys enough. What a facility Dragway at The Bend is, I think it is one of the best in the world.
“Last but not least, thank you to the consortium of class sponsors for the Top Sportsman bracket of the ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship. It meant a lot to all of us to have this series up and running, congratulations to the group.”
Images thanks to Ben Alexander / Snapshot Media, BrightDesign.com. au, and the library of Darren Whitford
EXCITING NEW SEASON SHAPING UP FOR ANDRA SPORTSMAN CHAMPIONSHIP
Following the successful 2024/2025 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship, plans are well underway for what is set to be an even bigger and better 2025/2026 series.
The championship will open with an exciting ‘Northern Swing’ featuring Nitro Up North at the Hidden Valley Drag Strip across August 29-30, followed by the Desert Nationals at Alice Springs Inland Dragway on Wednesday September 3. These two events will combine with the (non-championship) Red CentreNATS racing at ASID across September 5-7 to allow travelling racers to fit in up to three incredible events in one exciting trip.
In September, the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association will play host to the ANDRA Sportsman Championship with its Sunset Nationals at the Atlantic Oils Sunset Strip across September 2021. The very next week, the Junior Dragster and Junior Drag Bike competitors will also have a special extra opportunity to fight for ANDRA Christmas Trees at the Sunset Strip, with the SDRA’s Junior Nationals hosting a round of the championship for the sport’s next generation.
All of the Championship brackets will next be in-action at Dragway at The Bend’s Spring Nationals, to be held across October 3-5. This marquee event will also showcase Group One racing with Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Car racers chasing records while the Pro Drag Racing Championship (PDRC) will host its season finale. From Dragway at the Bend, the championship will head to the Perth Motorplex for the Goldenstates across November 21-22, with this event also expected to host rounds of the track’s Top Doorslammer championship.
Two weeks later, South Coast Raceway will come alive with the South Coast Nationals across its traditional December 6-7 weekend, providing a perfect end to 2025 ahead of what is expected to be an equally exciting 2026. ANDRA Chief Executive Officer, Tim McAvaney, said he is pleased to confirm these dates and looks forward to unveiling further information about the second-half of the season soon.
“Putting together a championship calendar which balances the needs of ANDRA members and ANDRA tracks while avoiding
event clashes wherever possible is an intense process, and one to which we are committed,” McAvaney said.
“To be able to announce the first six rounds of our title chase –and seven for the junior ranks – is very pleasing and ensures a fantastic balance of racing all around the country for the ANDRA Sportsman Championship. ANDRA members should rest assured that we are doing all we can to create a sustainable racing calendar for sportsman racing and ANDRA tracks. While this means that things take a little longer, we are confident we will be able to present a full calendar soon which will excite racers and drag racing fans alike. We do hope that releasing the first half of the season now however allows ANDRA members the time they need to plan the rest of their 2025.”
ANDRA members with questions should email info@andra.com. au For more from ANDRA, visit www.andra.com.au
2025 ANDRA REGIONAL SPORTSMAN CHAMPIONSHIP DATES
• Round one – Nitro Up North – Hidden Valley Drag Strip – 29-30 August
• Round two – Desert Nationals – Alice Springs Inland Dragway – 3 September
• Round three – Sunset Nationals – Atlantic Oils Sunset Strip – 20-21 September
• Junior only round – Junior Nationals – Atlantic Oils Sunset Strip – 27-28 September
• Round four – Spring Nationals – Dragway at The Bend – 3-5 October
• Round five – Goldenstates – Perth Motorplex –21-22 November
• Round six – South Coast Nationals – South Coast Raceway – 6-7 December
• 2026 event dates to be revealed soon
NAME: CHARLIZE GRIVELL
AGE: 16
HOMETOWN: VERDUN, SA
GRADE AT SCHOOL: YEAR 11
STARTED RACING: MARCH 2024
PERSONAL BESTS: 7.86 SECONDS
SPONSORS: MV AUTOMATICS, WILD HYDE, WILD INK BY ACTIVATED INDUSTRY, WHITLA MOTORSPORTS, WADE’S AUTOMOTIVE REFINISHING, JUST MUSCLE CARS, PHANTOM POWDER COATERS, CHOOKS CUSTOM GRAFIX.
