EDITION 35 AUGUST 2022 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL DRAG RACING ASSOCIATION ONSTEPPINGUP Tommy Turic has made a splash upon graduating from the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster bracket.
fastlane 2 19fastlane profile 001494-MAR18-V1.1 Talk to us today Martyn Luck – 08 8172 8121 martyn.luck@ajg.com.au Renee Morris – 08 8172 8084 renee.morris@ajg.com.au Transit and static race vehicle insurance Proudly supporting ANDRA In an industry that is no stranger to risk, your vehicle, transporter and tools are exposed to risks every day. Our longstanding history working with the motor sport industry, means our insurance experts understand your risks and can help you find the right cover to keep your passion on track. PROUDLY SUPPORTING ANDRAPROUDLY SUPPORTING ANDRA
fastlane ANDRA Board Nathan Peirano (QLD) - Chairman Murray OÕConnor (WA) Grant Wilson (SA) Paul Stephen (NSW) Grant Hamon (NT) Contact Details Phone: 08 8271 5355 Fax: 08 8721 6988 Email: info@andra.com.au Street: 11 McInnes St, Ridleyton SA 5008 ANDRA Staff Chief Executive Officer: Brett Stevens Business Manager: Jackie Mills Business Development Manager: Jennifer Lingo (Harrison) Licensing and Membership: Kylie Hazelhurst Media & PR Officer: Amanda Cobb Technical Officer: Scott Halfyard Fastlane is produced by the Australian National Drag Racing Association LTD. Editor: Amanda Cobb (media@andra.com.au) Design: YBI Creative (www.ybicreative.com.au) Photography: Craig Radcliffe Action Sports Photography, Amber Simms Photography, HighRPM, High Octane Photos, Cackling Pipes Photography. LANESSTAGING TORQUETECHLEADERSPOINTSCHAMPIONSHIP RACER PROFILES > TOP END NATS > DESERT NATS ONSTEPPINGUP 8 12 21 20 24 PERFECT LIGHT 16 BEST PRESENTED 18
fastlane 4 LANESSTAGING Following the completion of the Victoria/Tasmania Division election, the final makeup for all divisions can be found below. The position of Divisional Council Delegate is a very important part of the ANDRA structure, and our delegates are valued and appreciated. ANDRA is an Australian member-owned, not-for-profit company which allows all our members to contribute to the rules and the direction of our sport. We thank everyone for their time and commitment. Contact details for Divisions can be found here under the ‘Get Involved’ and ‘Divisional Council’ sections. CENTRAL AUSTRALIA Division Director – Peter Tzokas Greg Oberti Harry Harris Margaret Oppes Matt Walden Ryan Lee Tony Miskelly WESTERN AUSTRALIA Division Director – Murray O’Connor Andrew Frost Geoff IanAnthonyChaistyBegleyJenkins Phill Paton Nick Gardiner Alan Hudson Peter ElizabethGloverJohns QUEENSLAND Division Director – Nathan Peirano Aaron Stibbs Ross JodiKenWayneBryantDownesLoweTownsend NEW SOUTH WALES Division Director – Paul Stephen John PaulAdamAaronJamesWillardRowleyBrookesFairbairnDrady Dearne Stephen Andrew Hurst VICTORIA/TASMANIA Division Director – Robert Cassar Paul Rogers Jr Sean ShaneAgiusWalker Tim Stewart Bill WadeSueDougGaryCarisPortelliPennaStewartKisyma ANDRA DIVISIONAL COUNCIL NOMINATION OUTCOMES ANNOUNCED
In June ANDRA was pleased to announce that the Australian Drag Racing Championship (ADRC) will run alongside the 2022/2023 Burson Auto Parts Top Fuel Australia Championship.
ANDRA Chief Executive Officer, Brett Stevens, said moving the ADRC into the management of the Top Fuel Racing Australia (TFRA) team will bring rapid growth to the Championship, continuing the early work undertaken in the COVID-impacted 21/22 season.
NEW ERA FOR ADRC AS ANDRA LICENCES CHAMPIONSHIP TO TFRA
The Gallagher Club Member of the Year Award is designed to recognise the outstanding contribution and passion of volunteers donating their time to ANDRA Drag NominationsRacing. for this prestigious award are currently open until the 18th of September, 2022.
SEARCHING FOR THE GALLAGHER CLUB MEMBER OF THE YEAR
“We are very pleased to announce this exciting new step for the ADRC Top Doorslammer and ADRC Top Fuel Motorcycle categories,” Stevens said.
“The recently launched Top Fuel Racing Australia program is proving to be very successful, and we are confident that it will provide the best environment possible to take the fledgling ADRC and grow it to a whole new level as a true National Championship alongside the national Top Fuel racing program.”
The ADRC will run an eight-round calendar for 2022/2023 in order to align with the Burson Auto Parts Top Fuel Australia Championship, seeing the categories compete at Darwin at both the start and end of the 22/23 calendar in a once-off for this season.
ANDRA drag racing events held all across the country would not be possible without our valued volunteers.
For more information on TFRA, visit www.topfuelchampionship.com.au
The ADRC was established by ANDRA at the beginning of the 2021/2022 season, with Daniel Gregorini and Greg Durack recently celebrated as the inaugural ADRC Top Doorslammer and ADRC Top Fuel Motorcycle Champions respectively.
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ANDRA thanks Gallagher for their support of this award, and looks forward to working with them to celebrate the great volunteers of ANDRA drag racing.
Gallagher has an extensive national broking network in metropolitan and regional Australian locations. It provides broking solutions to a wide range of clients, from small to medium enterprises through to large multinational corporations, as well as affinity partners and associations, such as ANDRA. To nominate your 2022 Gallagher Club Member of the Year, download the form by clicking here.
