Fastlane Magazine - Issue 18

fastlane EDITION 18

D E C E M B E R

2 0 1 6

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL DRAG RACING ASSOCIATION

famer

of

ANDRA officially inducts Jim Read into Hall of Fame

RACER

10

TECH

PROFILE

TORQUE

34

ROUND

REPORTS

32

12 SUMMITRACING.COM

contents CLICK TO VISIT

STAGING LANES WHO IS YOUR DD?

CHAMPIONSHIP

DINNER

HALL OF

FAME

POINTS & CALENDAR

SUMMIT SPORTSMAN SERIES

POINTS & CALENDAR

ROUNDREPORTS SUNSET STRIP CALDER PARK ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

RACERPROFILE

Editor: Tim Baker (tim.baker@andra.com.au) Design: YBI Creative (www.ybicreative.com.au) Photography: Cackling Pipes, John Baremans, David Hope, Outlaw Images, Bob Taylor, Jon Van Daal, Jim Read Collection Video Content: AVE PTY LTD, Channel 7 Drag Racing Today

TALK

ANDRA SERIES

PERFECT LIGHT

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

TECH

ANDRA Staff

CEO: Grant Goodall Accounts: Donna Jantke Business Manager: Jackie Mills Business Development Manager: Jennifer Harrison Competition Manager: Brett Stevens Licensing and Membership: Kylie Hazelhurst Media & PR Officer: John Baremans Technical Officer: Dicken Patterson

Contact Details

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

HISTORICAL

READ FACES AT THE RACES

ANDRA Board

Terry Jongen (WA) Nathan Peirano (QLD) Robin Judd (WA) Grant Wilson (SA) Geoff Crisp (NSW) Peter Kapiris (VIC)

3

staginglanes PETER KAPIRIS AND GEOFF CRISP JOIN THE ANDRA BOARD

Top Doorslammer icon Peter Kapiris and ANDRA New South Wales Division Director Geoff Crisp have been voted onto the ANDRA Board at the 2016 Annual General Meeting.

Held at Mawson Lakes Hotel & Function Centre in Adelaide on November 30, Peter Kapiris nominated for a casual vacancy as a Group One representative while Geoff Crisp will take a Division Director position for one year.

“It’s an honour to be voted onto the Board,” said Kapiris. “ANDRA has done a lot for the sport and has always been there for the racers, and it’s good to give something back.

“The racers and myself see this is a great step to have Group One representation on the Board and I’m looking forward pushing things forward.”

New South Wales Division Director Geoff Crisp added:

“I would like to thank my fellow ANDRA Division Directors for having the faith in me to elect me to the ANDRA Board.

“It is an honour and a privilege to take this position and I look forward to working with the current ANDRA board members to continue to help facilitate the growth and success of ANDRA Championship Drag Racing nationally.”

Western Australia Division Director Terry Jongen remains in a Division Director position for a further three years. Nathan Peirano and Grant Wilson will also continue in their roles on the Board.

The DC at its meeting unanimously supported Paul Rogers Junior to take over the role, which he has accepted.

Everyone at ANDRA thanks Peter for his work over the last couple of months and welcome Paul into the role.

Emails can be sent to Paul via: victoriatasmania@andra.com.au and a new phone number will be allocated shortly.

JOHN BAREMANS APPOINTED TO ANDRA MEDIA & PR ROLE Respected drag racing journalist and photographer John Baremans will officially take over as the new ANDRA Media & PR Officer on Monday December 12

“John will be great for ANDRA,” said outgoing Media & PR Officer Tim Baker. “We collaborated quite a few times in my time here and he will do a far better job than I ever could.”

John takes the reigns from Tim Baker who leaves the organisation on Friday December 9 to take up a new sports media opportunity elsewhere.

“Thank you to all the staff, management and of course the members. I’ve met so many great people along the way, made some great friends and I am privileged to have been apart of ANDRA Drag Racing for the past 2 years 11 months.

John has been around the sport for quite some time, starting as an official at Castlereagh International Dragway, then joining Dragster Australia magazine as Assistant Editor and Layout Artist.

He is also a keen photographer and collector of all things drag racing.

His previous role involved working with AVE Pty Ltd as their inhouse graphic designer and social media manager for Speedweek and MotorsportsTV.

GARMIN VIRB ANDRA DRAG RACING LIVE STREAM AD RATES

Get involved and advertise your business, product or service on an upcoming Garmin VIRB ANDRA Drag Racing Live Stream.

Beamed around the world via the internet the Garmin VIRB ANDRA Drag Racing Live Stream is the perfect way to grow your profile.

We’re offering a special introductory price for logo placement, 15 second TVC and 30 second TVC.

RATES

LOGO PLACEMENT: $50 PER PLACEMENT 15 SECOND TVC: $150 PER PLACEMENT 30 SECOND TVC: $250 PER PLACEMENT If you would like to book ad space on the Live Stream please contact Jennifer Harrison on (08) 8271 5355 or email jennifer.harrison@andra.com.au

ANDRA welcomes the key additions to the Board and is excited to move forward for the good of ANDRA Drag Racing.

PAUL ROGERS JR TAKES OVER AS VICTORIA/TASMANIA DIVISION DIRECTOR Following the most recent Victoria/Tasmania Divisional Council meeting, Peter Pisalidis has stood down as the Alternate Division Director effective immediately.

fastlane

“I wish John all the best in the role and I am excited to see where he takes things.”

John will be based remotely in Sydney and will remain in daily contact with Head Office. Currently he can be reached by emailing media@andra.com.au.

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staginglanes

ANDRA REMOVABLE ROLL CAGE SPECIFICATION After extensive consultation and analysis, ANDRA is pleased to announce the release of the ANDRA Removable Roll Cage Specification V2.0 and also clarification of the legality of current removable roll cages in vehicles racing at ANDRA sanctioned events .

Some important points to note are: • All roll cages that have passed an ANDRA Technical Inspection are deemed fit for competition at ANDRA Sanctioned events until their Log Book expires.

• Both the current Removable Roll Cage Design Specification and the ANDRA Removable Roll Cage Specification V2.0 will be applicable up until 31st December 2016.

• All roll cages which fabrication is started on between 2nd December 2016 and 31st Dec 2016 inclusive, may either comply with the current Removable Roll Cage Design Specification or the Removable Roll Cage Specification V2.0.

• From 1st January 2017, the Removable Roll Cage Specification V2.0 will fully supersede the Current Removable Roll Cage Design Specification. All roll cages which fabrication starts on or after 1st January 2017 must comply with the Removable Roll Cage Specification V2.0.

• The ANDRA Removable Roll Cage Specification V2.0 makes allowance for construction to either CAMS National Competition/ Series specification, or ANDRA Removable Roll Cage Specification V 2.0.

• A CAMS National Competition/Series Roll Cage must be fabricated from Mild Steel to the specification in CAMS Schedule J (http://docs.cams.com.au/Manual/GeneralRequirements/GQ11Schedule-J-2017-1.pdf) • An ANDRA Removable Roll Cage must be fabricated from Chromoly 4130N to the specification in the ANDRA Removable Roll Cage Specification V2.0.

• ANDRA are also instigating a Roll Cage Joint Homologation Program which will allow fabricators to choose from a range of homologated joints for use in Removable Roll Cage manufacture.

• In addition to this, ANDRA is allowing FIA homologated Dismountable Joints to be used in an ANDRA Specification Roll Cage.

• All roll cages in vehicles whose owner applies for a new Log Book or to renew a Logbook, from and inclusive of 1st January 2017, must have their roll cage registered with ANDRA using the updated ANDRA Roll Cage Registration form which will be available from 1st January 2017 at www.andra.com.au.

PERTH MOTORPLEX OFFERS TWO FOR ONE ENTRY FOR INTERSTATE COMPETITORS Perth Motorplex is one of Australia’s best run drag racing venues and with the ANDRA Drag Racing Series and Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series returning to the venue for the Goldenstates (February 3-4) and the Westernationals (March 4-5) next year, they are keen to have as many interstate competitors as possible coming across to join the party.

“Hopefully our two for one entry offer will be a way to make the journey easier for you so we can show you how good drag racing in Western Australia can be.”

