EDIT I O N 32
NOVEMBER 2021
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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL DRAG RACING ASSOCIATION
WELCOME
BACK
SYDNEY
Western Sydney International Dragway returns to ANDRA sanctioning
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STAGING
CHAMPIONSHIP
LANES
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WELCOME
CALENDARS BACK 18
TECH
TORQUE
CHAMPIONSHIP 14
POINTS LEADERS
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PROFILES
Editor: Amanda Cobb (media@andra.com.au) Design: YBI Creative (www.ybicreative.com.au) Photography: HighRPM, Cackling Pipes Photography, Automotive Event Images, Outlaw Images, High Octane Photos and Amber Simms Photography.
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PROFILE 26
EVENT P WRAP U
RACER
Fastlane is produced by the Australian National Drag Racing Association LTD.
CLUB
> GOLDENSTATES
ANDRA Staff
Chief Executive Officer: Brett Stevens Business Manager: Jackie Mills Business Development Manager: Jennifer Lingo (Harrison) Licensing and Membership: Kylie Hazelhurst Media & PR Officer: Amanda Cobb Technical Officer: Scott Halfyard
Contact Details
Phone: 08 8271 5355 Fax: 08 8721 6988 Email: info@andra.com.au Street: 11 McInnes St, Ridleyton SA 5008
ANDRA Board
Murray O’Connor (WA) Nathan Peirano (QLD) - Chairman Grant Wilson (SA) Peter Kapiris (VIC) Grant Hamon (NT)
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STAGING
LANES
AUSTRALIAN MOTORSPORT – AN ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE A new study has revealed motorsport’s significant contribution to the Australian economy, with a total gross annual output of $8.6 billion. With the national economy looking to rebuild after a difficult two years, Australian motorsport is primed to lead the charge for the sporting industry. Ernst and Young prepared the global study on four-wheeled motorsport together with the FIA and Motorsport Australia, Karting Australia and the Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA). Locally, it was found that the motorsport industry provides $3.1 billion in direct output, while providing $5.5 billion of indirect output based on pre-COVID figures. The industry also supported 16,900 direct jobs and a further 29,900 indirect jobs in 2019, the year the study was based on. The sport also enjoyed support from approximately 18,900 unpaid officials and volunteers, creating a total workforce of 65,700. For the full details, please click here.
SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT BACKS ANDRA Performance powerhouse Summit Racing Equipment is continuing its enthusiastic backing of ANDRA Drag Racing, renewing its partnership for 2022. This latest renewal marks eight consecutive years of support and more than $1.5 million dollars of investment for ANDRA Drag Racing by the company. For the full story, please click here.
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TWO GREAT COMPANIES JOIN ANDRA MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM ANDRA is pleased to welcome Racing Shocks Australia and Plucka’s Race Craft to the ANDRA Member Benefits Program. RACING SHOCKS AUSTRALIA
Racing Shocks Australia is the Australian sales and service representative for USA-made JRi Shocks and its factory trained team hold stock and sell new JRi Shocks and parts. The team can perform all servicing and custom tuning locally, including dyno testing. Models available include the entry level, dual adjustment non remote Sportsman shock and the pro-version ST08, which are available as two to five way remote systems including air assist for ride height and rebound. Every system built is tuned for the application and new complete units purchased receive a two-year warranty. Racing Shocks Australia also services other brands and provides dyno graphs. ANDRA members who purchase a pair of JRi shocks from Racing Shocks Australia are entitled to an annual free dyno check within a two-year period from the date of purchase equal to a saving of $120.00. Further discounts may be available for owners who seek season long technical assistance. For more information, visit www.racingshocksaustralia.com.au or contact Rob Palermo on 0407 951 990 or rob@racingshocksaustralia.com.au
ANDRA OFFICE CHRISTMAS CLOSURE DATES The ANDRA office will be closed for the Christmas break from the 23rd of December 2021 to the 4th of January 2022. All at ANDRA wish you a happy and safe holiday season. If you need anything during this period please contact your local Division Director.