As a formal protest was not presented within the required time frame as allowed under the ANDRA Rule Book, ANDRA member Mark Hunt called a special general meeting under the ANDRA Constitution section On8.2.1.2.the27th of June 2022, 100 signatures of full members of ANDRA were presented and found to meet the requirements of the Constitution to enact the calling of a Special General Meeting.
Updated 2021/2022 SRESS points standings can be accessed by clicking here
ANDRA ISSUES 21/22 SRESS CHAMPIONSHIP RESULT UPDATE
Following a Special General Meeting, the Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) wishes to announce that Mark Hunt has been named as the 2021/2022 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Supercharged Outlaws Champion.
Mark proposed that the points awarded at the Grand Finals be reversed and the championship be awarded to Thehimself.votestallied at the Special General meeting saw the resolution proposed by Mark Hunt passed. It was noted that in no way should this decision reflect on Tim Stewart’s season or his conduct at any time and ANDRA wishes him well.
Mark Hunt asserted the following information in his petition for signatures: “At the final round of the SRESS Championship round held at the Perth Motorplex on the 8th and 9th of April 2022, first round lose points were awarded in error to Tim Stewart. Tim was in fact ineligible to receive those points according to rule 2.12, on page 81 of the 21/22 ANDRA rule book, which states ‘If the vehicle cannot be started, and/or the vehicle cannot stage under its own power for round 1 (where there are (3) rounds of racing) zero points will be allocated to that competitor.’”
Previously announced winner, Tim Stewart, has been reclassified in 2nd position on the championship Thestandings.Special General Meeting was held under the provision of 8.2.1.2 of the ANDRA Constitution at the request of Mark Hunt.
Supercharged Outlaws points were awarded at the 2022 ANDRA Grand Final to Tim Stewart based on information available at the time which showed the car staged as required.
If you have any questions regarding this decision, please contact your Division Director.
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FREETOJOIN!
VALLEYBEHINDEQUIPMENTRACINGGETSTHEHIDDENDRAGSTRIP
LOOKING
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If you would like more information on the program or want to complete your free registration, please visit benefits-programwww.andra.com.au/directory/andra-member-
Racing Equipment are a leader in automotive performance and particularly in the field of drag racing, and we couldn’t be happier to have them as part of our Association family and the Hidden Valley Drag Strip,” Abel said. To learn more about Summit Racing Equipment, visit www.summitracing.com For more from the Hidden Valley Drag Racing Association, visit www.hiddenvalleydrags.com
SUMMIT
The ANDRA Member Benefits Program has been created to offer its loyal members the opportunity to receive discounts to products from supporting Bycompanies.joiningthe program, your business and products will be promoted to a performance-based target audience. Participating businesses of the ANDRA Member Benefits Program receive promotion through ANDRA’s database of over 5000 members and race fans, as well as exposure through the ANDRA website and the regular MotorMail email newsletter. This is the perfect platform to launch new products, advertise monthly specials and any other sale promotions you may have.
To view a listing of all ANDRA Member Benefits Program offers, please go to directory/member-benefits-program-directorywww.andra.com.au/ FOR MEMBER BENEFITS?
Summit Racing Equipment has renewed its backing of the Hidden Valley Drag Strip as lane sponsor for another season. The US automotive performance powerhouse will enthusiastically remain as sponsor of the right-hand lane of the popular Darwin facility. Hidden Valley Drag Racing Association President, Matt Abel, said he was extremely pleased to share the news that Summit Racing Equipment has once again renewed its backing of the “Summittrack.
“Leading up to the event I knew the weather was going to be drastically different as we had 1500ft of air in Darwin, and then going to Alice we were dealing with 3500ft of air, so this meant we had to change the tune-up in the car, but we managed to stay in the 11.20 range.“Anywin you get feels good, but to get a back-to-back win feels amazing, it leaves me hungry for more!” he “Itlaughed.alsofeels good for the people who got me here, as we can say it wasn’t a waste of time with the hassle of planning and organising to send it up to Darwin last “Iminute.haveto thank these people such as my dad for letting me use his pride and joy to race and also Mark Hunt for getting the car behind his camper bus driven by his brother SteppingKym.”intothe
senior level Super Street bracket has presented a big change for Turic from his Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster days – which Turic credits with giving him the strong foundation required to go after his championship dreams as an adult.
“Having raced junior dragsters has played a big factor in my early success,” he reflects.
“In Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster, I learnt the fundamentals of drag racing such as the racing procedure from doing your burnout to staging the car, learning the Christmas tree to then racing down the strip and pulling up safely.
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ONSTEPPINGUP
Tommy Turic has made a splash upon graduating from the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster bracket. He may have only just recently graduated from the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster ranks, but Tommy Turic is wasting no time making his mark on his new home in the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series – the Super Street bracket. With two round wins from the two events held so far for the 2022/2023 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series, and on back-to-back weekends far from home no less, the just-turned-18-year-old has well and truly sounded his championship intentions aboard his Ford InFalcon.Darwin, Turic not only took out the win, but dispatched last year’s must beat racer on his way to the victory – reigning SRESS Super Street Champion, Lisa “IGarbellini.wasoncloud nine after that event and heading to Alice I was still getting countless messages from friends and family congratulating me on the win,” Turic Turicgrinned.was hopeful of going back-to-back in Alice Springs, but actually doing so was still a great boon for the young racer. “I knew it was possible, it was just a matter of being consistent on race day but also making sure my reaction time was sharp,” he explains.
Of course, there have been some new skills to be learnt in making the change from a junior dragster to a fullyfledged Super Street racer, but Turic has taken these in his “Thestride.biggest change would be going from a dragster that goes straight to a door car which can get a bit skatey depending on the track conditions,” he “Itexplained.issomething I had to get a handle on, as well as shifting gears as that is not required in a Junior WithDragster.”twowins under his belt, a championship is shaping up as a true possibility – with reigning champ Garbellini also securing the wins at both rounds one and two last season to set her campaign up strongly.