Perth Motorplex can also offer accommodation discounts thanks to Quest Rockingham Apartment Hotel.

To take advantage of the two for one entry offer, teams must enter before December 31, 2016. Perth Motorplex also asks that teams include the “I’m going!” image on their social media pages. Please note that the two for one offer does not include the media levy.

As a thank you for the interstate teams who make the trek across the Nullarbor, Perth Motorplex is offering two for one entry for the Goldenstates and Westernationals. The offer is available to any interstate sportsman or Group One team.

Perth Motorplex drag racing manager Rod Britton said it was a small way to say thank you to the dedicated teams who travel thousands of kilometres every year.

“We’re looking forward to the ANDRA Drag Racing Series and Summit Racing

Equipment Sportsman Series returning to Western Australia and personally invite sportsman and Group One racers from across the country to join us.

Head to the Perth Motorplex website drag racing competitors section (http:// competitors.motorplex.com.au/login. php) and enter for the Goldenstates, then email dragracing@motorplex.com.au and the friendly Perth Motorplex staff will help you to claim your free Westernationals entry.

fastlane

THE MOST POWERFUL PODCAST ON PLANET Introducing the ANDRA Drag Racing Podcast – The Most Powerful Podcast for the Most Powerful Motorsport on the Planet!

“2.9 million Australians listened to podcasts in 2015 and of those people 29% subscribe regularly while 56% listen at least once a week, so there is a high audience retention rate,” added Baker.

The official podcast of the Australian National Drag Racing Association is a new initiative to engage with members and fans, new and old by focussing the storylines firmly on the racers and legends of ANDRA Drag Racing.

“Not all of those people are drag racing fans but it’s about finding new ways to engage with new audiences while also giving our members and fans something extra.

Outgoing ANDRA Media & PR Officer Tim Baker said producing an official ANDRA podcast was an exciting project as the thirst for on demand content continues to grow.

“ANDRA Drag Racing needs to be experienced but through this format we can at least give the racer another platform to tell their own stories and show another side of the sport.”

“Podcasting is a platform I have experience with away from ANDRA and I hope we can build this into a great asset to take advantage of another form of media that has been growing exponentially around the world,” he said.

You can listen to the first few episodes here in FASTLANE on PAGE 28.

“The beauty of podcasts is there are no restrictions, you can take it anywhere and listen on demand on your smartphone or mobile device while you’re driving, working, shopping or walking the dog – it’s up to you. But you can still listen on your computer or even your TV whenever you feel like it.”

Research released ahead of the recent ab_andra.pdf

1

30/09/2016

2016 OzPod conference in Sydney showed Australian audiences have increased by 14% on last year and on average, podcast audiences listen to an average of 5.5 podcasts per week with nearly 1 in 5 listening up to 11 podcasts per week.

Smartphone is the preferred device to listen to podcasts for 1 in 2 people; rising to 70% among ages 14-34. That age bracket is also more likely to discover new podcasts via social media (58%) and word of mouth (60%) than the older demographics.

The ANDRA Drag Racing Podcast is also available to subscribe for free or listen on the ANDRA social media pages and through iTunes, the iTunes Podcast App, Tunein Radio, Stitcher Radio, Player FM and many other podcast apps. Just search ANDRA Drag Racing Podcast within your chosen app.

For Google Play customers, just download your preferred podcast app and search as above.

1:48 pm

Preferred Accommodation Supplier for ANDRA Drag Racing The Accommodation Brokers provide a complimentary service to help all ANDRA members, race teams, officials and their loyal supporters with all their accommodation requirements.

Sourcing the best market rates available. Negotiating with hotels/venues directly to get preferred rates based on volume business Handling the booking, confirmation, payment and tax invoices process Providing booking confirmations outlining all the information you need For all of your accommodation needs simply email us: bookings@theaccommodationbrokers.com.au A percentage of all ANDRA member hotel booking proceeds booked via The Accommodation Brokers is reinvested back in to the Drag Racing community

championship

dinner

The ANDRA Night of Champions was held Thursday December 2 at Mawson Lakes Hotel in South Australia.

SEE EXTENDED PHOTO GALLERY

b

b

A packed house gathered honouring the 2015/2016 ANDRA Drag Racing Series and Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Champions and Runners Up, 2015/2016 John Storm Memorial Winner, 2016 Hall of Fame inductee and the 2016 Arthur J. Gallagher Volunteer of the Year.

Once again ANDRA congratulates all of the 2015/2016 Champions and Award recipients and thanks everyone for attending a fantastic night.

Pictured from left to right: John Zappia - Top Doorslammer, Craig Geddes Competition, Adam Murrihy - Supercharged Outlaws, Kim Fardella - Super Stock, Michael Naylor - Junior Dragster, Kylie Tanner - Super Street, Bryan Finn - Modified Bike, Darryl Stephen - Super Gas, Matt Lisle - Super Compact, Matt Forbes Modified, Nino Cavallo - Pro Stock

volunteers

Not pictured: Corey Buttigieg - Pro Stock Motorcycle, Chris Porter - Top Fuel Motorcycle, John Kapiris - Super Sedan

WHYALLA STEEL CITY DRAG CLUB

of the year The Whyalla Steel City Drag Club has been awarded the Arthur J. Gallagher Volunteer of the Year at the 2016 ANDRA Championship Dinner on Thursday December 2.

Recognised for their outstanding efforts and contribution toward the 2015/2016 ANDRA Championship Grand Final at Adelaide International Raceway and their assistance to fellow tracks and clubs throughout the year, the Steel City Drag Club are worthy recipients.

Not there on the night: Cory Mac - Top Fuel, John Cannuli - Top Alcohol, Paulo Pires - Competition Bike, Jason Stares - Top Sportsman

“Thank you to Arthur J. Gallagher and ANDRA for the award,” said Club President Mark Kuhn.

“We as a club love drag racing and we are happy to assist other clubs and organisations to build the sport and work together.

“It’s a credit to all the members of the Whyalla Steel City Drag Club for their hard work and passion to be awarded Volunteers of the Year.”

The Arthur J Gallagher Volunteer of the Year award recognises the outstanding contribution and passion of volunteers donating their time to ANDRA Drag Racing.

The Steel City Drag Club were in attendance at the 2016 ANDRA Championship Dinner to accept their deserved accolade.

ANDRA thanks the Steel City Drag Club for their time and dedication to the sport.

9

10 fastlane

hall of

fame

Read has been an ANDRA member for over 30 years and served on the ANDRA NSW Divisional Council. He was the first to break the seven, six and five second barriers, he was the first to reach 300 mph, the first and only competitor to win Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Car at the same event and the first Australian to top qualify at an NHRA event.

Jim Read inducted into ANDRA Drag Racing Hall of Fame

He has also held positions as President of the NSW Hot Rod Association, General Manager of Castlereagh Dragway, separate stints as CEO and Chairman of Western Sydney International Dragway as it was then known as well as one of the driving forces behind it’s construction.

Jim Read is synonymous with Top Fuel and Australian Drag Racing. He was the pioneer behind the Winfield Pro Series in the 90s at a time when tobacco sponsorship was a regular fixture in Motorsport, but he was an icon long before that racing Top Fuel, Nitro Funny Car and winning Championships every other year.

The list is long and storied and he now adds the ANDRA Hall of Fame to his induction to the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame and the award of the Order of Australia – Australian Sports Medal.

Jim was be overseas at the time of the 2016 ANDRA Championship Dinner but prior to leaving he paid tribute to those who helped make him the drag racer he became.

“There are four people who really made my life in drag racing,” said Read.

First 300 MPH Top Fuel pass

b Jim Read - More Than A Racer

“Firstly there is Bruce Phillips, who is no longer with us, the man was a genius and he was originally one of the guys behind Graeme Cowin with Graeme’s first Psycho.

SEE EXTENDED PHOTO GALLERY

b

“He introduced me to a gentleman in Parramatta called Burt Jones – Burt Jones Racing Cams. Burt raced a Top Fuel car in latter years called The Vandal that they bought from Ash Marshall with Ross Mellish.

“Burt, Bruce Phillips and Russell Jones who was one of the smartest

tuners anywhere – the man won eight Bridge to Bridge races in a row. That’s 60 miles up the river from Hawkesbury, the boats are travelling 110-115 mph and Russell was my crew chief.

