Fastlane Magazine - Issue 39

READY TO ROAR

HISTORY IS ABOUT TO BE CREATED with the opening of Dragway at The Bend

STAGING LANES

UPDATE FROM THE CEO

New ANDRA Chief Executive Officer Tim McAvaney commenced in the role on the 3rd of July and is now settled into the head office with plenty on his plate.

“I haven’t really had much time to take a breath, to be honest,” said McAvaney last week.

“I am lucky to be surrounded by great staff, volunteers and members who have supported me as I learn the dynamics of drag racing administration.

“We have had some wins over the past couple of months, working closely with the new NDRC and Dragway at the Bend, renewing the Liability Insurance successfully in a difficult environment, and setting up stage one of the new online licencing system.”

While McAvaney acknowledges the unacceptable time taken to respond the member enquires during August and September, ANDRA is now well equipped moving forward. ‘While we have had some hiccups with manually processing licences and member enquiries as we transition into the new online licencing system, the worst of that is now behind us and the benefits

of going online are obvious,” he said.

“I thank members for their patience during this period. It has been difficult with the volume of enquires and being short staffed. But we have made sure everyone has had their licence renewed in time for any event in which they were entered.”

With office staffing now at adequate levels and with the new season in full swing, McAvaney can now focus on stage two of the online system.

While stage one was primarily based on membership and licencing, stage two will cover the technical side of accreditation and how logbooks will be recorded moving forward.

“When complete, the online system will be all encompassing, user friendly and will ensure a quick turnaround for applications with little waiting time for processing,” McAvaney said.

For updates, stay tuned to www.andra.com.au

Members with questions can also email info@andra.com.au

ANDRA Chief Executive Officer Tim McAvaney

ANDRA AND DRAGWAY AT THE BEND SIGN SANCTIONING AGREEMENT

The Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) and Dragway at The Bend were pleased to recently announce the official signing of a sanctioning agreement between the two parties.

ANDRA will provide sanctioning services for a wide range of events to be held at

the new Dragway at The Bend, including the upcoming Spring Nationals on October 21 and 22. “The completion of Dragway at The Bend has been hotly anticipated by the entire Australian drag racing community and ANDRA is pleased to be a part of the operation of this worldclass facility through the provision of

50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION OF FASTLANE AVAILABLE OCTOBER

The ANDRA 50th Anniversary special edition Fastlane Commemorative Magazine will be available from the first week of October. While production issues delayed its release by several months, this celebration of 50 years of Australian drag racing has now been delivered and is available for purchase for just $20 plus $5 postage for members. Members may purchase the magazine at ANDRA head office, at selected race meetings or by contacting ANDRA head office requesting postal delivery.

The magazine is a showcase of our sport and is a must read.

It features profiles of some of our sport’s biggest personalities, administrators and competitors over the 50 year journey and also includes some great looks at our history. Be sure to grab your copy early October!

To place an order email info@andra.com.au

sanctioning services,” ANDRA Chief Executive Officer, Tim McAvaney, said.

“Having such an incredible new facility coming online for Australian drag racing is certainly very exciting for all involved in Australian drag racing, and especially those located in South Australia.”

Built as part of the Shahin family’s continued investment in the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park facility, Dragway at The Bend is preparing to bring not only domestic but also international events to Tailem Bend, South Australia.

“With the completion of the Dragway at The Bend we are excited to welcome all who want to utilise this world class facility and put the motorsport discipline of Drag Racing back on the map here in South Australia,” Shell V-Power Motorsport Park Managing Director, Sam Shahin, said.

“This facility is a cornerstone of the master plan of the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park and we are thrilled to welcome the public to enjoy more motorsport here at The Bend.”

For more information about Dragway at The Bend, visit www.thebend.com.au/ dragway

VALE : ‘GENTLEMEN’ JIM REED

ANDRA was saddened to hear of the passing of drag racing legend, “Gentleman” Jim Reed, at the age of 87. Reed had been involved in the sport of drag racing for more than 70 years, modifying and racing cars and heading up a family of drag racers.

A pioneering racer on the track and a true driver of the sport’s growth thanks to his tuning, fabrication and blower, engine and driveline servicing expertise, Reed was inducted into the ANDRA Hall of Fame in 2014 and also recognised as part of the 50th anniversary

celebrations of Surfers

Paradise International Raceway and US Dragfest for his contributions to the sport. Reed was also a founding member of the Queensland Drag Racing Association (QDRA) alongside fellow enthusiasts, and he was granted life membership in the late 1980s for services to the club and Queensland drag racing.