“There’s no doubt that I highly recommend getting into Junior Dragster racing – not only is it the most fun you will ever have, but it will also allow you to build an endless number of valuable skills that you’ll use for the rest of your life.”
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“It comes down to whoever is capped on points and goes furthest at the Grand Final of course, but other than that if I can keep the consistency up, I think we’ll do well in the Grand Final and hopefully we can take home the championship,” Turic said when asked how confident he was feeling of taking the title in his rookie “Itseason.would mean the world if we could do it, especially being a rookie who has just come up from junior dragster – but we’re still a long way off from the final so there is still plenty of work to be done.”
“You also learn more advanced skills such as ‘start line and top end games’ as you may have a hold-off battle where both competitors wait it out for the other competitor to fully stage or closing your margin of victory at the top end to make sure you don’t break out.
“Racing in junior dragster has made me a more confident person in the car and out, as you are always meeting new people at the race track.
“I also feel like I have become a more switched-on person, as you are always problem-solving, and you have to be switched on for racing.
“My love of the sport has been fostered and grown through junior dragster racing, as you not only build your competitive side but also make friends and establish strong relationships.
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“I have also loved the responsibility of taking care of my car and the fact that every success you have feels amazing because you have worked for that success. But also, you have something to learn from every failure and every loss.
I still use these skills that I learnt in a junior dragster “Asnow.you race in juniors, your skill set builds not only in the car but also outside of it too, as you are talking to a lot of people such as track staff, friends and also members of the media. You also learn the mechanical side from maintaining your car and replacing parts.
STEPPING ON UP Continued from previous page... A STRONG FOUNDATION
“Racing in Junior Dragsters taught me many life lessons that will forever benefit me on and off the track. There is a lot of hard work and effort that goes into the organising and running events and that’s taught me to be very appreciative and thankful of everyone who makes these things possible. But the biggest thing that it has taught me is that at the end of the day it is a sport and no matter how competitive it is it should always be enjoyable and fun for all parties; and that will follow me all the way through my racing “Thecareer.JD community and culture in WA is amazing, the support from fellow competitors and families in the sport is unreal. Junior Dragster racing is simply just the beginning for so many young racers and I couldn’t encourage it anymore if I wanted to – it will simply put the sport in your veins forever.”
The Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster ranks have been a strong proving ground for future stars of the sport of drag racing for decades, with countless racers using the bracket as their foundation from which to launch successful senior careers.
Josh Baker, Ace Edwards and Bailey Ferguson are just three racers who cannot sing the praises of the bracket enough, as they pursue success in Modified, Modified Bike and Outlaw Radial respectively.
“Junior Dragster racing gave me something to look forward to during the off season and gave me somewhere to focus my time and energy on in my spare time. Waiting to finish school so I could work on the race car with dad was one of the best feelings I’ve ever felt and those memories in the shed after school will be memories I will forever cherish and remember.
Josh Baker in JD
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“Junior Dragster racing has cemented my feet in drag racing forever. I really appreciate the memories we created together, and the thrill of racing down the track and knowing you can go even faster in the future will keep anyone in the sport. It is an indescribable feeling that has kept me addicted to the sport,” Ferguson said.
For Josh Baker, JD racing created the perfect pathway for his future racing ambitions. “It was really a fantastic introduction on what to expect moving up the ranks. The competitiveness is one of the strongest in the competitions, you’re competing against people that are all out there for the same reason, which is to go out there, have fun and hopefully take home a piece of silverware,” Baker said. “I think the biggest thing for me being young and racing a very strong and competitive field was to always
With children of his own, Ace Edwards says he will likely soon go full circle and be introducing his children to the fun of Junior Dragster racing after getting so much out of it himself. “Racing junior dragsters taught me the fundamentals of bracket racing and there are many more aspects of racing that I have learnt over the years, but racing junior dragsters set the foundation to be a consistently competitive racer,” Edwards said. “I was only a few weeks old when my parents first took me to the racetrack, and I have been going back regularly ever since. It would have been the best day of my life at the time when I got my first junior dragster.
“I had always loved drag racing and crewing on my dad’s drag car but to be able to have my own junior dragster was a dream come true. Since then, I have had three different drag bikes and I now own a Super Sedan drag car. “I have lived and breathed drag racing for as long as I can remember, and I can’t see that changing anytime soon. I have three kids as well so I’m sure my focus will turn back to junior dragsters in the years to come.
To learn more about the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster bracket, visit www.andra.com.au/junior-dragster-information
in JDs isn’t just about racing, you make friends that you consider family. We made friends all along the way and had regular weekend catch ups, school holiday catch ups and so on. There’s definitely a bunch of friendships made along the way that I will consider family for life away from the racetrack.”
“Junior drag racing taught me the importance of a good maintenance program, and also keeping a cool head in pressure situations. It also taught me to be very appreciative of the opportunity and the importance of having a well-presented vehicle and crew, especially when trying to impress sponsors. “I would encourage everyone to take any opportunity they can to get into junior drag racing. It fostered some great friendships and fierce rivalries, some of which are still active today.”
IN 2017 TOMMY TURIC RACED AT ALICE SPRINGS INLAND DRAGWAY IN HIS JUNIOR DRAGSTER. FIVE YEARS LATER HE WON AT THE SAME EVENT IN SUPER STREET
Bailey Ferguson at the wheel of his JDAce Edwards today
Photos courtesy of Craig Radcliffe Action Sports Photography, Amber Simms Photography DragsSA.com, Cackling Pipes Photography and High Octane Photos.
fastlane stay humble and calm which has definitely helped me moving into modified, if you put too much stress on yourself it pressures you more and gives you a higher chance of something going wrong, so I believe the best thing for me that I learnt was to just stay calm, take a breath before every race and just go out there to have “Beingfun.