“You can never repay these people because remember I’m a plumber.

I’m used to using a pair of Stillsons and carrying around tin snips. I didn’t know what a motor was, I didn’t know how to pull a motor apart. I knew none of that stuff, I was taught by these people who I considered geniuses and helped make me what I am.

“And then there’s my little buddy Noel who has been with me 51 years.

I never went to a race without Noel.

“There are a lot of people who did good things for me but the most prominent person that I can ever remember – and he was Best Man at my wedding was Ian Kleeman from Rothmans of Pall Mall. Probably the nicest person, if ever I wanted a brother he would have been it, if I had a choice. He was probably the best person for our sport and Jim Read.”

Jim Read was officially inducted into the ANDRA Drag Racing Hall of Fame at the 2016 ANDRA Championship Dinner on Thursday December 2 at Mawson Lakes Hotel in South Australia.

Accepting the award on the night was Jim’s sons Bruce and Phil Read.

You can listen to Jim discussing the ANDRA Hall of Fame and his career on the very first episode of the ANDRA Drag Racing Podcast right here.

12 fastlane

techtorque

TURN, TURN, TURN

FIGURING OUT TUBES, TYRE SCREWS AND BEAD LOCKS Go to a drag strip and you’ll see cars with beadlocks, tyre screws and what appears to be nothing holding the tyre bead to the wheel rim.

Some cars will run tubeless. Others will have tubes. Ponder all of the combinations and the big picture starts to get a wee bit confusing or at least a wee bit muddy. What do you need?

Honestly, it depends upon the recommendation of the tyre manufacturer along with the application. As Jerry Bickel is quick to point out, tube-type tyres must always have inner tubes installed to prevent leaks. Tubeless drag slicks

on the other hand may be run with or without inner tubes. From Jerry’s experience, most racers prefer to run tubeless drag slicks without tubes in order to reduce tyre mass.

With less mass, there is less inertia to overcome. As a result, the tyres will accelerate faster and you’ll most likely be rewarded with a lower ET slip.

When it comes to tubes, There’s always a risk of rupturing the tube.

That means rapid air loss in the tyre. What causes this? Bickel notes these are the most common causes of inner tube rupture:

Wayne Scraba

Photo Credits: Jerry Bickel Race Cars, Wayne Scraba, Summit Racing

1 WRONG TUBE SIZE

2 WRONG TUBE TYPE

3 INCORRECT INSTALLATION

4 TYRE TURNED ON RIM (TEARS OFF VALVE STEM) 5 INNER TUBE IS DRY ROTTED

When it comes to tubes, you should only use new natural rubber racingtype tubes correctly sized for your slicks. Any other type of tube cannot withstand the constant flexing that comes from low inflation pressures and of course, sidewall wrinkling.

That’s not the end of it either. Bickel notes: “I have see tyres rip through the rim screw on a particularly hard tyre-wadding launch. If the tyre turns at all on the rim, the tube turns with it and pulls the valve stem off. This causes a sudden loss of air pressure.

If you must install tubes, have them mounted by professionals. Many inexperienced racers have damaged inner tubes by installing them in a twisted condition or with the valve stem under tension.

keep the tyre in place. If a slick turns on the wheel rim, balance is upset and the result is vibration. If you run tubes, it becomes even more critical.

As Bickel mentioned earlier, the inner tube tends to turn with the tyre. If the tyre turns on the wheel rim, then the valve stem will be ripped off and causes a sudden tyre deflation.

“If an inner tube develops a slow leak the lost air forms a pocket between the tube and inner tyre. This can cause tyre balance problems and a gradual bleed down of air pressure. If you suspect this may have happened, dismount the tyre and check the inner tube for leaks in a water tank or with a soapy water spray.

Over the years, it’s been possible to buy drag race wheels that come predrilled for rim screws. If you have to drill your own holes, Bickel suggests you locate the holes symmetrically around the wheel in order to maintain balance. Bickel also staggers the alignment of the screws from side to side on the wheel rims.

“I prefer metal valve stems over the pull-in rubber types for tubeless tyres. A nut holds them securely in place, preventing them from popping out under high centrifugal force.

One drawback to tubeless tyres is that they all leak slightly. Over time, air bleeds through the thin rubber sidewalls or may leak around rim screws. Some wheel rims may leak if they are made from porous aluminum or have poor welds.”

If your racecar is parked for long periods of time (shop or trailer) there’s a good chance the tyres will lose pressure (bleed down). Some tyre brands are more prone to bleed down than others, and it can become a pain to deal with flat tyres. When a slick is sidewall is left in a severely wrinkled (flat) condition for long periods of time, the damage can become permanent. The best solution is to monitor the tyre pressures regularly.

Or you can simply swap to “tow tyres” – these can be anything that hold the race car up.

That brings us to methods of securing the tyre bead to the rim. You can use tyre screws, bead locks or glue to

WHEEL RIM SCREWS

According to Jerry anywhere from eight to sixteen screws on each side of the wheel is enough to get the job done. Some folks have used as many as thirty-two screws used per side, but Bickel figures this is unnecessary overkill.

Bickel installs all wheel rim screws straight in (horizontal) around the perimeter of the rim flange. Jerry tells us that some racers prefer to alternate between straight and angled screws.

The angled screws are threaded into the bead on the radius between the outer flange and inner rim. The figure below shows the installation of straight and angled rim screws.

According to Jerry: “The stated purpose for the angled screws is to hold the bead against the rim lip as centrifugal force pulls outward on the tyres at speeds over 200 MPH. I think this logic is questionable at best. Funny car type tyres are generally designed to run with bead locks, not rim screws. Over time, tyre manufacturers have changed bead-lock recommendations and you should always consult with them before you select a method for your car.

“The best rim screws to use are hardened #12X3/4-inch sheet metal types. Hex-headed plated screws are easy to install ant resist corrosion.

Drill 5/32” holes through the rim, but not into the tyre. Deburr all sharp edges. As they are installed, the screws cut threads into the rim so that they may be tightened without stripping the rubber. Only the ends of the screws thread into the bead of the tyre. I like to apply a small dab of RTV silicone on the screw threads prior to installation to prevent leaks.

“Air the tyres up to 20 PSI before installing the screws. Don’t over tighten them, or you might break off the heads. After numerous tyre installations, the self-tapping action of the sheet metal screws strips the holes in the rim. At this point, the wheels should be repaired or replaced.”

13

14 fastlane

techtorque BEAD LOCKS

Typically, bead lock devices are used on high horsepower cars with funny car tyres, although they’ve come into vogue on high horsepower DOT (tyre) racecars. The clamping ring on a bead lock along with the nuts and bolts increase the weight of the wheel, which in turn, increases unsprung and rotational weight. The point is bead locks add reinforcement to the extremely soft sidewalls found on several different applications.

According to Mickey Thompson Tyres: “Mickey Thompson recommends that wheel widths should not exceed 1” wider than the tread width. If you elect to use rim widths 1-2” wider than the tyres tread width, M/T strongly suggests increasing the number of rim screws to 16 per side or beadlocks.

Beadlocks only are recommended on any wheel widths that exceed 2” wider than the tyre tread width or if speeds exceed 200 MPH. Some M/T tyres have “Beadlocks Recommended” stamped on the sidewall of the tyre.”

M/T goes on to state: “If continued or excessive (more than ½” to 1” per run) wheel/slip is experienced, Mickey Thompson recommends the use of “Beadlock” wheels for ET Street Radials. Bead screws are not recommended and could lead to tyre failure and or damage.”

Circle track cars have used bead locks such as this for years. Summit offers all sorts of examples in the online catalog.

Of course, you can also purchase wheels already setup for bead locks (and that includes drag cars). They all have one thing in common: The bead lock safely secures the tyre bead to the rim.

and tyre surface with acetone. The cleaner the surface, the better the bond. Apply the glue and wait for it to tack up before setting the bead on the rim. Brake cleaner will work to clean up the excess residue on the outside of the wheel and the tyre.

When mounting the tyre (tubeless), it’s still a good idea to apply soap to the inside of the tyre to seal the sidewall. What about tubes? High Tack still works. But in this case, simply appliy a light dust of talcom powder of the inside of the tyre before installing the tube.