FAVOURITE TV SHOW: THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY
FAVOURITE FOOD: HOT CHIPS
FAVOURITE ANDRA TRACK: DRAGWAY AT THE BEND
CHARLIZE GRIVELL
LANGTREE’S MACHINERY SERVICES JUNIOR DRAGSTER
PROFILE
How did the ANDRA Grand Finals weekend go for you?
It was not the best as we had a round one exit against a good friend of mine (and eventual championship winner and event runner-up) Bailey Hawke. We had a few issues with the car and it ran much faster than it had all weekend.
How were you introduced to Junior Dragster racing?
I had always seen them at the track, but I never in a million years thought I would drive one. I was always too scared, but a good friend of mine, James Barlow, got his and the opportunity came up, so I licensed.
What do you love about Junior Dragster racing?
The friendships I have made and getting to race against them. And also the opportunity to travel to different tracks.
What have been your favourite moments since you started?
Running at the Junior Nationals was really fun, and being able to run in big fields of Juniors is always exciting.
What future goals do you hold for yourself in racing, also away from the track?
I definitely want to win an event - getting a tree before I age out is my number one goal.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for being part of your drag racing journey?
I want to send a big thank you to my Mum and Dad, Simon, Lachy, Adam, all my sponsors, family and friends, track officials, and all the people that have helped me out along the way.
Photo credit: Ben Alexander / Snapshot Media
fastlane30
NORTHERN SWING
Nitro Up North and the Desert Nationals, combined with Red CentreNATS, will offer local and travelling racers alike to enjoy an action-packed Northern Swing in August.
Nitro Up North at the Hidden Valley Drag Strip will open the 2025/2026 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship across August 29 and 30, with ANDRA’s sportsman racers to be joined on-track by 4000hp Aeroflow Outlaw Nitro Funny Cars and the NDRC Top Doorlsammer Grand Final.
Combined with interactive fan experiences, full pit access and a festivallike atmosphere with food vendors, merchandise stores and family-friendly entertainment, Nitro Up North is sure to deliver a spectacular show for all involved.
Racers will then head to Alice Springs Inland Dragway for a mid-week round two of the championship chase – the Desert Nationals – on Wednesday September 3 (preceded by a Tuesday evening test and tune) allowing them to truly make the most of their trip to the NT when it comes to pursuing valuable ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship points.
Those that want to up the ante even further have the opportunity to race again at Alice Springs Inland Dragway on Saturday September 5, this time as part of the (non-championship) Heavy Hitters racing of Red CentreNATS, with big prize money on offer for the unique time-based
racing format in front of what is expected to be a packed house.
Also on-track at the RCN event will be four of the country’s top Doorslammer drivers, with Team Zappia and Team Gregorini racing in an all-new teams format, facing off in what promises to be a dramatic family feud on the track. Each team will field two drivers and cars and with some recent scores to settle, this will be a must-see for any Top Doorslammer fan.
“We are so very pleased, in conjunction with the NDRC, CADRA and HVDRA, to announce this fantastic line-up of events which will not only be fantastic for the racers, but also for the NT,” ANDRA Chief Executive Officer, Tim McAvaney, said.
“These three ANDRA-sanctioned events will provide a fantastic opening for our 2025/2026 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship season, see the return of a ‘northern swing’ concept for our racers which has always been popular in the past, and also provide the opportunity for travelling racers to truly make the most of their time away to the NT with not one, not two, but three amazing racing opportunities to be had.
“We absolutely cannot wait to see how this incredible week of racing unfolds in the North and encourage all of our racers to get their entries in quick for what are sure to be popular events on our calendar. This incredible week of racing is made possible through the collaboration
of NDRC, Hidden Valley Drag Racing Association (HVDRA), Central Australian Drag Racing Association (CADRA), Red CentreNATS (RCN), and the Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA).