The block and the cylinder head deck surfaces should be machined so that they are flat and parallel to the centerline of the crankshaft. Some folks suggest an out-of-flatness range of between 0.002-inch to 0.004inch over a span of a V8 deck, and 0.002-inch for the width of the deck (cylinder block and cylinder head). The deck surfaces must also have a very smooth surface free of scuffs, scratches, corrosion, and of course, cracks to avoid combustion leakage. MLS gaskets should never be installed on a pitted, worn, or roughly machined surface. There are two measurements of surface roughness. These are measured in micro-inches or “µin.” A microinch is the measurement unit of length or distance, and equal to one millionth of an inch (0.000001-inch). “Ra” is the roughness average in height, while “Rz” is the peak-to-valley roughness average in height. To put this into perspective, a common composite gasket usually performs well with surfaces ranging from 60-80 Ra (360-480 Rz). If the surface is rougher, then the gasket will struggle to conform. Early MLS gaskets required a surface finish or 30 Ra or smoother, but today’s MLS gaskets can function properly with a 4060 Ra (180-480Rz). Smoother deck surfaces are always superior when it comes to modern head gaskets. It’s not entirely uncommon to find aftermarket cylinder heads with surface finish levels in the 60 RA range out of the box.
O-RINGS
What about copper head gasket spray? It was used on steel head gaskets in the old days to fill in surface irregularities in the head gasket deck and/or block deck surfaces. However, copper spray and other sealants can get in between the layers of a MLS gasket, which in turn can create a path for leakage (combustion gasses, coolant, or Furthermore,oil).using sealants on an MLS head gasket can produce false torque wrench readings. Coatings applied by the manufacturer, like the fluoroelastomer coating used by Mahle, are fine and help the gasket conform to surface irregularities. But keep in mind the deck surfaces must be clean, clean, clean.
No additional sealant or coatings are necessary with MLS gaskets. Some folks use a very thin application of silicone on both sides of the head gasket coolant passage “ear.” The reason for this is the ear area of the gasket is often unsupported and there’s a chance it can seep coolant.
MLS head gaskets do not work with block or head O-rings. Some manufacturers suggest the O-ring grooves must be removed by surfacing, but that’s asking a lot of your machinist. Other manufacturers suggest you can leave the O-ring groove as-is if they are outboard of the fire ring on the gasket. It’s best to start fresh with a non-O-ringed block and/or cylinder heads.
“SECRETS”
FOR INSTALLING MODERN MLS HEAD GASKETS
TORQUETECHHEADGAMES
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GASKET SEALANT
Cylinder head gaskets have certainly evolved over the years. We’ve gone from steel to composite to graphite and back to steel in the form of Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) gaskets. From a sealing perspective, MLS head gaskets work incredibly well. They’re also easy to install if you follow some common-sense rules.
DECK SURFACES
• Studs should never be torqued into block, only lightly snugged.
• It is suggested that a bullet be machined on the end of the head stud where it bottoms in the block to center the stud before tightening. Dart also has good advice when using aftermarket head bolts with their cylinder blocks: “Several aftermarket head bolt kits have four 1/4-inch longer bolts for the end holes that are countersunk for the dowel pins. You need to verify that the bolts do not go into the block more than .850-inch from the deck surface or they will bottom out before they tighten on the head. If they are too long you should be able to grind off a thread or two.”
If you’re using cylinder head studs, ARP recommends you install them hand tight. It is extremely important to ensure the studs are fully bottomed out in the hole in the block and not hung up on damaged or corroded threads in the block, preventing the stud from being fully seated. This is often indicated when the stud threads extend past the deck surface.
When it comes to the fastener torque sequence, don’t reinvent the wheel – follow the OEM sequence. Most start at the middle of the deck and work their way out. When it comes to the actual torque numbers, it’s best to follow the figures provided by the fastener manufacturer.
When it comes to head bolt washers or stud washers, the chamfered side of the washer goes up, towards the head of the bolt. The chamfer creates clearance for the radius between the bolt shank and the bolt head.
FASTENERS
For example, ARP recommends using three equal steps for our big block Chevy engine with a final number of 70 Asft-lbs.you can see, there really are no secrets when installing modern MLS head gaskets. Keep the variables in mind and you’ll have success.
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fastlane REUSING MLS GASKETS Can you reuse MLS head gaskets? The short answer is no, though you might see some pro racers reusing them. They can get away with that because their engines are torn down regularly. If the fluoroelastomer coating on both sides of the gasket looks fine, then the race team figures they can get away with it. For the rest of us, the risk of gasket failure isn’t worth it.
If you’re working with an aftermarket block (such as the Dart Mk IV Chevy block shown in the photos), keep in mind the head bolt holes can be blind and not go into the water jacket like they do with some OEM blocks. You need to be positive that those bolt holes are free of debris and fluids. It’s all too easy to hydraulic a deck surface by creating a crack when tightening a bolt or stud into blind hole partially filled with oil or solvent. If your block has head bolts that go into the water jacket, Use Loctite #2 or ARP Thread Sealer on the fastener threads. If you’re installing head studs, Dart offers these •recommendations:Sealant/anti-seize must be used on the head studs. Loctite #620 is recommended.
The folks from ARP also have a wide range of suggestions and tips. In the days of old, it was common to use engine oil on both sides of a head bolt washer. But that’s not the way to go. ARP says its Ultra-Torque lube should be used to provide an even (and accurate) clamp load and prevent thread galling. Use a small amount of UltraTorque on the threads of the fastener and under the head of the bolt or on the bearing side of the washer. This helps prevent the head bolt or stud washer from spinning as you apply torque. Do not use Ultra-Torque if you are using a thread sealer (where fasteners enter a water jacket, for example).
Position the head over the dowel pins and ensure it has fully dropped into place. Check for any binding or misalignment. Clean the deck surfaces fastidiously, then clean them again. Brake cleaner works.
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There are no tricks involved to install a set of modern MLS head gaskets. The number one rule is to make sure the block and cylinder head deck surfaces are machined as smooth as possible.