To learn more about Gentleman Jim’s amazing history in our sport, please click here All at ANDRA hold the Reed family in our thoughts at this sad time.

ANDRA TEAM JANELLE MANNIX JOINS

ANDRA was pleased recently to welcome Janelle Mannix to the team. Mannix will be supporting Amanda Geddes in the Membership and Licensing Officer role, working from ANDRA’s Royston Park (SA) Head Office on Fridays.

This is not the first time that Mannix has worked with ANDRA, having worked in an Accounts role and also in the Membership and Licensing Officer role when Kylie Hazelhurst was on maternity leave in 2018. She has also been an active ANDRA

volunteer official, working in the tower at numerous ANDRA-sanctioned and Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series events for many years, while also supporting her son, Cooper Plummer, as he competes in the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster ranks all around the country. For all membership and licensing enquiries, Janelle can be contacted via the info@andra.com.au email address, or by calling the ANDRA office on (08) 82715355. For other enquiries, please email janelle.mannix@andra.com.au

Photo courtesy of John Bosher

2023/2024 ANDRA RULEBOOK RELEASED

ANDRA was pleased to announce the release of the digital 2023/2024 ANDRA Rulebook in July, which can be found by clicking here or by visiting the Technical tab of the ANDRA website.

Please note that the 2023/2024 ANDRA Rulebook release is in digital form only, so no printed copies will be distributed throughout the ANDRA Membership. The digital 2023/2024 ANDRA Rulebook can be downloaded and searched through like any standard document, so please download it, and save a copy for yourself today. Also, all advertisements and company logos are interactive, so you can simply “click” on the advertisement/logo.

If you have any questions or comments regarding the content of this new rulebook, then please email technical@andra.com.au

WHO IS YOUR DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR

Over recent months, we have had a number of changes of your key contact for our various Divisions. Our current Division contacts are

• New South Wales – Paul Stephen – Division Director

• Central Australia – Tony Miskelly – Alternate Division Director

• Queensland - Nathan Peirano – Division Director

• Victoria/Tasmania – Paul Drady – Alternate Division Director

• Western Australia – Murray O’Connor – Division Director

To access their contact details, please click here

YOUR PERFORMANCE POWERHOUSE IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND

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

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

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

2022/2023 SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT

SPORTSMAN SERIES CHAMPIONS HONOURED IN NEW POSTER

ANDRA is pleased to release its new poster artwork, celebrating the 2022/2023 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Australian Champions. To download the artwork, use the links below :

• Poster artwork (sized suitable for email) – click here

• High-resolution poster artwork – click here

As a valued ANDRA business partner, you can receive maximum exposure through the ANDRA Drag Racing brand and its events. Your company will be showcased whenever and wherever possible, for example: racers will carry decals representing your logo, trophies will feature your branding, commentators will make reference to your involvement across events and media reports will highlight your involvement. There is a host of ways you can support ANDRA drag racing, including investment in the listed benefits.

READY TO ROAR

The Dragway at the Bend is on the brink of creating history as AUSTRALIA’S NEWEST DRAG STRIP

In February of 2022, work on Australia’s newest drag racing facility, Dragway at The Bend, was announced. Ever since then, the dragway – part of the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park at Tailem Bend in South Australia – has been a hive of activity, and now finally the time has come for it to officially burst into life.

When we last profiled the progress of the build back in November, the construction of the walls for both racing lanes had been completed, and the terraced seating was almost at full height.

Next up was the laying of bitumen for the braking area and return road, the finalisation of the terraced seating, and burnout pad construction.

Since then, the track has been laid, the VAILO lights installed and switched on, and the new logo and signage was unveiled and installed.

Most recently, the facility had the final touches completed on the racing surface, bars, toilet and corporate facilities, while line-marking in the pit pays and staging lane was completed, advertising and directional signage erected, and state of the art VAILO broadcast screens and digital wall signage installed – with the digital wall signage believed to be a first for an Australian dragway.

As the final touches were completed, just last week the first non-competition event was held at the venue, with the

Dragway at The Bend playing host to the Harley Davidson 120th anniversary HOG Celebrations.