“ANDRA is very pleased to be a part of the team bringing together this one-of-a-kind motorsport experience for Territorians and visitors alike,” McAvaney said. With world-class competition across multiple iconic NT venues, whether you’re a devoted fan, a competitor chasing championship points, or new to the sport, this is your chance to witness the best of Australian drag racing.
“Now is your time to secure your tickets and entries to be a part of the action.”
To enter for Nitro Up North, racers should visit www.ndrc.tv
To enter for the Desert Nationals, visit www.cadra.com.au
To learn more about Red CentreNATS, visit www.redcentrenats.com.au
Photo credit: Amber Simms Photography and HighRPM
NAME: LEIGH DONALDSON
AGE: 50
BASED IN: WHYALLA, SA
OCCUPATION: INSTRUMENTATION TECH
STARTED RACING: 2010
CLASSES COMPETED: SUPER STREET/SUPER STOCK
BEST ET AND SPEED: 9.34 @ 143MPH
FAVOURITE SHOW: MR IN-BETWEEN
FAVOURITE FOOD: HOMEMADE MEXICAN
FAVOURITE RACETRACK: SOUTH COAST RACEWAY, WITH DRAGWAY AT THE BEND A VERY CLOSE SECOND.
LEIGH DONALDSON
JACKIE WATT CONSULTANCY / FARDELLA AND WATT RACING SUPER STOCK
How did you get into drag racing?
Like a lot of us, I got into it through family members – my brother raced many years ago at AIR and I have great memories from helping him.
What is it you love about racing in Jackie Watt Consultancy / Fardella and Watt Racing Super Stock?
It is incredibly challenging every time we race. We are trying to make our combination better, but even when it doesn’t go exactly to plan, it is still experience gained.
You were the runner-up in the Jackie Watt Consultancy / Fardella and Watt Racing Super Stock championship – how do you feel about that?
I feel extremely lucky and extremely humbled. Everyone that races in any bracket works really hard, I feel lucky to have something to show for our team’s efforts over the last couple of years.
How was the ANDRA Grand Finals event for you overall?
It was a snapshot of our season to be honest. We fought with an issue and it looked like we wouldn’t make eliminations, but everyone put their heads together – a big thanks to Ryan Lee – and we got on top of it and able to compete.
What has been the highlight of your 2024/2025 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship season?
It was a roller coaster year for our team. We chased an ignition issue for two races and then had a separate mechanical problem at the Grand Finals. To finish second was easily the highlight of our year.
What is your home track and what do you love it?
Steel City Raceway in Whyalla – this is where I learnt how to race. Racing Super Street when I started was really tough, I loved it!
Is there anyone who you would like to shine the spotlight on for their involvement in your racing?
I want to thank our team – Brendan Donaldson and Matt Dickeson, I wouldn’t be doing this without their help, and also the remaining crew, Paul Utting and Blake Harrowfield. And lastly, thank you to Marcus and Darren from Bullet Race Engineering for all their help.
Photo credit: Ben Alexander / Snapshot Media
ANDRA GRAND FINALS
The final showdown of the 2024/2025 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship has been run and won, with the ANDRA Grand Finals held over the ANZAC Day Long Weekend (25-26 April) at Dragway at The Bend.
The event wrapped up what had been an action-packed season and celebrated the best of the best across the 11 sportsman championship brackets, plus the nonchampionship Junior Drag Bike and Scooter racing.
Taking home the Gold ANDRA Championship Christmas Tree trophies for their performance in the 2024/2025 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship were Cory Dyson (Gallagher Modified), Adrian McGrotty (South Australian Drag Racers Association Super Gas), Leon Davies (Top Sportsman Competitors Group Top Sportsman), Tony Miskelly (Super Sedan Competitors Group Super Sedan), Rob Cassar (Lectron Australia Competition Bike), Michael Jennings (Goodyear Racing Super Street), Bailey Hawke (Langtree’s Machinery Services Junior Dragster), Doina Day (Huntsman Racing
Supercharged Outlaws), Dean Jamieson (Ballistic Performance Parts Modified Bike), Steve Norman (Jackie Watt Consultancy / Fardella and Watt Racing Super Stock) and Rick Johns (Competition Eliminator).