The chamfered side of a thick aftermarket head bolt or head stud washer goes up, towards the head of the bolt or top of the engine.
Prior to installation, it’s a good idea to use a small amount of ARP Ultra-Torque lube on the threads of the fastener and under the head of the bolt.
Hand-tighten the fasteners first and then start the torque sequence. As pointed out in the text, torque the fasteners in three equal steps to arrive at the desired value.
MLS gaskets don’t need any additional sealant except for a thin bead of high temperature silicone on the head gasket ear. The gasket is shown placed over the cylinder head dowel pins on the block deck. Some head gaskets have an “up” orientation (usually noted on the gasket). Others do not.
These head bolt holes were previously cleaned with a thread chaser. On cylinder blocks with blind holes on the deck, it’s a good idea to check each threaded hole to ensure there is no oil or fluid or other debris at the very bottom.
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fastlane Get The Summit Racing app for Apple and Android devices. .330.630.0230 FIND IT AT EXPERT ADVICE. HUGE INVENTORY. FAST DELIVERY. WORLD-CLASS CUSTOMER SERVICE. Winning Takes Work. Getting Parts is Easy. Shopping is Simple. Use the Summit Racing Mobile App to easily browse parts, add items to your cart, and check out right from your phone. Shipping is Fast! And our Landed Cost Shipping includes all duties, taxes, and clearance fees, so you can spend more time racing and less time waiting for parts.
“The Deserts Nationals win means more than most realise to us as it is our first ANDRA Christmas tree. We’ve been close a couple of times, but before now, no cigar. I just wish Donna and Alex were there to celebrate the win with us. It was a fantastic event for us and one I will never forget.
“It was not my first 0.000 and they do look good on paper. It did help with the final result, but it wasn’t the determining factor – one thousandth of a second earlier and it would have been!
“I would like to thank Donna and Alex for their support, as well as Ryan, Peter and our new part-time crew member Phil –without you guys we wouldn’t be able to do any of this. “Also, thanks to Cleveland Freightlines, R/T Race Craft, Overland Locksmiths, Precision Porting, Outlaw Speed Shop, Rhemac Motors and SA Race Trans – thanks again guys. “Now are looking forward to the Sunset Strip Nationals at Mildura!”
“Cutting a 0.000 reaction in the final was not what we were looking for, it is a little close to the bone! Having said that, it is always cool to do.
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“In Alice Springs we struggled early Saturday and Sunday for a base line but managed to get a consistent car and then the cards fell our way.
Photos courtesy of Amber Simms Photography LIGHT
.000 PERFECT
“Our Darwin/Alice Springs trip was a bucket list road trip for me. Having time to spot and enjoy the sights was something I wasn’t used to, but I loved every minute,” Larcombe said.
At July’s Desert Nationals at Alice Springs Inland Dragway, LANCE LARCOMBE set a Perfect Light to win the Super Sedan final against Tony Miskelly.
fastlane GET ON BOARD WITH ANDRA DRAG RACING! As a valued ANDRA business partner, you can receive maximum exposure through the ANDRA Drag Racing brand and its events. Your company will be showcased whenever and wherever possible, for example: racers will carry decals representing your logo, trophies will feature your branding, commentators will make reference to your involvement across events and media reports will highlight your involvement. There is a host of ways you can support ANDRA drag racing, including investment in the following: > FASTLANE MAGAZINE ADVERTISING (ONLINE) > RULE BOOK ADVERTISING (HARD COPY AND ONLINE) > MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM (FREE TO JOIN) > WEBSITE RECOGNITION > MOTOR MAIL FEATURE – MOTOR MAIL IS OUR MEMBERS ONLY NEWSLETTER, CONTACT US TO SEE AN EXAMPLE IF YOU DON’T HAVE AN ANDRA MEMBER LOGIN > FACEBOOK/TWITTER RECOGNITION > SPORTSMAN SERIES BRACKET SPONSORSHIP > EVENT NAMING RIGHTS (AT SELECT EVENTS, PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS) > OFFICIAL SUPPLIER STATUS > RUNNER-UP TROPHY SPONSOR FOR SPORTSMAN SERIES For more information and to discuss opportunities, contact ANDRA’s Business Development Manager Jennifer Lingo (Harrison) on jennifer.harrison@andra.com.au Photo courtesy of Outlaw Images.
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Photo courtesy of High Octane Photos GOOD! “ I HAVE TO THANK MY DAUGHTER; I HAD HER ORGANISE NEW SHIRTS AND APPAREL FOR US AND THAT DEFINITELY HELPED WITH OUR OVERALL PRESENTATION AT THEFrankEVENT.Taylor
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fastlane 18 Earlier this year, Frank Taylor was recognised at the Westernationals with the Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award. The winner of the Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award at Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series events is chosen based on the presentation of the team’s whole package – the car, dragster or bike and its “Wecrew.were of course very happy to receive the Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award at the Westernationals,” Taylor said. “We always try and make sure the car and the team present well, but it was a happy accident really to be recognised in this way, it wasn’t something that we were expecting. “I have to thank my daughter; I had her organise new shirts and apparel for us and that definitely helped with our overall presentation at the event. “The weekend overall wasn’t the best for us, it certainly wasn’t what we had hoped for. We qualified eighth and then went out in the first round to eventual event winner, Daniel Gregorini. But being awarded the Best Presented award was a nice bonus and certainly put a smile on my face and on the faces of all of the crew – it is always nice to be recognised. “It was a bit ironic though as when I turned up to the presentations, I had been working hard on the car and I was looking absolutely terrible!” he laughed. “Thank you to Vinyl Wraps and Graphics for their support of this award. And thank you also to my daughter, to my family, and to the crew for all of their hard work across the season.”
Headed up by respected racer and 2018 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Modified Champion, Matt Czerny, Vinyl Wraps and Graphics is behind some of the best presented sportsman and professional teams across the country. Not only does it specialise in making racers look their best on and off the track, the Melbourne-based business - which last year celebrated its 10th birthday - also specialises in commercial vehicle signage, fleet signage and commercial wall signage.