PLUCKA’S RACE CRAFT
Paul Drady says this South Windsor (NSW) business is the leading shock specialist for drag racing in Australia. It is an authorised agent for Penske Racing Shocks, QA1, Altronics Inc, Lucas Oils and Vibrant Performance and specialises in shock sales and service in giving the racer factory support in the workshop and on the track. Plucka’s Race Craft says it has built and tuned shocks for the quickest door cars in Australia and utilises the latest in shock technology and custom builds to suit your needs. Also on offer are great products that the team uses personally on their builds or with their customers. The team is also always at the race track to support the racer and answer their questions. Plucka’s Race Craft is offering ANDRA Members a 10 percent discount on the purchase of new sets of Penske Shocks or Struts. For more information, contact Paul Drady at Plucka’s Race Craft on paul@pluckasracecraft.com.au or visit www.pluckasracecraft.com.au
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GALLAGHER VOTY ANOTHER HUGE SUCCESS The Gallagher Volunteer of the Year Awards have once again allowed ANDRA clubs around the country to recognise valued members of their volunteer teams. While all winners have been selected, not all have yet been publicly announced as Club’s organise unveiling events as part of their respective calendars. ANDRA would like to congratulate all of the winners and encourage readers to keep an eye on www.andra. com.au where we will be publishing profiles on each of the trophy getters in the coming weeks and months. You can already check out profiles for Lauren Kuchel,
Andrew Smith, Gavin ‘Bear’ Hynam, Sarah Bindle and Geoff Chaisty. Gallagher is the official insurance broker of the Australian National Drag Racing Association and offers competitive, no obligation quotes on everything from your race trailers, to your business, to your race track. For more than 90 years, Gallagher’s tailored insurance, risk management and consulting solutions have helped businesses, communities and people face their futures with confidence. For more information, visit www.ajg.com.au
ANDRA CLUBS RECEIVE FUNDING, MORE GRANTS AVAILABLE
Two ANDRA clubs have been successful in round two of the Victorian Government’s Community Motorsport Program funding and further grants are still available.
for the purchase of a Drag Racing Lights and Timing system for the Wimmera facility ($9,043) and the running of the Wimmera Eighth Mile Championship ($10,000).
The South Coast Drag Racing Association will receive $20,000 which will be split equally across the purchase of a Scraping Machine for track preparation and the running of the South Coast Nationals.
Participation in the program is limited to applications from motorsport clubs and organisations that are currently affiliated with Motorsport Australia or Motorcycling Victoria or its delegated bodies, such as ANDRA.
Beat the Heat (Victoria), in conjunction with the Wimmera Off Street Drag Racing Association, will receive $14,043
For more information, please click here.
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TECH UPDATES
Have you been keeping up to date with our latest Tech updates? Recently, a number of updates have been made to the Homologated Fuel List, and a range of Rulebook Page Updates have also been released. You can view the latest info on these subjects and a whole range of others by visiting the ‘Technical’ Menu on the www.andra.com.au website. Also don’t forget – if you want to make a rule submission, you can do so using the ‘Rulebook Submission Procedure’ form which is available on the Technical Documentation page (click here).
FREE TO JOIN! LOOKING FOR MEMBER BENEFITS? The ANDRA Member Benefits Program has been created to offer its loyal members the opportunity to receive discounts to products from supporting companies.
RAI UNVEILS EXCITING NEW ANDRA LIVERY Rapisarda Autosport International recently took the covers off a striking new livery for one of its Top Fuel Dragsters at Sydney Dragway. The special ANDRA livery showcases the ANDRA logo on both sides of the dragster alongside the ‘The Most Powerful Motorsport On The Planet’ tagline, with the ANDRA name also featured on the nose. The livery will feature in upcoming promotional opportunities for ANDRA and fans will also have the chance to see it in action at select upcoming ANDRA and Australian Top Fuel Championship events. For the full story, please click here.