And the fun is set to just keep on rolling, with Drag Challenge visiting the venue on the 9th and 14th of October, before the official grand opening, the soon to be sold-out Spring Nationals, delivers the ultimate in entertainment across October 21-22 – complete with Top Fuel dragsters, Top Fuel Motorcycles, Top Doorslammers, Pro Stock Motorcycles, and the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series.

Dragway at The Bend Marketing and Sponsorship Manager, Vladimir Ostashkevich, said he is exceptionally excited to see this track bursting into life.

“To host our first event on September 22 with HOG-Fest was just a real delight and such a reward after so many months and years of hard work to make this amazing venue a reality,” Ostashkevich said.

“To have competition events firing up here in just a few weeks’ time is the realisation of our dream, and we cannot wait to host Drag Challenge and then the ultimate grand opening, the Spring Nationals, later in October.

“Seeing Top Fuel run three second passes down this track is going to raise goosebumps for all involved, and every single person here in the ‘Colosseum’, where every seat is the best seat in the house!”

Dragway at The Bend Ambassador and AFL/Port Adelaide Star, Charlie Dixon

Shell V-Power Motorsport Park Communications Coordinator, Cameron Jew, provides more details on the events.

“The Harley Davidson Hogfest event celebrated 120 years of the famous make across The Bend and various surrounding South Australian regions, with the Dragway at the Bend proud to play an important part in the festivities,” Jew said.

“The Street Machine Drag Challenge will also start and finish at the venue on the 9th and 14th of October, with the 14th expected to attract thousands of spectators as the competitors drop the hammer after days of somewhat preserving their vehicles.

“Amongst the many competing in this event will be AFL/Port Adelaide star and avid car enthusiast Charlie Dixon, who has also come onboard prior to the opening as an official ambassador of the

Dragway. Charlie’s recent visit to The Bend is documented on our social media and YouTube channels.”

“And then of course, there is the Spring Nationals, the grand opening, on October 21 and 22. It is with much pent up excitement which continues to build that we look forward to this fantastic event, which is already sold out.”

Competitor entries for the Spring Nationals are open now at https://bit. ly/3PsNYz1 with entries set to close on the 9th of October at 5.00pm.

For more information on Dragway at The Bend, go to www.thebend.com.au or check out the track’s socials at www.facebook. com/DragwayTheBend and www. instagram.com/dragwayatthebend/

Photo credit: Dragway at The Bend, Bob Taylor & Zotti Motorsport Media

“SEEING TOP FUEL RUN THREE SECOND PASSES DOWN THIS TRACK IS GOING TO RAISE GOOSEBUMPS FOR ALL INVOLVED“

HOW HOT IS THAT:

There are plenty of times when you need an accurate way to quickly measure temperature. An infrared temperature gun is perfect for that. It has literally dozens of uses for automotive diagnostic work. We’ve learned to use one to analyse how an engine or an automotive system operates without having to bother with the tedious work of mounting an internal sensor.

Technically called non-contact temperature readers, infrared temperature guns use a laser pointer aimed at the specific area to be measured. The tool’s actual measurement device is a lens that directs the infrared energy of the object onto a series of thermocouples, which convert this energy into voltage that is calculated as temperature. The result is a near-instantaneous surface temperature reading of the object.

For this story, we’re using a Milwaukee Tool infrared temperature gun from Summit Racing Equipment. The gun is extremely easy to use – just pull the trigger, aim the red laser beam at the object to be measured, and the temperature will near-instantly be displayed on the screen in your choice of Fahrenheit or centigrade. You can get a minimum/maximum temperature range report by aiming the gun at an object with the trigger pulled for an extended period of time. Milwaukee claims an accuracy of +/- 2% at 100 degrees F and a maximum temperature reading of 750 degrees F.

A friend who is in the business of tool calibration told us that infrared temperature guns can become inaccurate when used on highly reflective surfaces. We’ve seen guns that are confused with highly polished surfaces, like the top of an aluminium radiator, and others that just seem to shrug off this issue.

The science talks about surface emissivity versus radiated heat, but we won’t dive down that rabbit hole because there’s an easy work-around for this issue. The technique is to attach a short length of black electrical tape or just normal masking tape to the surface. Allow a moment or two for the tape to get to the same temperature as the underlying component, then aim the gun at the tape. According to the research we’ve looked at, the tape’s temperature will generally be within +/- 2% of the component’s temperature. This should be sufficiently accurate for most diagnostic purposes.