For more on Vinyl Wraps and Graphics, visit www.vinylwraps.com.au or facebook.com/vinylwrapsandgraphics
fastlane CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR HIDDEN VALLEY DRAG STRIP TOP END NATIONALS JULY 15-16, 2022 ALICE SPRINGS INLAND DRAGWAY DESERT NATIONALS JULY 23-24, 2022 SUNSET STRIP (MILDURA) SPRING NATIONALS SEPTEMBER 17-18, 2022 PERTH MOTORPLEX GOLDENSTATES NOVEMBER 11-12, 2022 SOUTH COAST RACEWAY SOUTH COAST NATIONALS DECEMBER 10-11, 2022 SOUTH COAST RACEWAY SOUTH COAST 660 JANUARY 7-8, 2023 CALDER PARK RACEWAY AUSTRALIAN NATIONALS FEBRUARY 4-5, 2023 SUNSET STRIP (MILDURA) TWILIGHT NATIONALS FEBRUARY 17-18, 2023 PERTH MOTORPLEX WESTERNATIONALS MARCH 4-5, 2023 THE BEND MOTORSPORT PARK ANDRA GRAND FINALS MARCH 11-12**, 2023 *Please note this calendar is subject to change. **Awaiting final confirmationPhoto courtesy Amber Simms Photography
My dad, Dave Tattingham, introduced me to the sport – he still competes in Street bike class at the age of 83. What is it you love about racing in Modified Bike? I just love drag racing all round!
NAME: MARK TATTINGHAM FAVOURITE TV SHOW: YOUTUBE – CLEETUS FAVOURITEMCFARLANERACETRACK: DARWIN BEST ET AND SPEED: 9.37 @ FAVOURITE148MPHFOOD: STEAK AND VEG AGE: BASED57IN: DARWIN, NT OCCUPATION: POSTIE STARTED RACING: 1999 CLASSES MODIFIEDCOMPETED:BIKEANDSTREET BIKE Photo courtesy of Craig Radcliffe Action Sports Photography
I love that we run Street and Modified bike classes, so I compete in both classes for every one of our rounds and I also love the facility because it is 10 minutes from home.
I really enjoy racing interstate racers. What I love most about all drag racing is the camaraderie with all the other racers. What are your upcoming racing plans for this season? We have three more rounds for our track championship to run here in Darwin and my goals are to win, win, win!
Were you expecting the win? Why or why not? And how did it feel to take it out? I always hope for a win, and it definitely felt great to take it out. As a local racer, you get plenty of track time at the Hidden Valley Drag Strip – what do you love about the facility, and do you enjoy racing against the interstate runners when they visit for SRESS events?
MARK TATTINGHAM
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MODIFIED BIKE AND STREET BIKE
PROFILESRACER
How did you get started in drag racing?
You were the Modified Bike winner at the seasonopening Top End Nationals – please walk us through how that event unfolded for you. It was a case of more arse than class! All of my competitors stuffed up more than I did, and it was a fun day.
fastlane TOP SPORTSMAN TOTAL GREG DAMIANI 230 GLENN HENLEY 210 KEVIN MCIVOR 140 VLADO TURIC 80 LEON DAVIES 80 SUPERCHARGED OUTLAWS TOTAL ALAN MAHNKOPH 180 ALLAN (BUTCH) MORRISON 100 ANDREW SUTTON 100 MARK KUHN 80 MARK HUNT 60 SUPER SEDAN TOTAL NED KARANOVIC 170 LANCE LARCOMBE 170 ANTHONY MISKELLY 140 ROBYN PHILLIS 130 MARTIN MIRCO 130 MODIFIED TOTAL CRAIG BAKER 80 JOSIE HODGINS 60 CHRIS MOORE 40 DANIEL HODGINS 40 JR DRAGSTER TOTAL BRODIE ZAPPIA 100 MASON KUCHEL 80 SARAH OSBORNE 60 NATHANIEL KUCHEL 40 ROSS LAMATTINA 40 CLICK HERE OR GO TO ANDRA.COM.AU FOR FULL CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS SUPER STREET TOTAL TOMMY TURIC 250 LISA GARBELLINI 130 MICHAEL BRIDGES 130 THEO KARAMANIDIS 80 ALLAN BROOKS 80 MODIFIED BIKE TOTAL BRIAN ALVISIO 230 BRIAN HOTKER 140 DEAN GUNSON 130 IAN READ 130 MARK TATTINGHAMPOINTSCHAMPIONSHIP100LEADERS Photo courtesy of Craig Radcliffe Action Sports Photography
NAME: MASON KUCHEL AGE: HOMETOWN:11 VICTORIA SCHOOL STUDENT / PERSON WHO GIVES GOOGLE
Yes, it is hard as I really wanted to do well myself but at the same time, I really hoped they would win. What do you like about racing with your siblings, and what did they have to say about your performance in Alice Springs?
I felt rather calm as my crew chief had given me some good advice before the race, I just stayed focused on what I needed to do. I just went about it as I had for the previous rounds but as I took off, I found the car really gripped and bogged down on the start line which had not done before so that really put me behind. The rest of the run was as per normal, and I just had to hope Brodie stumbled at the start or broke out, but he didn’t and that’s why he is current number one. On your way to the final, you had to race and defeat both your older brother and your younger sister – is it hard having to race against your siblings and beat them to advance in an event?
How did it feel to be waiting alongside the reigning champion to start the final, and how did the race unfold for you?
You were the runner-up at the Desert Nationals – how did that feel? It felt quite amazing as it is hard for a C Junior to make it to a final in any event let alone at a Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Round.