The tried and true method of physically screwing the tyre bead to the wheel rim has been around for decades.

These Moroso tyre screws (part number 90100) out of the Summit catalog are designed specifically for the job. See the text for info.

You’ll find bead locks on everything from Top Fuel cars through Pro Stock on down to drag radial combinations. According to Mickey Thompson, for drag radials, when the wheel width is 2-inches wider than the tyre width, you need a bead lock

Finally, a tyre that has been glued on the wheel rim can be dismounted just as easily as one that hasn’t been glued. While the High Tack prevents the tyre from rotating on the rim, it won’t stop a tyre machine from breaking the bead. When remounting, just be sure to clean up the tyre and the rim (once again, acetone or brake cleaner cleans it).

SOURCES

Turn, Turn, Turn Jerry Bickel Race Cars, Inc. 141 Raceway Park Drive Moscow Mills, MO 63362 Phone: 636-356-4727 Mickey Thompson Tyres 4600 Prosper Drive Stow, OH 44224-1038 Phone 330-928-9092

The downside to bead locks is the fact they add mass to the wheel. You can’t get away without them on something like a Fuel car, but for a lower horsepower sportsman car there are other options.

GLUE

Another option that has gained in popularity is the use of glue to keep the tyre bead stuck to the wheel rim.

While some folks use weatherstrip adhesive, the most common glue used for this job is Permatex High Tack. It’s available right here in Summit’s catalog, under part number 80062 (priced at under $7 per can).

The accepted way to apply it is to mount the tyre on the wheel before the High Tack is applied, but don’t air it up. Next lightly clean the rim

Look closely at this Super Stock car. No bead locks. No tyre screws. And it’s very competitive.

The secret is most likely in the installation. See the text for info on gluing the bead to the rim.

15

who is your DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR? Division Director South Queensland Divisional Council

Behind the Wheel with Jr. Dragster Joel Burns “What I love about drag racing is how much you learn about the sport, the mechanical skills you develop, and the tough competition.” #EatSleepGapRepeat

Frank has a long history with motorsport in Australia including Drag Racing and Speedway.

His family owned and operated Liverpool City Raceway from 1967 until its closure in 1988 where Frank worked in various operational roles.

During that time Frank was a regular spectator at Castlereagh Dragway in NSW while also making visits to Eastern Creek, Calder Park Raceway and Willowbank.

His on track experience dates back to 1976 when he raced an LJ Torana occasionally at Castlereagh Dragway for four years but it wasn’t until 2009 that he purchased his first race car and started competing regularly in Sydney and at Willowbank.

Frank Oliveri Email: southqueensland@andra.com.au South Queensland Divisional Council Members Frank Oliveri (DD) Wayne Downes Lance Gibney Darren Booth Brendan Roberts Les Nagy Varton Bedrossian Sarah Langridge

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18 series championship

points

8-9 JULY 2016

3-4 FEBRUARY 2017

16-17 JULY 2016

4-5 MARCH 2017

NITRO UP NORTH HIDDEN VALLEY DRAG STRIP

DESERT NATIONALS ALICE SPRINGS INLAND DRAGWAY

3-4 DECEMBER 2016

SUMMER NATIONALS ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

GOLDENSTATES PERTH MOTORPLEX

WESTERNATIONALS PERTH MOTORPLEX

1-2 APRIL 2017

ANDRA CHAMPIONSHIP GRAND FINAL ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

28-29 JANUARY 2017 AUSTRALIAN NATIONALS CALDER PARK RACEWAY

TOP DOORSLAMMER

PTS

TOP FUEL MOTORCYCLE

PTS

PRO STOCK

John Zappia

237

Damian Muscat

111

Chris Soldatos

58

Mark Belleri

182

Mark Drew

93

Lee Bektash

47

Grant O'Rourke

161

Chris Porter

67

Joe Polito

46

Ben Bray

154

Greg Durack

45

Bill Kotsias

45

Mark Chapman

130

Ben Stevens

44

Gerry Parente

44

CLICK HERE FOR FULL CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS

PTS

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20 series championship

POINTS 8-9 JULY 2016

28-29 JANUARY 2017

16-17 JULY 2016

3-4 FEBRUARY 2017

22-23 OCTOBER 2016

18-19 FEBRUARY 2017

19 NOVEMBER 2016

4-5 MARCH 2017

3-4 DECEMBER 2016

11-12 MARCH 2017

21-22 JANUARY 2017

1-2 APRIL 2017

NITRO UP NORTH HIDDEN VALLEY DRAG STRIP

DESERT NATIONALS ALICE SPRINGS INLAND DRAGWAY

MILDURA SUNSET STRIP

COMPETITION

PTS

SUPER COMPACT

PTS

SUPER SEDAN

PTS

SUPER STOCK

PTS

SUPERCHARGED OUTLAWS

PTS

MODIFIED BIKE

PTS

SUPER STREET

PTS

TOP SPORTSMAN

PTS

SUPER GAS

JUNIOR DRAGSTER

PTS

MODIFIED

PTS

Craig Geddes David Dequen Nathan Coles Steve Athans Shane Baxter

Kim Fardella Graeme Simms Jamie Chaisty Louis Svingos Tom Dimitropoulos

Chris Tatchell Allen Hutchen Jacob Mills Simon Lazzaro Anton Krajina

Joel Burns Luke Veersma Daniel Carranza Sarah Donnelly Jasmine Slamar

170 115 20 20 20

190 190 160 140 130

200 180 170 130 120 290 190 180 150 140

Mark Tishendorf David Clarke Terry Waterman Shane Anderson

Justin Russell Mark Hunt Doina Day Adam Murrihy Jason Keily

Jason Stares Matt Forbes Darren Saliba Paul Russo Michael Braggs Jess Turner Leanne Braggs Craig Baker Zac Shepherd Cory Dyson

20 20 20 20

300 270 260 230 120

300 270 190 180 160

Peter Tzokas John Kapiris George Tipouikidis Danny Buccella Steve Hunt Matt Lisle Gordon Crawford Bryan Finn Leith Darrach Gavin Dohnt

Graeme Spencer Colin Griffin Darryl Stephen Adrian McGrotty Joe Catanzariti

180 170 150 140 140

CLICK HERE FOR FULL CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS

230 210 180 140 130

290 270 260 170 160

PTS 140 140 120 80 80

ROWE MEMORIAL SUPER STOCK CLASSIC CALDER PARK RACEWAY

SUMMER NATIONALS ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

SOUTH COAST RACEWAY,PORTLAND

AUSTRALIAN NATIONALS CALDER PARK RACEWAY

GOLDENSTATES PERTH MOTORPLEX

SWAN HILL DRAGWAY

WESTERNATIONALS PERTH MOTORPLEX

STEEL CITY RACEWAY, WHYALLA

ANDRA CHAMPIONSHIP GRAND FINAL ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

21

22 fastlane

1

HISTORICAL

FIRST NATIONALS TOP FUEL WIN – 1970 AUSTRALIAN NATIONALS SURFERS PARADISE INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

The first one was winning Top Fuel under the AHRF at Surfers Paradise in 1970. I can remember I felt so proud of everybody; it gave me the biggest buzz. It was just incredible winning that event and bringing home this magnificent perpetual trophy that is well over a metre high. Any many years later just by chance someone asked me; ‘Did you ever win that big trophy?’ and I said yes I did. They said; ‘We can’t find it, it’s lost’. And I said it’s not lost; it’s at home in my trophy cabinet. And you should have seen the look on their face. It is now at Willowbank, I gave it back and Willowbank have it in a big cabinet and it’s magnificently displayed because it was one of a kind. We received little replicas for it later.

A lot of people never had the pleasure of racing at Surfers Paradise (Surfers Paradise International Raceway closed in 1987 – Ed). Surfers Paradise was probably the happiest place you would ever want to go to race. You could enjoy the nightlife, you could go out to the racetrack, you could have a hell of a good time and the one thing missing was the politics. There was no politics. So it was a great race, it sticks in my mind.

DOING THE DOUBLE – 1976 AUSTRALIAN NATIONALS ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

2

Number two would have to be at Adelaide when I won Top Fuel and Funny Car because I did it a couple of times over there. When I won Top and Funny Car, again at the time, the track was run by Bill Pickett. Bill Pickett was Keith Williams best mate and he ran Surfers Paradise. When he left Surfers and they built Adelaide Bill went over there to manage it.

ANDRA Drag Racing Hall of Famer Jim Read shares five of his lasting memories from the Australian Nationals – Australia’s most prestigious drag racing event.

Bill Pickett probably made you feel like you were an equal. He probably made you feel like he appreciated everything you came to do for him and he was the owner promoter we never, ever asked how much am I getting paid? Never asked the man. And we would come to Adelaide and he’d say; ‘Is this enough Jim?’ And (he’d say that) to Warren Armour and Bob Dunn and all of those guys around that era. Everyone loved Bill, there’s a lot to learn from Bill Pickett.

But Adelaide Raceway was just the most fabulous place and it was fun, really fun to race there because people in Adelaide are really nice – we made some fabulous friends there. It’s always stuck in my mind, my Funny Car and my Fuel car going out there winning and winning at the same event. And you hear the Americans all the time, Kenny Bernstein or and whoever the first man to win Top Fuel an Funny Car and I say hang on a minute, I won it at the one race not five years later (laughs). So it really sticks in my mind that one.

24 fastlane

hall of

fame 3

HISTORICAL

TOM HOOVER TAKES THE WIN – 1995 AUSTRALIAN NATIONALS CALDER PARK RACEWAY

I think number three, I didn’t win, but one of my cars did was when Tom Hoover was here. And still call it equally the greatest drag race I ever went to and that was at Calder Park in 1995. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a better atmosphere or a better drag race. We had everything. We had helicopters in the air, it was part of the Winfield Pro Series and Tom was out here.

Tom had no idea how to drive a dragster, he was a Funny Car man and he was trying to steer the damn thing. We finally got him to do things right, he come through and won the race (against Brad Simpson). That one stuck in my mind because it was a team car that won it and it was just an incredible feeling at that event where you had the sky lit up with two helicopters in the air. I think one was Bob’s (Jane) and it was a hell of an achievement taking tobacco back to Calder Park.

(The event) was massive and again I don’t want to take away any credit from Larry Ormsby.

Larry worked for me, I was too busy racing my Fuel car, Larry knew what he had to do, he worked some terribly long hours and he took no prisoners. Larry would confer with Darryl Eastlake, the track owner.

Larry had experience in everything. Larry had run drag racing, he had won Top Fuel championships, he had won a Nationals and him and I were just great buddies. He went into that event and he said; ‘We probably won’t ever get to do another Nationals and we’re going to make this one the best.’ We went back to my friend Ian Kleeman from Rothmans and I said what’s the budget? And he said; whatever it takes.’ That was the nicest thing anyone could have ever said about the event.

To give you an idea there was another event that wasn’t the Nationals but Ian gave me a budget for it and I gave half of it back, I couldn’t spend it to make it happen, to make it work, to make every drag racer enjoy it. I just wish we could bring back that camaraderie, I just wish we could bring back the memories of that to show people what it can be like if we all get along.

And it (the event) was under the ANDRA banner and it was the only thing to win.

Tom Hoover vs Brad Simpson

4

RAVO - 1990 AUSTRALIAN NATIONALS RAVENSWOOD RACEWAY

There was no opportunity to run the Nationals in New South Wales or Victoria and a lot of people don’t understand, Victoria is the home of the Nationals. When it didn’t work anywhere else, it worked in Victoria. It wouldn’t work in Sydney, it wouldn’t work in Brisbane, at Willowbank but it always worked at Calder Park.

One year I don’t know what was wrong, but I rang Kevin Prendergast at Ravenswood and I said; can we bring the Nationals to Perth?

And he said; ‘that mightn’t be a bad idea.’ So we took it to Perth, it was an outstanding event, everyone loved it but you couldn’t do it again. I don’t know that they made any money out of it. But they did it from the heart and for the sport and the Nationals worked in Western Australia that one time and I felt really proud that I was involved in that. It was just one of things that, it clicked. There are so many funny stories out of that.

1990 Australian Nationals

There was a young fella from South Australia racing a dragster and over there at Ravenswood they weren’t used to anything running real fast. And this young fella goes sailing down and puts the front wheels under the fence twice. I said to Noel ‘get over and help that guy in his dragster’. This is the Nationals and these are the little things that come back to you.

What was wrong was he’d pull his parachutes but his pilot chutes were no good. The chutes would come out as he hit the fence and he did it two or three times in a row so Noel took over a couple of pilot chutes and said to the guy ‘do it again’. Out he goes, pulls the parachutes and he was stopped and out before he got anywhere near the fence. He said he just didn’t realise the importance because he was privileged to race at tracks that had a little bit longer braking area.

There’s are 10,000 stories out of that event, it was just a party. The Nationals always used to be a get together, a party.

5

THE PLUMBERS UTE 1966 AUSTRALIAN NATIONALS

It was very strange, I’m out racing my plumbers Ute and there was two Ramchargers in this country. Lance Larsen and the name of the people escapes me now, remember I’m talking 50 odd years ago. These cars used to come out and match race, they were imported from America.

Well for some reason or another, I’d gone through and won B-Modified Street and here I am thinking, this is a National event and look what I’ve won. Next minute I’m called to the staging lanes and (they) said you better go and get your Ute, you’ve got to race him.

I said ‘what have I got to race him for?’ They said it was a run off to get the title. I said that can’t be right, but anyway sure enough I go out and race him and he broke his gearbox and I beat him. And that’s when I heard about karma.

Then it took me well over 10 years to get ANDRA to recognise that I’d won a title in 1966. We got the trophy out and Tony Thornton, who is another great person for our sport, officially presented the trophy to me because it was under the Australian Hot Rod Federation and ANDRA wouldn’t recognise it. So it was actually my first ever National win in my old plumbers Ute.

.000

fastlane

perfectlight

Pedal to the Metal.

Summit Racing Equipment is the source for everything to fuel your engine, build race-winning horsepower, and more.

Plus, you’ll get unbeatable service, expert tech advice, 24/7 ordering, and fast shipping.

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Posting a .000 light in Round 2 en-route to winning Round 3 of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series at Mildura Sunset Strip, Chris Tatchell is the latest recipient of the Perfect Light Award.

CHRIS TATCHELL

Rylie and myself stripping it down and sanding it ready for the painting to begin.

How much does your racecar cost? Chris Tatchell’s Torana cost a paltry sum of $300.

“It was going great till the colour went on and dirt blew all over it, but John being a great painter made it look awesome, all in only a couple of months.”

Admittedly once money is spent on the engine and other racing components that total adds up but Tatchell’s find is evidence of just how easy it can be to enter the sport of kings that is drag racing.

From modest beginnings to pulling .000 lights and winning ANDRA Christmas Trees… not bad… not bad at all.

“I started racing about 15 years ago as my mate built a car but couldn’t race as he didn’t have a licence, so I was racing it for him,” said Tatchell.

“About 12 months later he got his licence so I started looking for my own car to run. As funds were tight I managed to pick up a Torana for $300, which had a 308 and a 4-speed manual.

“It didn’t look the best but it was nice and straight so that was it, I had a great starting point and after the first meeting the diff blew up so in went a 9” diff and auto.

“That is all that was changed for a couple of years then I put in a stronger motor that I had in my street car.

“Then a great mate John offered to paint it for me, so the fun started for my family, my wife Krystal and kids Jordan, Claudia,

Tatchell now campaigns the car regularly at events in Mildura, Whyalla, Adelaide, Portland and Melbourne.

In the 2016 calendar year he has racked up Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series wins at South Coast Raceway and most recently Mildura Sunset Strip where he hit .000 on the tree.

Wheels

Coil-Over Shocks and Struts

Driving Jackets

Helmets

Camshafts

Ignition Boxes

Data Acquisition

Racing Harnesses

“At the time I had no idea,” he said. “I thought I had lost at the finish line but was hoping the other car broke out because my times are normally extremely consistent and in that run I was only 0.018 off my dial in so it didn’t leave much room to lose.

“I have had a few .000 lights but it was awesome to get the perfect light, all off the break as I don’t have a trans break, then to go onto win the meeting I couldn’t be happier. I didn’t expect to win when I kept getting red lights during qualifying. I never thought I would win one national event let alone two.