We use our gun around the shop anytime there’s an issue with temperature when we need a quick answer to the question, “How hot is that?” and we’ve listed a few ideas here:

INFRARED TEMPERATURE GUN

DIAGNOSTIC APPLICATIONS:

• Individual cylinder exhaust temperature

• Radiator performance top to bottom (vertical flow)

• Coolant temperature in and out of radiator/ change in temperature

• Transmission sump temperature

• ATF temperature in and out of transmission cooler

• Engine sump oil temperature

• Oil temperature in and out of external engine oil cooler

• Intake manifold runner temperature

• Fuel in carburettor float bowl after heat soak

• Supercharger discharge pipe temperature

• Turbocharger housing temperature

• Intercooler water reservoir temperature

• Rear axle lube temperature

• Brake fluid or calliper temperature

• Alternator temperature under load on hot day

• Air cleaner body temperature

• Battery temperature on hot days

• Starter motor/solenoid temperature

SHOP USE

• Set/check oven temperature for powder coating

• Check temperature of micrometres or subject for measurement accuracy

TRACK USE

• Temperature across tyre after burnout

• Track surface temperature

• Shock absorber body temperature after track use

USING AN INFRARED TEMP GUN FOR DIAGNOSTIC WORK

Story and Photos by Jeff Smith

The Milwaukee Tool Infrared Temperature Gun features a simple high/low alert setup that makes scanning easier and faster. It has Hold, Maximum, Minimum, Average, and Difference modes. With a reinforced frame, a fully bumpered nose, and shielded LCD, the gun can survive drops up to six feet. We set ours to display readings in Fahrenheit. If the trigger is continually pulled, the gun will also display minimum and maximum temperatures. The display can be illuminated when working in areas with less light. We shot this photo taking the temperature of the sodas in the shop refrigerator.

Most infrared guns scan a certain area based on the distance from the object being measured. For our Milwaukee unit, one foot away covers an area 1.5 inches in diameter. From three feet away the area is 3.6 inches in diameter, and from five feet away the area is 6 inches in diameter.

One of the best ways to quickly tell if an engine is suffering from a misfire is to point an infrared temperature gun at individual cylinders and look for the ones that are significantly colder than the rest. A dramatically colder temperature indicates a weak cylinder.

Polished surfaces can cause accuracy problems with all infrared guns. If you need accurate results, just place a small length of normal masking or black electrical tape on the surface, allow it temperature stabilise and then take the temperature of the tape. The tape’s temperature will generally be within +/- 2% of the component’s temperature.

One way to quickly tell if your drag racing rear tyre pressures will produce maximum traction is to check the temperature across the face of the tyre after a burnout. If the temperature in the centre of the tyre is high, pressure is slightly high. If the centre temperature is lower than the outers, then tyre pressure is too low.

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Photo courtesy of BrightDesign.com.au

NAME: JAMES LOW

AGE: 18

BASED IN: DARWIN

OCCUPATION:

SCHOOL STUDENT/SALES

ASSISTANT AT REPCO

STARTED RACING: 2023

CLASSES COMPETED: COMPETITION BIKE

BEST ET AND SPEED: 9.56 @ 142 MPH

FAVOURITE TV SHOW: TOP GEAR

FAVOURITE FOOD: MARGARITA PIZZA

FAVOURITE RACE TRACK: HIDDEN VALLEY DRAG STRIP, DARWIN

JAMES LOW

COMPETITION BIKE

You were the runner up in Competition Bike at the SRESS Top End Nationals earlier this year – how did you feel about that result?

I was very happy with that result, in fact as I am a new rider in my first season, I was ecstatic about coming second in that event. The whole round I was pushing my bike to its limit trying my best to get as close to the index as possible. The last race was my best run of the night, running a 9.6.

What have you been up to since the Top End Nationals and what do you have planned coming up?

I’ve been racing at my home track and just finished racing down south at the Red CentreNats in the Heavy Hitters competition. Sadly, I didn’t win, but I had a great weekend at the event anyway. I am looking forward to our next club event at Hidden Valley.

What do you love about your home track?

I guess I like it so much because I haven’t had any major issues with it, and the officials are all very nice. How did you get started in drag racing?