By joining the program, your business and products will be promoted to a performance-based target audience. Participating businesses of the ANDRA Member Benefits Program receive promotion through ANDRA’s database of over 5000 members and race fans, as well as exposure through the ANDRA website and the regular MotorMail email newsletter. This is the perfect platform to launch new products, advertise monthly specials and any other sale promotions you may have. If you would like more information on the program or want to complete your free registration, please visit www.andra.com.au/directory/andra-memberbenefits-program To view a listing of all ANDRA Member Benefits Program offers, please go to www.andra.com.au/ directory/member-benefits-program-directory
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GET ON BOARD WITH ANDRA DRAG RACING!
As a valued ANDRA business partner, you can receive maximum exposure through the ANDRA Drag Racing brand and its events. Your company will be showcased whenever and wherever possible, for example: racers will carry decals representing your logo, trophies will feature your branding, commentators will make reference to your involvement across events and media reports will highlight your involvement. There is a host of ways you can support ANDRA drag racing, including investment in the following:
> F ASTLANE MAGAZINE ADVERTISING (ONLINE) > R ULE BOOK ADVERTISING (HARD COPY AND ONLINE) > MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM (FREE TO JOIN) > E VENT NAMING RIGHTS (AT SELECT EVENTS, PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS) > S PORTSMAN SERIES BRACKET SPONSORSHIP
> FACEBOOK/TWITTER RECOGNITION > OFFICIAL SUPPLIER STATUS > RUNNER-UP TROPHY SPONSOR FOR SPORTSMAN SERIES AND ADRC. > WEBSITE RECOGNITION > MOTOR MAIL FEATURE – MOTOR MAIL IS OUR MEMBERS ONLY NEWSLETTER, CONTACT US TO SEE AN EXAMPLE IF YOU DON’T HAVE AN ANDRA MEMBER LOGIN
For more information and to discuss opportunities, contact ANDRA’s Business Development Manager Jennifer Lingo (Harrison) on jennifer.harrison@andra.com.au
Photo courtesy of Amber Simms Photography.
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CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDARS
HIDDEN VALLEY DRAG STRIP
ROUND 1
JULY 16-17, 2021
ALICE SPRINGS INLAND DRAGWAY
ROUND 2
JULY 24-25, 2021
ROUND 3 - CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19
OCTOBER 2-3, 2021
ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY PERTH MOTORPLEX
ROUND 4
NOVEMBER 26-27, 2021
CALDER PARK RACEWAY
ROUND 5
FEBRUARY 5-6, 2022
PERTH MOTORPLEX
ROUND 6
MARCH 5-6, 2022
HIDDEN VALLEY DRAG STRIP
TOP END NATIONALS
JULY 16 - 17, 2021
ALICE SPRINGS INLAND DRAGWAY
DESERT NATIONALS
JULY 24 - 25, 2021
BENARABY DRAGWAY
ROCKET NATIONALS - CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19
AUGUST 28, 2021
BENARABY DRAGWAY
ROCKET NATIONALS - CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19
AUGUST 29, 2021
SUNSET STRIP (MILDURA)
SUNSET NATIONALS - CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19
SEPTEMBER 18-19, 2021
ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY PERTH MOTORPLEX
CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19
OCTOBER 2-3, 2021
GOLDENSTATES
NOVEMBER 26-27, 2021
SOUTH COAST RACEWAY
SOUTH COAST NATIONALS
DECEMBER 11-12, 2021
SOUTH COAST RACEWAY
SOUTH COAST 660
JANUARY 22-23, 2022
CALDER PARK RACEWAY
AUSTRALIAN NATIONALS
FEBRUARY 5-6, 2022
PERTH MOTORPLEX SUNSET STRIP (MILDURA)
WESTERNATIONALS
MARCH 5-6, 2022
TWILIGHT NATIONALS
MARCH 18-19, 2022
*Please note this calendar is subject to change.