I would like to thank my family for all the hard work they put into getting the car looking great and on race days, John for the awesome paint job and my sponsor Benetook Auto’s Mildura for my race fuel.”

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Summit Racing is Proud to Sponsor the 2016 ANDRA Sportsman Series.

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26 fastlane

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27

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feature 30 fastlane

LEE BEKTASH

racerprofile Started Racing 1992

Classes competed in Pro Stock, Competition, Super Sedan , Super Street, Super Gas ANDRA Drag Racing Career Highlights 2015 ANDRA Drag Racing Series Pro Stock Champion, 2001 ANDRA Super Gas Champion.

Best ET & Speed 6.87/200mph Team Team Mopar Australia DOB 30/09/1969

Sponsors Fiat Chrysler, Mopar Australia, VP Racing Fuels, Retreat Caravans, Comp Engines, VPW, Outlaw Images, PRS.

Hometown Keilor . Vic

Hobbies Working, family time, cruising in my 1970 Cuda

Status Married

Favourite Race Vehicle For now 2012 Dodge Avenger Rick Jones Race cars

Education St.Albans High School

Favourite TV Show Speedweek

Professional Owner/Operations Manager Cellar Logistics Sales/Chairman Dome Garden Supplies VP Racing Fuel Distributor L&M Bektash Pty Ltd (Transport Agents)

Favourite food(s) Mums cooking Favourite Track Perth Motorplex Web www.mopar.com.au

THE MOST POWERFUL SHOPPING CART ON THE PLANET!

What excites you most about Drag Racing?

Acceleration and thrill in changing gears

Why Pro Stock?

Heroes from the earlier days as a kid, Hans Van Dyk, Peter Ridgeway, Joe Polito, Gerry Parrente, nothing has ever or will ever sound like a Pro car If you weren’t racing in Pro Stock, what bracket would you choose and why?

My heart is with Pro Stock, but because of popularity I would have to say Top Doorslammer At the 2016 Australian Nationals you were in the other lane when Bill Perdikaris flipped wildly.

What goes through your mind when that happens next to you?

I was too far in front to realise what had happened.

When I got back my heart went out to Bill and his Family/Team. That’s racing, it has very little ups and plenty of downs.

Looking back on the most recent season, what did you think of the changes to NHRA Pro Stock?

Not really sure I’ve taken too much notice, apart from my interest in Shane Tucker doing well I’m not sure, but the cars still look pretty.

There are a number of Junior Dragsters racing for Team Mopar Australia. Are you expecting to see them in the opposite lane to you one day?

Yes maybe, not sure if they will be racing Pro Stock but we will be running in three categories at the Nationals at Calder in January, me and my two older boys.

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magnificentmildura

Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series

WORLD CLASS fastlane PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS

Mildura Sunset Strip

22-23 OCT

More first time winners dominated the storylines once again in the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series at Mildura Sunset Strip while some familiar faces went back-to-back.

SUPERCHARGED OUTLAWS Mark Zauch won his first ever ANDRA Christmas Tree with a win over Justin Russell in the Supercharged Outlaws final despite a fuel leak between the final two rounds a makeshift temporary fix.

“I came up here just to get the car down the track,” said Zauch.

“I wasn’t planning on winning, we just wanted to test a few things – I did some maintenance on the car myself so I was a little bit sceptical if it was going to be alright and yeah, we went and pulled this out.

“We had a little fuel leak (before the final) that we didn’t have enough time to weld it up so we duct taped a few rags

underneath the tank to soak up the fuel to give it our best shot. I cracked a good reaction time and came out with the trophy.

“I’d like to thank my old man, he drives me around everywhere, pays for all the transport so thank you Dad. And to all the crew for the weekend, Chris, Donna, my brother Chris, Colleen and a special thank you to Dave Baines who has always been on the phone and helped me out where he can. I can’t thank him enough.”

Russell was competing in his second straight final following a runner up in the Desert Nationals at Alice Springs Inland Dragway in July. But his wait will continue, as it was a fairy tale finish for Zauch.

As the 7th placed qualifier, Zauch had the handicap advantage

lighting up b the lense Photos by: Drags SA, David Hope, Outlaw Images.

against all his elimination opponents however he would face quicker opponents as a result.

He held on in all three rounds defeating Doina Day and Steven Walker before getting the jump with a huge holeshot advantage on the start line to win the final.

Reacting in .043 seconds to Russell’s .214, Zauch stayed the course for an unexpected victory on a winning 4.974 at 140.92 mph and a 4.95 dial in to 4.311 at 164.61 mph on a 4.28 dial in.

TOP SPORTSMAN Defending Top Sportsman Champion Jason Stares went 2:1 in final rounds this season defeating Michael Braggs who was making his debut in the bracket.

Stares was a late entry to the event and the decision paid dividends qualifying 2nd and setting him on another winning path past

John Zappia & crew.

9 time Australian Top Doorslammer Champion.

b 03 9357 0469 www.crowcams.com.au

magnificentmildura

Tree in Modified Bike taking out Greg Oberti, Johnny Ireland and Rob Cassar to meet defending Champion Bryan Finn in the final.

Finn had the advantage with the handicapped start and Crawford needed to react fast to chase him down. A .013 second reaction time from the West Aussie set up the pursuit with Crawford reeling the Champ in who broke out trying to hang on with a 6.894 at 101.67 mph on a 6.93 dial in. Crawford’s superior 6.197 at 102.90 mph on a 6.10 dial in won the day.

SUPER STREET

Graham Hargrave, Jason Arbery and his 2015/2016 Series sparring partner Paul Russo to reach his third consecutive final this season.

Mildura Sunset Strip as he doubled up to win his second ANDRA Christmas Tree in Modified at the same track he won his first in December 2015.

Braggs fouled on the start line by just .003 seconds and get off the gas but Stares would have been tough to beat anyway with a .010 reaction on the way to a 4.712 at 137.39 mph on a 4.66 dial in.

Last time Matt Forbes red lighted and on this occasion against Jess Turner in the final, Dyson was the beneficiary of a Turner break out. But it was always going to take a stellar effort to beat Dyson and his outstanding consistency at both ends of the race track combining good reaction times and accurate dial ins.

“It’s Mildura, it’s always great here, people are always friendly, track guys are always great and just lucky it was a bit cooler than last year,” said Stares.

“The track was unbelievable and it was an all round awesome weekend.

“It was lucky Michael Braggs turned on the red light before I moved. I still came out with a .010 reaction so we would have given him a good fight at the other end.

It was over before it had begun but we’ll take it. I love Mildura, two races, two wins so I’ll be back.

“Thanks to the crew, they are as important as the sponsors. I can’t race the car without these guys; Aaron Brookes, Brett Hore, my three uncles who came along for this one and Tim Reidy for being a legend.

And also my sponsors, we couldn’t do what we do without them; VPW, Lucas Oil, Sunoco Race Fuels, Proflow, SunX, Sunset Performance Engines, Flatout Services and a special mention to Brett at ADRP for handling the weekend.”

MODIFIED Fortune seems to smile on Cory Dyson at

Dyson won the final thanks a 4.665 at 146.88 mph on a 4.64 dial in to Turner who nominated a 4.54 dial in to break out on a 4.539 second pass at 149.20 mph.

“I had a great weekend, the car was running really strong, qualified really well and the car was running consistent,” said Dyson.

“I had a little issue in the last qualifier yesterday but we got all that fixed up and the car was back to perfect today and we came through with the win, we’re very happy.

“Jess is a very tough opponent so I’ve come up against her a few times now and she’s picked me off a few times so I was trying to give her a really good run for her money. I just tried my best and came up with the goods in the end.

“I’d like to thank my family, my girlfriend Fiona, my crew Aiden, Warrick and my Dad Neil – without them I wouldn’t be to do any of this and wouldn’t have got through the weekend. And my sponsors Mobil 1 and Transcal Fleet Branding Solutions.”

Dyson came through earlier rounds against Terry Sparrow, Ashley Johnson and Shane Wynd.

In other news, top qualifier Simon Barlow set a new A/MD 660 foot record with an ET of 4.459 while Leanne Braggs set a new A/ MD speed record when she clocked 154.69 mph.