MASON KUCHEL SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT JUNIOR DRAGSTER
We all support each other no matter what so when you’re having a hard time, they make you feel as though you can do well. They were very excited to see me advance to the final and even though dad has been trying for many years I was the first to make it to a Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series final. They congratulated me and gave me a good hug. What future goals do you hold for yourself in your racing, and also away from the track?
In my racing I would really like to make it to top five in Junior Dragster in hopefully more than one season, I would also like to eventually become the Australian Modified Champion. Still not sure outside of racing yet – maybe build and run my own reptile business. What is it that you love about Junior Dragster racing? I love how at such a young age we can learn about motorsport and build our motor skills that will make us better drivers when we get older. You also get to make lots of friends around Australia, many of them becoming family. Who do you want to thank? My Mum and Dad for getting the cars ready, driving me to every event and supporting me with my racing, my brother and sister for always supporting me and making it fun to race. A big thank you to Kaine who travels to wherever we are racing to crew for us. My Nana and Popo who crew for us mainly at home but at some away events we travel too as well. The Wagners for being a part of our racing family and always helping us set up and go racing. All our sponsors as without them we wouldn’t be racing. Finally, all the event volunteers and officials as we couldn’t go racing without them either. courtesy of Amber Simms
Photo
Photography
IRYMPLE,
ALL ITS ANSWERS STARTED RACING: AUGUST 2019 –SUNSET STRIP JUNIOR NATIONALS PERSONAL BESTS: RUNNER-UP IN C CLASS FOR 2019 JUNIOR NATIONALS AND RUNNER-UP AT THE 2022 DESERT NATIONALS SPONSORS: B.L & S.G LAKE BRICK & PAVING CARTAGE, KHM INSTALLATIONS, DUCTMAKERS SHEETMETAL, ADDISON MEMORIAL, MILDURA PLUMBING PLUS, NICK BURKE PLUMBING, MAXI, AUDISOUND, ANDREW SELLARS, SUNSET CUSTOMS, THE CALDWELL FAMILY, THE TRAEGER FAMILY AND MELISSA JOHNS. FAVOURITE RACE VEHICLE: FUNNY CARS FAVOURITE TV SHOW: YOUTUBE FAVOURITE FOOD: YELLOW RICE
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lane • Landed cost delivery—no additional fees or charges to pay • Number One-rated customer service and technical support • Huge online catalog—millions of parts at your fingertips • Summit Racing app available for Apple and Android devices International Sales: USA 1.330.630.0230 SummitRacing.com ® Low Cost, No Hassle, Landed Cost Shipping. Landed Cost shipping includes all duties, taxes, and clearance fees. In-stock parts are shipped FAST, delivered to your door with no unexpected fees. Questions? Complete details available in the Customer Service section of SummitRacing.com, talk via Live Chat or Call WINNING TAKES WORK. GETTING PARTS IS EASY. Prices (USD) good through 10/ 1/2022 • Typographical, description, or photography errors are subject to correction. ©2022 AUTOSALES, INC. Behind the Wheel with Jr. Dragster Racer Brodie Zappia, 2021-22 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Champion “Winning the Jr. Dragster Championship, the feeling is insane. The hard work and dedication of my parents, sponsors, supporters, and myself has paid off. I can’t thank everyone enough.” Jr. Dragster Drive Belts Keyword: JRC Junior Dragster Drive as low as $25.93 USD each Summit Racing™ Helmet Bags Keyword: SUM Helmet Bag as low as $24.99 USD each 206 Crate Engines Keyword: PWD 206 Crate Engine as low as $599.00 USD each RaceAir Pro WeatherStation Keyword: CPK RaceAir Jetting CPK-1000 $599.95 USD each Summit Racing™ Single Layer Driving Jackets Keyword: SUM Single Jacket as low as $59.99 each USD each Mini Gear Drive Starter Keyword: JRC Mini Gear Standard JRC-SMGD11R1230 $309.99 USD each Summit Racing™ Single Layer Driving Pants Keyword: SUM Single Driving Pants as low as $59.99 USD each Ultra Pack Tie-Down Kits Keyword: MTD Ultra Kit as low as $239.95 USD kit 5W20 Junior Dragster Racing Oil Keyword: LUC Junior 5 Each LUC-10471-1 $68.99 USD each ET Jr. Drag Slick Keyword: MTT ET Jr MTT-3625 $154.39 USD each Harness Pads Keyword: VMS Harness Pads VMS-767001 $24.95 USD pair REV Head and Neck Restraint Systems Keyword: NKG REV Belt as low as $499.00 USD each
Making the most of their opportunity were event winners Mark Tattingham (Modified Bike), Ned Karanovic (Super Sedan), Tommy Turic (Super Street), Greg Damiani (Top Sportsman) and Butch Morrison (Supercharged Outlaws). Also celebrated at the end-of-night presentations were event runnersup Brian Alvisio (Modified Bike), Gary Baker (Super Sedan), Theo Karamanidis (Super Street), Kevin McIvor (Top Sportsman) and Alan Mahnkoph (Supercharged Outlaws). Earlier in the day, Leith Darrach (Modified Bike), Tony Miskelly (Super Sedan), Sarah-Mae Bates (Super Street), Damiani (Top Sportsman) and Mahnkoph (Supercharged Outlaws) were also celebrated as the event’s Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Medallion Inwinners.Super Sedan, South Australian racer Ned Karanovic took out a very close final and his very first ANDRA Christmas Tree trophy in his Chev against local (Woodroffe, NT) racer Gary Baker, after having earlier emerged victorious from battles against Lance Larcombe (round one), Peter Tzokas (round two) and Robyn Phillis (semis). Baker meanwhile had booked his spot in the final aboard his HR Holden by taking wins over Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Tony Miskelly (round one) and Shaun Boyer (semi), with a bye in round two. For Greg Damiani, the Top Sportsman final was an ‘ugly’ way to win an ANDRA Christmas Tree, but one that shows that the show isn’t over, until it is over. When Damiani ran into trouble on the line with his HG Monaro, he persevered to still travel the race distance which allowed him to take the victory when his opponent and fellow South Australian, Kevin McIvor, broke out with a blistering run down the track in his Pontiac Firebird.