Also recognised for a job well done this season were championship runnersup Kenny Stewart (Gallagher Modified), Collin Griffin (South Australian Drag Racers Association Super Gas), Vlado Turic (Top Sportsman Competitors Group Top Sportsman), Robert Kardum (Super Sedan Competitors Group Super Sedan), Edge Mallis (Lectron Australia Competition Bike), Michael Bridges (Goodyear Racing Super Street), Taylor Horton (Langtree’s Machinery Services Junior Dragster), Shane Baxter (Huntsman Racing Supercharged Outlaws), Peter Bartlett (Ballistic Performance Parts Modified Bike), and Leigh Donaldson (Jackie Watt
Consultancy / Fardella and Watt Racing Super Stock). Also celebrated as a title runner-up was Craig Geddes – the 10time ANDRA champ wasn’t able to race at the event, but had accumulated enough points throughout the previous events of the season to take out the Competition Eliminator runner-up position.
It was a big weekend, and indeed a big year for Mallis, who not only claimed the Lectron Australia Competition Bike championship runner-up and event runner-up honours this weekend, but also the John Storm Memorial Trophy.
It was double the celebrations for Johns, Cassar and Jamieson, who also claimed the ANDRA Grand Finals event victories in addition to their championship wins, with Johns and Cassar also setting new national records in the process. Cassar reset the Competition Bike - AA/CBN ET
to 7.008s and Top Speed to 186.45mph, while Rick Johns reset the Competition B/AA ET to 7.096s and TS to 187.37mph.
Joining them in the event winner’s circle were Dean Cleary (Goodyear Racing Super Street), Kardum (Super Sedan Competitors Group Super Sedan), Anton Krajina (South Australian Drag Racers Association Super Gas), Bob Sherry (Huntsman Racing Supercharged Outlaws), David Foster (Top Sportsman Competitors Group Top Sportsman), Derrick Wills (Gallagher Modified) and James Barlow (Langtree’s Machinery Services Junior Dragster).
Event runners-up Darryl Stephen (South Australian Drag Racers Association Super Gas), Tim Stewart (Huntsman Racing Supercharged Outlaws), Sam Cardinale (Top Sportsman Competitors Group Top Sportsman), Tony Antonino (Goodyear Racing Super Street), Kenny Stewart, Hawke, Bartlett, and Mallis were also celebrated.
Also presented at the end of event presentations were the Top Qualifier Medallions presented by New Gen Business Park: Kenny Stewart (Gallagher Modified), Adrian McGrotty (South Australian Drag Racers Association Super Gas), Darren Whitford (Top Sportsman Competitors Group Top Sportsman), Steve Paech (Super Sedan Competitors Group Super Sedan), Rob Cassar (Lectron Australia Competition Bike), Kevin Cooper (Goodyear Racing Super Street), Cooper
Plummer (Langtree’s Machinery Services Junior Dragster), Doina Day (Huntsman Racing Supercharged Outlaws), Dean Jamieson (Ballistic Performance Parts Modified Bike), and Steve Norman (Jackie Watt Consultancy / Fardella and Watt Racing SuperComp).
In Gallagher Modified, Cory Dyson was the only racer sitting on the points cap with a comfortable margin back to second at the start of the Grand Final weekend at Dragway at The Bend. In round one, Dyson took the win over Bill Hodgins but was knocked out by New Gen Business Park Top Qualifier and eventual championship and event runner-up Kenny Stewart in round two.
The battle was on for second place in the championship with Stewart’s performance on Saturday more than enough to leapfrog the other major contenders, including event winner and ANDRA Gold Christmas Tree recipient, Derek Wills. Wills knocked Stewart out in the final run after a bye in round two and a win over Dan Hodgins in round one.
In South Australian Drag Racers Association Super Gas, Adrian McGrotty headed to the ANDRA Grand Finals with a hat trick of event wins behind him while sitting on the points cap, with championship runner-up Colin Griffin breathing down his neck just 40 points behind.