I started racing because my mentor, Leith Darrach, who I had been pit crew for over the last two years, asked me if I wanted to race this year. I jumped at the opportunity. My bike is called “Franky” – it is a GSXR1000 but is made up of multiple parts from different bikes. Leith rebuilt this bike for me to race at the beginning of the year, making me love racing even more.

What is it you love about racing in Competition Bike?

I guess the fact that I can just race, I don’t have to worry about letting off at the end in case I break out. All I have to do is just race, there are no mind games or anything, just racing.

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

The main man would have to be Leith Darrach for putting me on a bike and supporting me, and also, I want to say a big shout out to Nathan Riley for also supporting me and teaching me this sport.

Photo courtesy of Ed Forman/ HighRPM

IMMANUAL “AUTO” GILLATT SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT JUNIOR DRAGSTER

NAME:

IMMANUAL “AUTO” GILLATT

AGE: 14

HOMETOWN: ALICE SPRINGS

GRADE AT SCHOOL: YEAR 8

STARTED RACING: 2022

PERSONAL BESTS: 8.712

SPONSORS:

HAWKEYE MOTORSPORTS, JA

PAINTS, ALICE POWDER COATING, FAST ASS COURIERS, CENTRALIAN MOTORS, AND LEADING EDGE COMPUTERS TENNANT CREEK

FAVOURITE RACE VEHICLE: ALL TOP FUEL CARS

FAVOURITE TV SHOW: RUST TO RICHES

FAVOURITE FOOD: SUSHI

FAVOURITE TRACK: ASID

How did you get into racing?

I was offered a seat in a Junior Dragster by my Dad who was encouraged by Dan and Josie Hodgins from Hawkeye Motorsport. We had to rebuild the car because it was in bits. I have learnt a lot about how the car works.

What do you consider as your racing highlights?

Overcoming my nerves on my first full power pass and gradually pushing my limits and my car’s limits.

PROFILE

What do you love about Junior Dragster Racing?

I love the atmosphere at major events like the Desert Nationals when we have a lot of Junior Racers here to run at our track. I love the feeling of the power from the car as it pushes me into the seat as I take off. Also watching all the other classes run as I am in the staging lanes.

What is your ultimate racing goal/dream?

I would love to join a Top Fuel team and race one of them.

What do your school mates think about what you do?

They think it is cool that I drive a dragster. I try to encourage them to come and help as often as they can.

What future goals do you hold for yourself in your racing, and also away from the track?

I would like to get other Junior Dragsters on the track so that we can have more competition at ASID. There are a few new ones coming at the end of the season, so I look forward to it.

Is there anyone you would like to thank for being part of your drag racing journey?

I would really like to thank Dan and Josie Hodgins for getting my dad engaged to get me into the car. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have even thought of getting into a Junior Dragster.

Photo courtesy of Amber Simms Photography

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Behind the Wheel with Jr. Dragster Racer Ross Lamattina

“It hasn’t sunk in yet that I am a national champion and my name goes into the history books. It’s an amazing feeling and a massive achievement.”

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TOP END NATIONALS

DARWIN LIGHTS UP WITH TOP END NATS CELEBRATIONS

The first ANDRA Christmas Tree trophies of the new season were held aloft at the Hidden Valley Drag Strip on July 15, following the conclusion of the Top End Nationals.

When all was said and done, it was Seth Jarvis (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Louise Ridgway (Modified Bike), Michael Jennings (Super Street), Tony Miskelly (Super Sedan), Cody Hodgins (Modified), Leon Davies (Top Sportsman), Shaun Kerkman (Supercharged Outlaws) and Wayne Patterson (Competition Bike) who took out the event winner trophies. Taking the runner-up honours were Cooper Plummer (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster),  Mark Tattingham (Modified Bike), Tony Antonino (Super Street), Lance Larcombe (Super Sedan), Ashley Johnson (Modified), Rick Smith (Top Sportsman), and James Low (Competition Bike). There was no runner-up for Supercharged Outlaws. Having their hands full at presentations were Plummer, Antonino, Miskelly,

Johnson, Kerkman and Ridgway, who each also took out the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Medallions for their brackets, alongside Dean Cleary (Top Sportsman) and Leith Darrach (Competition Bike).

West Aussie (Pinjarra) Seth Jarvis faced off against Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier, Cooper Plummer, in the final for Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster, after having taken a round one victory over Ava Walker before enjoying a semifinal bye. Plummer meanwhile had enjoyed an opening round bye before taking a win over Lachlan Walker in the semi-final.