Damiani – also the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier for Top Sportsman – had previously defeated Leon Davies (round one) and Glenn Henley (semi) on his way to
Sportsman
FIRST SEASON
The first ANDRA Christmas Tree trophies for the 2022/2023 Summit Racing Equipment Series season were hoisted at the Hidden Valley Drag Strip in June at the seasonopening Top End Nationals event. WINS CELEBRATED IN DARWIN
In Supercharged Outlaws, a broken gearbox in qualifying saw local (Marlow Lagoon, NT) racer Butch Morrison exceptionally surprised to take out his first ANDRA Christmas Tree with victory over a red-lighting Alan Mahnkoph – who had travelled from his home in West Australia for the Afterevent.aflurry of activity to ensure his XP Falcon could take to the track for race day, Morrison took a round one win from Mark Hunt before successfully facing off against Troy Wittwer in the semi-final; while Mahnkoph – the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Medallion winner for the bracket – ensured his place in the final with a bye run in round one and victory over Peter Coles in the semis in his EH Holden Ute.
fastlane final, while McIvor had successfully taken on Cory Read (round one) and Pete Kirkpatrick (semi).
In Super Street Tommy Turic blitzed through aboard his Ford Falcon to take the win from Beat the Heat NT racer Theo Karamanidis who threw an uncharacteristic red-light in the Turicfinal. is new to the Super Street category after having earlier raced in the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragsters, and impressed with not only his finals victory, but also wins over Bruce Kimm (round one), Elliot Wilson (round two) and reigning Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Super Street Champion, Lisa Garbellini (semis). Karamanidis meanwhile had dispatched Claude Petrilli (round one), Michael Bridges (round two) and Grant Radcliffe – who had earlier won against Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier SarahMae Bates in round two – in the Forsemis.full results from the Top End Nationals, please visit www.andra. ANDRAcom.au/series/results/thankstheHidden Valley Drag Racing Association and all of its volunteers and sponsors for an outstanding racetrack and a wellrun event.Photosthanks to Craig Radcliffe Action Sports Photography
In Modified Bike, Leanyer (NT) racer Mark Tattingham took out the win over the red-lighting Queenslander Brian Alvisio despite pulling a huge wheelstand off the line which saw him well off his dial-in. Tattingham and his Kawasaki ZX12R had earlier taken on and defeated Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Leith Darrach in round one before enjoying a bye in round two ahead of a semi-final win from Dean Gunson. Alvisio raced his way to the finals with wins from Dale Smith (round one), Wayne Patterson (round two) and Ian Read (semis).
on his sister Sophia Kuchel (round one) and brother Nathaniel Kuchel (round two) before enjoying a bye in the semiIn Modified Bike, Brian Alvisio was thrilled to take out his first ANDRA Christmas Tree after coming exceptionally close aboard his ‘Joker’ liveried Kawasaki ZX14 in Darwin last week. Alvisio ensured his place in the final against Brian Hotker by taking victories from reigning champion Shane Walker (round one) and last year’s winner Dean Gunson (round two) before enjoying a bye in his semi. Hotker meanwhile had taken victories from Bryan Finn (round one), Ian Read (round two) and Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier, Jake Hamilton-Moderate Another racer who was delighted with the results was Glenn Henley, who along with a team of people pulled off a massive feat to completely build a new motor in just five weeks to be ready to compete in the opening rounds of the new Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series season in his Datsun 1200 Ute.
WIDE
SMILES ABOUND AT ALICE SPRINGS
In the Modified ranks, a three-round shootout format was employed, with Craig Baker taking out the victory over Josie Hodgins in the final in his rear engine dragster. Baker booked his spot in the final with three wins over Josie Hodgins, Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks
Top Qualifier, Alan Mahnkoph (semi).
Top Qualifier Greg Damiani red-lit on the line. He had earlier defeated reigning champion Vlado Turic (round one) and Chris Theo (semi) while Damiani had successfully battled against Leon Davies in the first round before enjoying a bye in his semi.
In Supercharged Outlaws, Andrew Sutton and his Camaro Coupe was successful over Mark Kuhn in the final, after having earlier dispatched Doina Day (round one) ahead of a bye in the semi while Kuhn had raced and beaten Michael Oehms (round one) and Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks
In Super Street, newcomer to the senior ranks Tommy Turic made it two wins from two events in his Ford Falcon XY with victory over Allan Brooks in the final. Turic had earlier taken on Cody Hodgins (round one) and Tony Antonino (semi) with a bye-run in round two. Brooks meanwhile had emerged victorious from races against Colin Dawson (round one) and Michael Bridges (semi) while also enjoying a bye in the semi-final. Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Bruce Howie did not proceed past his round one bye.
The 2022/2023 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series season will now head to Mildura’s Sunset Strip for the Spring Nationals across September 17-18. For event information, visit www.sunsetstrip.org.au
Top Qualifier Chris Moore, and Daniel Hodgins; while Josie took two wins, also over Moore and Daniel Hodgins. In Super Sedan, Lance Larcombe pulled out a perfect light 0.000 reaction time aboard his Chev Camaro to take the win over Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Tony Miskelly in the final. Larcombe had earlier faced off against Alex Gkroidis (round one), Nikolas Karanovic (round two) and two-time champ Martin Mirco (semi). Miskelly raced his way to the final stand with wins over Mark Busscher (round one) and reigning champ Peter Tzokas (round two) before a bye in the semi-final.
Photos courtesy of Amber Simms Photography
ANDRA thanks the Central Australian Drag Racing Association and all of its volunteers and sponsors for an outstanding racetrack and a well-run Forevent.full results from the Desert Nationals, please visit www.andra.com.au/series/results/
Henley took the victory despite a breakout in the final after Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks