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WELCOME BACK
SYDNEY
Western Sydney International Dragway Ltd (WSID) has returned to the Australian National Drag Racing Association Ltd family, recently signing a new multi-year sanctioning agreement with ANDRA. The exciting new agreement not only sees ANDRA as the primary provider of sanctioning services at Sydney Dragway, but also brings WSID into the Australian Drag Racing Championships (ADRC) and the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series (SRESS), starting with the current 2021/ 2022 season and what will be the Grand Finals for both Series – the Gulf Western Oil Nitro Champs (May 6 and 7). ANDRA has been working around the clock with WSID since the announcement to ensure the transition for NSW racers can be as smooth as possible. “These efforts have included releasing a transitional process for licences and log books for NSW racers, a range of technical updates, conducting an extensive survey which we are working through the feedback for now, and ongoing consultation with a range of categories to ensure there is a space for them within national ANDRA championship competition,” ANDRA Chief Executive Officer, Brett Stevens, explains.
“Talks are also underway with Group One categories outside of the ADRC’s Top Doorslammer and Top Fuel Motorcycle brackets and Top Fuel Australia about the opportunities for them to race with ANDRA at Sydney and nationwide as part of the ADRC. “At the same time, we continue to gather information from all corners to ensure we are doing all we can to ensure this transition is as successful as possible. The inclusion of all racers and minimising disruption has been the singular goal of both ANDRA and WSID in this process. “It has been fantastic to see Sydney Dragway firing back into life recently after a long lay-off due to COVID-19 restrictions, and we are so very excited to be a part of this thrilling new era for one of Australia’s premier drag racing facilities.” At the time of the announcement, WSID Chairman Garry Watterson celebrated the new agreement as a watershed moment in the current evolution of the facility.
Continued over page...
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Photo: Cackling Pipes Photography
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“
...we are doing all we can to ensure this transition is as successful as possible Brett Stevens
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Continued from previous page... “WSID is a leading facility and while the enforced closures due to COVID-19 have been challenging for all involved, we have been undergoing a period of improvement with renovations and a new track surface recently completed to ensure that we can provide the best levels of service to Australia’s drag racing community,” Watterson said.
“As we looked ahead to the future, it was clear to us that the best way forward for us was to partner with the Australian National Drag Racing Association. “We are confident that in partnership with ANDRA, WSID has a brilliant future ahead with many exciting developments to come.”
ANDRA Chairman Nathan Peirano said he was thrilled to welcome WSID back as a member track. “WSID is a key destination for Australia’s drag racing community and offers an amazing service to racers who come from all over to compete at arguably the best facility in the southern hemisphere,” Peirano said.
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Photo: Outlaw Images
“With the latest round of improvements, WSID is one of the premium quarter-mile racing facilities in the world and we are ecstatic to once again have this impressive and leading facility as part of the ANDRA family. “We can’t wait to see WSID once again in full swing hosting drag racing events of all sizes and formats under ANDRA sanctioning.
“We are also very excited to be bringing WSID into the ADRC and SRESS. These are truly national competitions, and it really is an exciting time for our sport. We are greatly looking forward to collaborating with ANDRA competitors and the participating ANDRA member tracks to create the best possible series we can.
“Having the Gulf Western Oil Nitro Champs as our Grand Final for both the Australian Drag Racing Championship and the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series is something we are very excited about, and will provide a perfect conclusion to the 2021/ 2022 season.” To learn more about WSID, go to www.sydneydragway.com.au
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TECH
TORQUE There are two ways to assemble and route ignition wires – down and dirty, and the proper way. If you’d rather have ignition wires that won’t arc, cook, or melt on your headers, you know which way to go.
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WIRE WORKS 13 IGNITION WIRE ASSEMBLY AND ROUTING TIPS Story and Photos by Wayne Scraba
We’ll get you started on the right path with 13 tips to help you weave your way through the wiring maze. Follow them and 13 may end up being your lucky number – for ignition wires, anyway!
2A
2B TIP 1
Install a brass contact terminal in the cap to make it easy to judge the length of the wire you need for a specific cylinder. A good plan for assembling wires is by starting with the shortest one, then the next shortest, and so on. If you follow this plan, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll have a decent length of wire left over for the spare parts bin.
TIP 2
When I started this wiring job, I came up with this routing arrangement (2A). It was clear that wasn’t going to work. The wires were re-routed to tighten up the jungle at the cap for a clean installation (2B).
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TIP 3
You might not be able to use the recommended wire set for your engine if you have headers. You’ll often find more than one wire that needs a different spark plug terminal – case in point is the writer’s big block Chevy. The most common wire set recommended has straight plug terminals and boots. But in this case, seven wires work better with 135 degree boots and terminals. Basically, it’s ok to mix and match.
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7
TIP 10
TIP 7
TIP 4
When assembling wires, it’s a good idea to test them for continuity before, during and after the build. Here, we’re going through a set of Summit Racing 8.5mm “Ultra Low Ohm” wires with a multimeter. They test wonderfully by the way.
When crimping terminals, bend the terminal slightly as shown to get a more secure crimp. You can see how the terminal literally bites into the wire.
When you’re figuring out your ignition wire layout, it’s a good idea to loosely install them in the looms before terminating the ends, adding sleeves, etc. This gives you a pretty good idea how long the wires need to be. Here, we have an 8.5mm wire in a loom designed for 10.5mm wire. An MSD sleeve installed over the wire makes up the difference.
9A
If you are using wire sleeves and shrink sleeves, get everything set up on the wire first before you complete the termination. It’s usually next to impossible to remove and reinstall the boot after the terminal is installed.
11B
Sometimes the ignition wires will end up close enough to the header tubes to face damage from exhaust heat. MSD’s Pro Boot Guard (P/N 3412) works perfectly to protect them. I also use it over the starter wires (11B) to prevent them from melting too.
12 TIP 12
A old craft cutting mat is perfect for laying out and cutting wire. The mat is laid out in a grid and has a built-in ruler. If you don’t sew, check out the local quilting shops. They sell mats in various sizes.
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6 TIP 6
11A TIP 11
TIP 8
When installing the distributor boots over the wires during assembly, you’ll have to pull the boot back quite a ways over the wire to cleanly install the terminal. Instead of fighting with it, use a little bit of dielectric grease in the boot. It goes a long way toward distributor boot installation. It’s also a good idea to add dielectric grease to the spark plug boot too. This stops the boot from sticking on the spark plug.
The easiest way to physically “shrink” heat shrink tubing is with a heat gun. It makes for a clean, secure installation.
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5
TIP 5
10
TIP 13 TIP 9
There are a few ways to cut ignition wire to length. The writer prefers this old MSD tool for cutting jobs (9A) and sharp scissors to cut the sleeves (9B).
You’ll get all sorts of arguments about this, but many racers prefer to route ignition wires either under the headers (where possible) or behind the valve covers as shown. This allows you to remove the valve covers to inspect the valvetrain, set valve lash, etc. without removing the wires.
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Winning Takes Work. Getting Parts is Easy.