With such a close margin, it was anyone’s
championship to win. When both Top Qualifier Medallion presented by New Gen Business Park recipient McGrotty (against eventual event winner Anton Krajina) and Griffin (against Des Woolstencroft) redlit during the first round of eliminations on Saturday morning, it was McGrotty’s championship points lead that carried the Victorian racer through to claim the top spot. Meanwhile, three-time champ Colin Griffin was able to secure the runner-up status.
After dispatching McGrotty, Krajina had a bye in round two before taking wins over Warren Bull in round three and event runner-up Darryl Stephen in the final. Stephen, meanwhile, got to the final thanks to wins over Tony Romeo and Rob Bergamin in round one and round two, and a bye in round three.
In Top Sportsman Competitors Group Top Sportsman, Leon Davies topped the incredibly close championship battle at the close of the ANDRA Grand Finals racing. Heading into the Grand Final weekend, both Davies and championship runner-up Vlado Turic were neck-andneck on the points cap, each sitting at 300 points, with Glenn Henley not far behind on 260 points.
All three championship contenders were knocked out in the first round of eliminations by Darren Whitford, Chris Farrugia, and Stuart McBain respectively. However, it was still all smiles for the back-to-back title winner.
Derek Wills
Lucas Bergamin
Dean Cleary
After racing through all four rounds, David Foster would prove victorious for the event, taking the race-winning honours over runner-up Sam Cardinale. To get to the final, Foster knocked out Top Qualifier Medallion presented by New Gen Business Park recipient Whitford in round three, after previously taking wins over McBain in round two and George Moshakis in round one. Likewise, to reach the final, Cardinale first sent Dean Tassone packing in round one, before doing the same to Farrugia and Darren Parker in rounds two and three.
In Super Sedan Competitors Group Super Sedan, an early exit to Sunday’s Grand Final racing didn’t dampen Tony Miskelly’s spirits, with the long-time Super Sedan Competitors Group Super Sedan racer claiming a maiden championship victory.
Championship runner-up and event winner Robert Kardum was locked in a four-way battle for second in the championship coming into the weekend. Kardum faced off against Top Qualifier Medallion presented by New Gen Business Park recipient Steve Paech in the final, to successfully claim the event
win, after getting the better of Michael Tuddenham (round one), Wayne Couzner (round two), Joe Cutri – who took the win over Miskelly in round one – (round three) before a bye in the semi-final. On his way to the final, event runner-up Paech had a bye in round one, and wins over Dan Oxton, Lance Larcombe, and Chevy Taylor in rounds two, three and four respectively.
In Goodyear Racing Super Street, championship glory had been elusive for seasoned Goodyear Racing Super Street Michael Jennings until the ANDRA Grand Finals weekend at Dragway at The Bend. The championship battle went all the way down to the wire, where Jennings was able to take the crown, thanks to making it through to the semi-finals.
Two of the closest championship contenders, Katrina Read and Stefan Lianas, were both knocked out in round one, while Championship runner-up Michael Bridges made it through to round two before being bested by Victor Romeo.
Jennings made it to the fourth round of Grand Final eliminations on Saturday
afternoon in his brother Paul’s 2019 championship-winning car, where event runner-up Tony Antonino took the win over the newly crowned champ. Before being sent packing, Jennings enjoyed wins over Adrian Wood (round one), Anthony Terranova (round two), and Top Qualifier Medallion presented by New Gen Business Park recipient Kevin Cooper (round three).
Event winner Dean Cleary raced through the first three rounds, getting the best of Bradley Hicks in round one, Roc Piscioneri in round two and Romeo in round three before a bye in the semi-final. Event runner-up Antonino also enjoyed a bye, albeit in round three and successful wins over Rob Ashman in round one and Chicka Waight in round two.
In Lectron Australia Competition Bike, Rob Cassar, Edge Mallis and Cheryl ‘MsVrod’ Beddoes all headed to the ANDRA Grand Finals on the points cap, making for a nail-biting affair.
In the end, it would be Rob Cassar who would clean sweep the weekend, taking not only the Lectron Australia Competition
Rob Kardum
Photo credit: Ben Alexander / Snapshot Media
Bike championship title, but also the event ANDRA Gold Christmas Tree and the Top Qualifier Medallion presented by New Gen Business Park, all while resetting the AA/ CBN ET and TS records in the process (ET to 7.008s and Top Speed to 186.45mph).
Championship and event runner-up Edge Mallis also had an extra reason to smile when he was presented with the John Storm Memorial Trophy at the presentation ceremony after the final runs on Saturday.
Cassar enjoyed two byes before a win over Callam Godeassi in round three to get to the final pairing against Mallis, while Mallis also had byes in rounds two and three, after a win over Rob Church in round one.
In Ballistic Performance Parts Modified Bike, Dean Jamieson was equal second in the championship points coming into the Grand Final weekend, but went on to secure the title thanks to an eventwinning performance that also saw the Victorian claim the Top Qualifier Medallion presented by New Gen Business Park.
Jamieson started Saturday’s racing with a bye, before ousting Geoff Bergamin in round two and Michael Cristoforo in round three. He would then line up against eventual championship and event runner-up Peter Bartlett to seal the deal and secure the win.
Bartlett, meanwhile, took the win over Bryan Finn – who was the championship leader at the time – in round one before a bye in round two and another successful
run in round three over Brock Richards to get to the final.
In Langtree’s Machinery Services Junior Dragster, 13-year-old Bailey Hawke claimed not only the Langtree’s Machinery Services Junior Dragster championship but also Grand Finals event runner-up accolades as well.
Hawke was second in the championship chase by a margin of just 10 points behind eventual championship runner-up Taylor Horton coming into the weekend, with the latter sent packing in round one by Ava Walker. Hawke, meanwhile, raced through all four rounds of racing, reaching the finish line ahead of Charlize Grivell in round one, Brock Furlanetto in round two and Deklan McGregor in round three before falling to event winner James Barlow in the final.
Right before the final, Barlow dispatched Top Qualifier Medallion presented by New Gen Business Park recipient Cooper Plummer in the semi-final. To get there, Barlow first took a win over Angelina Kondilis in round one and Toby Beasley in round two.
In Huntsman Racing Supercharged Outlaws, points leader Doina Day had a small margin over the next championship eligible racers in the field heading into the ANDRA Grand Finals. The 2014 ANDRA Supercharged Outlaws champion knew her work would be cut out for her and left nothing to chance, first securing the Top Qualifier Medallion presented by New Gen Business Park.
Day ran 6.853s in the first round on a bye before being knocked out by eventual event runner-up and fellow title contender Tim Stewart in round two. Combined with the points lead ahead of the weekend and a little bit of luck, it was enough to get the job done.
Shane Baxter’s participation at the Grand Final meant the Melbourne-based racer met the championship eligibility requirements of racing out of his home state, also putting him in contention. Baxter made it through to the semifinal, where the Victorian was defeated by eventual event winner – and Murray Bridge (SA) local – Bob Sherry. Despite the loss, he had enough points to secure the runner-up honours in the title chase.
The Competition and Jackie Watt Consultancy / Fardella and Watt Racing Super Stock brackets were combined as Jackie Watt Consultancy / Fardella and Watt Racing SuperComp at The Bend, with one event winner announced for the combined bracket and champions appointed for Super Stock and Competition Eliminator respectively.
The long trek from Western Australia to the ANDRA Grand Final at Dragway at The Bend paid dividends for Rick Johns. Not only did Johns claim the Jackie Watt Consultancy / Fardella and Watt Racing SuperComp event and Competition Eliminator championship wins, the WA racer also set two new national records (B/AA ET to 7.096s and TS to 187.37mph), achieved a perfect light and received the longest distance travelled award to boot.
Racing veteran Steve Norman had the Jackie Watt Consultancy / Fardella and Watt racing Super Stock championship essentially locked up coming into the Grand Final weekend, while second place was still up for grabs, with Leigh Donaldson ultimately taking out the runner-up accolade.
ANDRA thanks Dragway at The Bend and all of its volunteers and sponsors for an outstanding race track and a well-run event.
For full results from the ANDRA Grand Finals, please click here.
For more from ANDRA, visit www.andra.com.au
Ante Krajina