In Modified, Ilparpa (NT) racer Cody Hodgins took out the A-Final win over Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier, Ashley Johnson. The bracket employed a Chicago Shootout style race format, with Cody Hodgins earlier defeating his father, Dan Hodgins, while Johnson had taken on Lindsay Burmester. Burmester and Dan Hodgins faced off for the B-Final, with

Dan Hodgins taking the victory.

In Top Sportsman, reigning Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Champion Leon Davies took out the first national Top Sportsman victory of the new season with victory over Rick Smith. Davies had earlier enjoyed a bye run in the first round, before dispatching Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier, Dean Cleary, in the second round. Smith meanwhile had taken on and defeated Peter Cates (round one) and former champ, Vlado Turic (round two).

In Super Street, Valley View (SA) racer Michael Jennings ran right on his dial-in aboard his Chevy Nova to take the victory over Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier, Tony Antonino. Jennings had earned his spot in the final after taking victories over Bill Hondros (round one), Paul Tabone (round two) and Shaun Boyer (semi-final) while Antonino had taken on Elliot Wilson (round one) and Jase Dobra (round two) before enjoying a bye in the semi-final.

In Modified Bike, Maddington (WA) racer Louise Ridgway took the victory from last year’s winner, Mark Tattingham, after claiming the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier honours earlier in the day’s program on her Suzuki GSX. Ridgway enjoyed a bye in round one thanks to her top qualifying performance, before successfully facing Johnny Ireland in round two to book her spot in the final. Tattingham raced and defeated Brett Allen in round one, before it was his turn to have a bye run in the second round.

In Supercharged Outlaws, Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier

Shaun Kerkman took a solo victory in his Pontiac Firebird. Kerkman ran the final solo after last year’s winner, Butch Morrison, was unable to front for his semi-final bye run. In his semi, the Mawson Lakes (SA) racer defeated bracket newcomer, Aiden Abel, after having earlier benefitted from a bye run in round one.

In Super Sedan, Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Tony Miskelly

had a very successful weekend at the track, with the Salisbury East (SA) racer taking the win over reigning Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Champion and John Storm Memorial Winner, Lance Larcombe.

On his way to the final, Miskelly had a bye in the opening round, before taking on Dave Todd in the semis with his Ford Probe. Larcombe meanwhile had defeated Glenn Sterkenburg in the opening round, before going on to have a bye run in the semis.

In Competition Bike, Wayne Patterson of Bunbury (WA) took the win in his Ducati over James Low. With a Chicago Shootout format employed by the bracket, Patterson had a first round loss to Dean Hersey in round one before going on to take wins over Low (round two) and Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier, Leith Darrach.

On his way to the final, Low successfully took on Darrach (round one) and Dean Hersey (round three), while suffering a loss to Patterson in round two.

For full results from the Top End Nationals, please visit  www.andra. com.au/series/results/ For more on this event, including comment from winners Seth Jarvis, Cody Hodgins and Leon Davies, please click here.

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

Tony Miskelly

Michael Jennings

Sean Kerkman

Louise Ridgway

Seth Jarvis

Cody Hodgins

Wayne Patterson

Photos courtesy of Ed Forman/HighRPM

Leon Davies

SUNSET NATIONALS

MILDURA HOSTS EPIC SPORTSMAN SHOW

The Sunset Nationals well and truly impressed in Mildura, with an actionpacked day of Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series racing ensuring plenty of happy campers at the Sunset Strip on September 17.

When all was said and done, it was Rob Bergamin (Super Gas), Cooper Plummer (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Tony Antonino (Super Street), Lucas Neagoe (Modified Bike), Corey Pocock (Super Sedan), Simon Barlow (Modified), Vlado Turic (Top Sportsman), Dale Tucker (Supercharged Outlaws), Joe Khoury (Competition Bike) and Steve Norman (Super Comp) who took out the prestigious ANDRA Christmas Tree trophies.

Claiming the runner-up honours were Jason Wilson (Super Gas), Nathaniel Kuchel (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Paul Jennings (Super Street), Derryn McGregor (Modified Bike), Chris Lioulios (Super Sedan), Kenny Stewart (Modified), Stuart McBain (Top Sportsman), Mark Hunt (Supercharged Outlaws), Rob Church (Competition Bike) and Craig Geddes (Super Comp).

In Super Gas, Bergamin – the reigning Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Champion for the bracket – was ecstatic with his victory aboard his VF Valiant. To line-up against Wilson in the final, he had taken earlier victories from Mark Calus (round one), Colin Griffin and Renee Cockerill – who defeated Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier, Des Woolstencroft, in round two – while Wilson had faced off against

Michael De Rose (round one) and Jordan Spencer before enjoying a bye-run in the semi-final.

In Super Street, Tony Antonino took the win over Paul Jennings in his Valiant S Series following earlier wins over Ryan Lee (round one), Dutchy Holland, George Varelias and Tex Griffiths, while Jennings had faced off against Dimos Stefanopoulos (round one) and Dean Doolan ahead of a round three bye and a semi-final win over Nathan Micallef – who had defeated Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Rohan Hutson in round three.

In Super Sedan, Corey Pocock and his EH Panel Van took the win over Chris Lioulios following a busy day of racing that saw him take on Brendan Carr (round one), Chevy Taylor, Nikolas Karanovic and Gary Vogelsang, while Lioulios earned his place in the final following wins over Darren Russell (round one), Kym Driesener, Steve Paech – who dispatched Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Tony Miskelly in the second round – and Dave Todd.

In Competition Bike, reigning Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Competition Bike Champion, Joe Khoury, took the win over Rob Church in his Harley VRod Destroyer following a threeround Chicago Shootout. To secure his place in the final, Khoury had secured wins over David Willis, Nick Thompson and Mark Habel, while Church notched up victories over Nick Thompson, Mark Habel and Archie Fabian. The Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier was

Locky Ireland.

In Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster, Cooper Plummer took the win over Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier, Nathaniel Kuchel. Plummer booked his ticket to the final with wins from Deklan McGregor (round one) and Lachlan Walker before enjoying a bye run in the semi-final, while Kuchel took a round one win over Todd Wagner before a round two bye and semi-final win over Sarah Osborne.

Modified Bike saw Lucas Neagoe take the win over Derryn McGregor in his Suzuki GSXR 1000, following a round one win from Corey Gathercole, a round two bye, and a semi-final victory over Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier, Sean Ricketts. McGregor meanwhile had taken on Cheryl Beddoes and Dean Jamieson, before a semi-final bye.

In Modified, reigning Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Champion Simon Barlow had his hands full at the presentations, claiming not only the ANDRA Christmas Tree trophy after his win over Kenny Stewart but also the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Medallion. To go to the final, Barlow had successfully taken on Matt Ponton (round two) and Adriana Cartledge (round three) following a round one bye, while Stewart had taken on Danny Wilson (round one) and Gavin Chisnell ahead of a semi-final bye.

In Top Sportsman, Vlado Turic took the win over Stuart McBain in his GTO Pontiac, after having earlier emerged

victorious from match-ups against Rick Smith (round one), Brandon Freer and Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier, Darren Saliba. McBain had meanwhile taken on Dean Cleary (round one), Chris Theo and Glenn Henley.

In Supercharged Outlaws, Dale Tucker and Mark Hunt faced off for the ANDRA Christmas Tree, with Hunt sadly unable to move off the start line when the time came. On his way to the final, Tucker had taken on Brad Sullivan (round one) and Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Lucas Woodburn in his HQ GTS Sedan, while Hunt had defeated Michael Oehms in round one before a bye run in the semi-final.

In Super Comp, it all came down to Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Steve Norman and Craig Geddes, with Norman ultimately taking out the win in his BMW M3 following a round one bye and victories from Matt Forbes (round two) and Kim Fardella, while Geddes defeated Mitch Oxley (round one) and Graeme Simms on his way to a semi-final bye. Norman also laid down two new national records on his way to the victory, resetting the B/MPA ET and MPH records to 5.279 (previously 5.510) and 128.77mph (previously 120.0mph) respectively.

For full results from the Sunset Nationals, please visit www.andra.com.au/series/ results/

For more on this event, including comment from winners Rob Bergamin, Tony Antonino, Corey Pocock and Joe

Khoury, please click here.

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

Tony Antonino

Steve Norman

Simon Barlow

Joe Khoury

Cooper Plummer

Vlado Turic

Rob Bergamin

Lucas Neagoe

Corey Pocock

Photos courtesy of Automotive Event Images and BrightDesign.com.au

Dale Tucker