The Gridstar by YBI Best Presented Award went to Paul Utting and his team who received the Best Presented Trophy, six Best Presented caps and a $50 Summit Racing Equipment gift card.

Chris Tatchell secured his second ANDRA Christmas Tree for the calendar year in Super Street following his first ever win at South Coast Raceway in January. Tatchell defeated Michael Bridges, Creagh Stuart and Tony Barbara on route to a bye run into the final.

There he faced Greg Holland in the battle of the Holdens reacting quickest to lead all the way and break the beam first with a 7.413 at 86.97 mph on a 7.38 dial in to a 7.204 at 96.31 mph on a 717 dial in.

Tatchell also won the Perfect Light Award for his .000 reaction time in Round 2.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT JUNIOR DRAGSTER The battle of the future stars in Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster came down to a close all female affair.

Holly Camilleri qualified in 11th position and came through three difficult rounds against Tegan Roach, Andrew Shirley and Jordan Spencer to face Sarah Donnelly in the final.

Identical .009 reaction times set up a tense race to the finish with Camilleri coming out on traversing the strip in 9.760 seconds at 63.60 mph on a 9.74 dial in to Donnelly’s 8.448 at 72.77 mph on an 8.45 dial in.

Following a first round bye run, Spencer needed wins over Warren Bull and Adrian McGrotty to set up the final showdown with Spencer walking away the winner on a double breakout.

Over the 1/8 mile Super Gas runs a fixed dial in of 6.30 and both drivers went under the limit, Spencer victorious with a 6.289 at 116.04 mph to a 6.281 at 114.06 mph.

ANDRA thanks the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association staff, volunteers and sponsors including Mildura Gateway Tavern for an outstanding race track and a great event.

see results

SUPER GAS The Super Gas final came down to Champion vs Champion when 2016 Super Gas Champ Darryl Stephen faced off against 2015 Champ Graeme Spencer.

SUPER SEDAN A beaten finalist at the Sunset Strip last season, Danny Buccella made amends to win the biggest field of the weekend and his first ever in Super Sedan defeating Michael Jennings in the final.

Buccella was able to relax and run the car out the back door to really dial in for the final in a solo semi final following wins over Brandon Freer, Lia Jurkovic and George Tipouikidis.

Jennings had the handicap in the final but Buccella out-reacted his opponent, chasing him down and raising the trophy aloft with a 5.714 second pass at 121.32 mph on a 5.70 dial in to a 6.732 at 101.03 mph on a 6.70 dial in.

MODIFIED BIKE The Moving Man Gordon Crawford picked up his second ever ANDRA Christmas

35

Rowememorial Rowe Memorial Super Stock Classic

fastlane lighting up the lense b

Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series

b

Calder Park Raceway

19 NOVEMBER

SUPER COMP Tom Dimitropoulos has taken out the Rowe Memorial Super Stock Classic at Calder Park Raceway.

Racing as a combined Super Comp field over 1000 feet, it was fitting to see two Super Stock cars fight it out for the prestigious Rowe Memorial trophy in honour of brothers Andrew and Wayne Rowe.

The “Underdog” top qualified and carried his form all the way to the winners’ circle defeating the returning Darren Parker in the final.

Dimitropoulos led off the line and never trailed crossing the stripe on a 7.567 on a 7.77 index at 127.93 mph from Parker closing in with a 6.217 second pass on a 6.40 index and a record setting 169.08 mph.

“I thought I’d change (The Underdog) and go back to my original, I always used to have Tom Dimitropoulos Racing on my car,” he said.

“I just want to thank all my family, my wife, crew, just everyone.

It’s a good win.”

A solo Round 1 paved the way for Dimitropoulos to defeat Daniel Camilleri and Mick Simic en route to the final.

Camilleri, Les Heintz and Parker all set new Super Stock National Records for a trio of classes.

Camilleri set a new speed mark for DD/GA reaching 161.61 mph in Round 1 while 2015 Rowe Memorial winner Les Heintz set a new elapsed time record for B/MP on a 7.038 second pass.

Photos by Outlaw Images

On his return following a long layoff and a last minute rush to be ready, Parker reset both speed and ET for the B/APA class with a pass of 6.199 seconds and his final round mph of 169.08 mph.

SUPERCHARGED OUTLAWS Craig Gerdes secured an emotional win in Supercharged Outlaws taking home his first ANDRA Christmas Tree since 2005 when he won the first ever National event trophy for the bracket.

His final opponent Jason Keily had the handicap advantage and a quicker reaction time but Gerdes was not to be denied reeling Keily in with a 6.369 second pass on a 6.04 dial in at 168.94 mph.

Keily recorded a 6.581 on a 6.10 dial in at 153.98 mph in his runner up effort.

“I’d just like to thank my crew, Danny, Chase my brother, my old brother and mate who couldn’t be here Shonky - he did a lot of work on the car – he’s missed, very much” said Gerdes.

“This is great, (the trophy) goes next to the gold one that I won in 2005 in Sydney, its great, tremendous.”

Gerdes defeated Mark Hunt, who’s Huntsman Racing team at least won the Gridstar by YBI Best Presented Award, and Doina Day to earn his final spot.

MODIFIED Craig Baker ended his trophy drought on the national stage with his first Modified Championship event win since 2013.

Out of eighth qualifying position, Baker defeated Cory Dyson,

Shane Wynd and Stewart Johnson to earn a final place alongside Jess Turner coming off a runner up last time out.

Reacting quicker, Baker led all the way to win on an 8.552 with an 8.47 dial in at 155.76 mph from Turner stopping the timers with a 7.292 on a 7.22 dial in at 180.04 mph.

“I can’t believe it actually, it was a tough race all day – the competitors in Modified Eliminator are just a fantastic bunch of people but they are also very tough so to go rounds with these guys is just fantastic so good on them and good on me for holding this baby right here,” said Baker holding the silver Christmas Tree.

“I’d like to thank a few sponsors, Paul Rogers Performance Tansmissions – he does a great job for a lot of the Sportsman racers. Wayne Cartledge Racecomp Motorsports – the engine performed fantastically all day. My crew, my beautiful wife Audrey at the top of the list, my boys Josh and Tim, my sister comes out every time we’re in Melbourne – Jack thank you very much.

“I’m going to dedicate this to a very special friend of mine who lost his life many years ago and he’d be looking over

me right now with a big smile on his face so this one’s for you Hutchy, good on ya mate.”

WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS ON SPEEDWEEK

TOP SPORTSMAN The honours in Top Sportsman went to Paul Russo who picked up his third ANDRA Christmas Tree in the past 12 months and first of the 2016/2017 season.

Russo reacted in under .020 seconds in each of his three elimination rounds defeating Julian Carafa, Matt Forbes and finally Stuart McBain to claim the trophy.

McBain had the slight reaction time advantage at the start line but his 8.184 on a 7.94 dial in at 167.24 mph was no match for Russo, only reacting .003 seconds slower, and taking the win in 7.613 seconds on a 7.49 dial in at 165.01 mph.

SUPER SEDAN Four times defending Super Sedan Champion John Kapiris picked up is first event win of the season benefiting from

Sinisha Skrnjug’s troubles at the start line in the final. Kapiris went on a solo victory lap with a 9.897 on a 9.88 dial in at 133.08 mph.

The South Aussie downed Dave Yanko, Enio Marrocco, Danny Buccella and Joe Bresciano earlier in the day to reach the final.

MODIFIED BIKE The last time Gavin Dohnt raced in a National event at Calder Park Raceway he won the Australian Nationals. He kept up the winning record taking home the Modified Bike trophy with a win over the in form Matt Lisle.

Dohnt benefitted from a Lisle red light but he still raced to the finish line with a 9.418 on a 9.33 dial in at 141.47 mph. Derryn McGregor and Brendan Sanders were on the receiving end of losses thanks to

Rowememorial Dohnt either side of a solo pass in Round 2.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT JUNIOR DRAGSTER

SUPER STREET

Joel Burns won his second Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster event of the season when he defeated fellow Sydney-sider Bradley Bishop.

Chris Tatchell won his second consecutive event in the Super Street bracket knocking out Wayne Cartledge, Ross Holmes and Simon Lazzaro before enjoying a solo run to the final.

There he took on Anton Krajina outreacting his opponent by a long way and winning on a double break out when both drivers went quicker than their dial in.

Tatchell recorded an 11.889 on an 11.90 dial in at 107.10 mph from Krajina on an 11.018 with an 11.09 dial in at 124.09 mph.

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Burns recorded an 8.116 on an 8.09 dial in at 78.45 mph to win from Bishop on a 7.980 and a 7.96 dial in at 80.75 mph.

Sarah Osborne, Jake Berias and Kelly Donnelly all fell by the wayside at the hands of Burns who now asserts himself as a favourite for the Championship.

SUPER GAS Colin Griffin picked up his first trophy of the season easing through a solo Super Gas final with a 10.230 second

pass at 135.36 mph.

His day started by qualifying ninth but once he negotiated difficult match ups with both Warren Bull and Darryl Stephen, a solo semi final and a solo final round due to Joe Catanzarti never making the start, made for an easy end to the day.

ANDRA extends its thanks to Calder Park Drag Racing and thanks all the volunteers for a great event.

see results

39

summer rain

SA Summer Nationals

Adelaide International Raceway

3-4 DECEMBER

The SA Summer Nationals began in glorious early summer weather but come race day, the skies opened and put an end to eliminations before one hit of the throttle.

At least Saturday qualifying was a great day out with Top Doorslammer, Pro Stock and the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series enjoying three and in some cases four sessions.

TOP DOORSLAMMER At the end of the night, John Zappia occupied the number #1 qualifying position for Top Doorslammer with a fourth and final qualifier scheduled for Sunday.

Zappia, who previously catapulted his Fuchs Holden Monaro into the 4.80s at AIR, managed to post a 4.996 at 216.86 mph over the 1000 feet race distance in hot conditions before temperatures cooled into the evening.

Zappia who lead once again from Grant O’Rourke with a 5.147, Mark Belleri with a 5.175 and Mark Chapman, who went deep into the sand at the end of the strip in Q2, on a 5.282.

“The first and second run the car went pretty well,” said Zappia. “It rattled a bit going into second gear so I had to pedal it a bit in second, got going again and then backed off too early – I couldn’t work out where the 1000 foot finish line was once I got disorientated.

lighting up the lense b Photos by Bob Taylor, Cackling Pipes

“We came out for the second run and pretty much left the set up the same but the car launched harder and went a .987 second 60 foot time. And it went 2.58 seconds to 330 feet with a little pedal just as I got into second gear but very minor.

“It was going really well but I shut off way early and only went 205 mph. We worked out that run would have been a 4.89 (second pass).

They put a marker at the finish line that was flashing so I finally got a visual of where I needed to be. We put new tyres on for the last one, it gripped harder and rattled and went left and just got the centre line.”

PRO STOCK

SUPER COMP

Lee Bektash set the early pace in Pro Stock with a 6.050 second pass in Q1 followed by a 6.009 in Q2.

Five racers, Jamie Chaisty (H/MSA), Michael Caroscio (C/MSA), Craig Geddes (B/D), Darren Parker (B/APA) and Daniel Camilleri (DD/GA) all went under their respective classes 1000 foot National Records in Super Comp.

In the same session, it was Chris Soldatos who recorded a 5.983 second pass at 171.20 mph holding firm through the final qualifier to lead the field.

“That (second) run felt alright, the car moved around a fair bit,” said Soldatos.

“We got down there alright, we’re trying to sort out the new clutch and it looks like we’re finally going to get there. We’ll see what happens tomorrow.

b

“Tonight we were pretty lucky to get down there but tomorrow is another day.”

Bektash ended the day in second place from Joe Polito on a 6.076, Bill Kotsias with a 6.358 and Gerry Parente fifth with a 6.924

Chaisty top qualified going a whopping .579 seconds under his H/MSA index to jump from third to first in his final run.

Carsocio pushed hard in his last outing going .522 seconds under the C/MSA index but as conditions cooled Chaisty had the benefit of the penultimate Super Comp pass and it played into his hands perfectly.

“We knew the conditions and track would get better at night,” said Chaisty. “We didn’t think we’d take Geddes off but that’s pretty good, it puts us in a good position tomorrow and hopefully we have a good day.

“It’s pretty tough this weekend. You have Parker, Daniel (Camilleri) and all these guys so it’s a really good field

summer rain and it’s good to come and race these guys. So with 16 cars tomorrow it should be good, it won’t be easy.”

Geddes .521 seconds under the B/D index in third, while Darren Parker is .438 seconds under the B/APA index in fourth and Daniel Camilleri .417 seconds under the DD/GA index.

“I’m wrapped we’ve top qualified again,” said Murrihy. “We had a couple of guys, Alan and Patrick come down from Darwin to give us a hand so we’ve got our normal crew with us.

SUPERCHARGED OUTLAWS

“We went out there and ran three times within three one hundredths of themselves. We’ve got a bit of an idea of what we’re going to run. The car is on song, the track is good for us and we’re just doing our thing at the moment.”

Reigning Supercharged Outlaws Champion Adam Murrihy picked up where he left off in Adelaide when he secured the title at the Grand Final last season.

Justin Russell secured second place from Shane Kramer, Doina Day and Darren Astle dipping into the five-second zone with positions 6-11 all above six seconds.

Murrihy recorded three five second passes over the 1000 feet race distance, all within hundredths of a second of each other, to take top spot with a 5.552 second pass and dial his A.M Cranes Altered right in for race day.

TOP SPORTSMAN The man they call “Salad Bar” Darren Saliba secured yet another top qualifying position in Top Sportsman with a 7.247 from Rowe Memorial winner Paul Russo in

see results second with a 7.526.

Matt Forbes qualified third from Michael Braggs, Bruno Romeo, Graham Hargrave and Julian Carafa – all in the seven-second zone. Jason Arbery, Roc Puccini and Greg Damiani close out the field.

SUPER SEDAN Theo Spartalis set the stall in Q1 in his Nissan and never looked back, occupying top position all day with an 8.579.

Spartalis couldn’t improve on that time without running quicker than the Super Sedan cut off but no one could match him with Vlado Turic the closest in second place on an 8.646.

Scott Cohen was third, Rob Evans fourth and Phillip Bennet fifth in a 35 car field.

MODIFIED

MODIFIED BIKE

Leanne Braggs recorded a perfect .000 light in her last qualifier propelling her dragster to a 7.162 second pass to top qualify and steal the number #1 from Jess Turner who led the field in the second and third sessions.

Tony Frost led Modified Bike all day improving on his earlier qualifiers in Q3 to record an 8.085 and then finally an 8.075 in Q4.

Turner ended the day in second from Cory Dyson who set the early going in Q1.

Kenny Stewart, David Bonetti and Bradley Hicks rounded out the top six – all running under eight seconds.

That was good enough to take top spot from Gavin Dohnt who occupied second place through all four qualifiers.

Danny Rickard, Rob Cassar and Gordon Crawford completed the top five while the

in form Matt Lisle sits in sixth place.

SUPER STREET Robert Bergamin and Graeme Cooper remained the only drivers to go under 11 seconds to lead the field – Bergamin in first place with a 10.518 while “The Bricklayer” wasn’t far behind with a 10.836.

Tony Barbara was the lowest into the 11s with an 11.007 to claim third placing as positions 3 to 23 are all separated by less than one second with just two drivers above 12 seconds.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT JUNIOR DRAGSTER Andrew Shirley posted an 8.015 in his first hit out for the day and was never bested as Brooke Camilleri and Luke Veersma came closest with identical 8.026 second passes.

behind in fourth with an 8.027 and the ever-consistent Bradley Bishop just behind in fifth.

SUPER GAS Coming off his Rowe Memorial victory, Colin Griffin looked to have top qualified with a 9.909 in his second qualifier of the 9.90-fixed index class. That was until Warren Bull recorded a perfect 9.900 in the third session to take the number #1 overnight with a fourth and final qualifier to come.

Griffin was relegated to second with Graeme Spencer, Johnny Ienco and Matt Forbes all in the low 9.90s with Jeff Romeo, Peter Datsun, Dylan Argent and Warren Smith all above 10 seconds.

Kelly Donnelly was just one thousandth

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