Shopping is Simple. Use the Summit Racing Mobile App to easily browse parts, add items to your cart, and check out right from your phone. Shipping is Fast! And our Landed Cost Shipping includes all duties, taxes, and clearance fees, so you can spend more time racing and less time waiting for parts. EXPERT ADVICE. HUGE INVENTORY. FAST DELIVERY. WORLD-CLASS CUSTOMER SERVICE. Get The Summit Racing app for Apple and Android devices. Int’l: 1.330.630.0230 FIND IT AT
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CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS LEADERS TOP DOORSLAMMER
TOTAL
TOP FUEL MOTORCYCLE
TOTAL
DANIEL GREGORINI
270
GREG DURACK
118
JOHN ZAPPIA
253
RICKY WOOD
87
MATHEW ABEL
162
WAYNE MCGUINNESS
66
KELVIN LYLE
157
LES HOLDEN
65
STUART MORESBY
104
CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS LEADERS COMPETITION
TOTAL
STEVE MARTIN
90
MORENO GULLOTTO
TOTAL
SUPER SEDAN
TOTAL
MODIFIED BIKE
TOTAL
VLADO TURIC
250
MARTIN MIRCO
190
ALLAN HENRY
100
60
KEVIN MCIVOR
180
PETER TZOKAS
180
GARY FLATT
100
BRETT GLOVER
40
LEON DAVIES
170
DESMOND JEFFREE
170
SIMON GARBUTT
100
JAMES KEMP
40
CORY READ
110
RENEE COCKERILL
110
DEAN GUNSON
80
ALBY BAKRANICH
100
KYLE HIGGINS
100
ROB HARRISON
80
TOTAL
SUPER STREET
TOTAL
SUPER STOCK
TOTAL
TOP SPORTSMAN
SUPERCHARGED OUTLAWS
JR DRAGSTER TOTAL
GRAEME SIMMS
100
MARK HUNT
100
LISA GARBELLINI
300
BRODIE ZAPPIA
190
ERROL QUARTERMAINE
80
ALAN MAHNKOPH
80
MICHAEL BRIDGES
200
COOPER PLUMMER
180
STEVE NORMAN
70
VINCE BELLADONNA
60
PAUL GARBELLINI
170
AIDAN ABEL
160
JAMIE CHAISTY
60
JESSICA MULLINS
60
GLENN STERKENBURG
130
SCARLETT SHERWOOD
110
JODI RACCO
20
RYAN VAN DYK
40
KIRSTIE WROE
100
JETT MARTIN
100
COMPETITION BIKE
TOTAL
MODIFIED
TOTAL
ROSS SMITH
100
KASEY MCCLURE
100
TROY THOMPSON
80
CRAIG BAKER
80
GORDON CRAWFORD
60
DARRYL TREASURE
80
PHILL PATON
50
CHRISTOPHER MOORE
60
MORRY CANTERELLA
50
PAUL RYAN
60
CLICK HERE OR GO TO ANDRA.COM.AU FOR FULL CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS
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CLUBPROFILE
A DREAM COME TRUE
The Winton Motorsport Association was once just a dream but today, it is a reality; hosting fantastic events on their very own eighth mile drag strip located five kilometres east of Winton in Queensland. Winton Motorsport Associations’ Rhiannon Collins explains that the Association is the result of much hard work. “The Winton Motorsport Association was a dream of some serious revheads. From racing on the Winton Airstrip to creating their own track, over many, many years of hard work and determination the Winton Drag Club was born,” Rhiannon said. “Once a permanent track became a possibility, the Winton Shire Council was able to make it a reality by leasing a block of land to the Winton Motorsport Association. “From there a few keen local business owners and car mad blokes got together and started building the dream track. “From donations to grants and volunteer hours, the track began to take shape.
“Concrete barriers were carted from Brisbane in tipper bins back to Winton and laid alongside the track. The eighth mile track surface was then sealed with foundations for a quarter mile track created. Calling towers were installed, an amenities block was built, and a bar/ canteen area was established. “During these trying times, a few members of the association stood out as major contributors – providing everything from machinery to man power to get jobs done – and these families will go down in history as the backbone of the club including the late Buddo Grant and family, the late Butch Lenton and family, the Ludwick Family, the Morton Family and the McQueen Family. “And we are far from done – we have been successful grant applicants through the Winton Shire Council and are planning to build a permanent extension onto the pre-existing bar/canteen area to provide shade to spectators. The kitchen area is also undergoing a revamp with insulation, with air-conditioning and new fit outs due to take place in the near future.” The Winton Motorsport Association plays a popular role within its local
community, providing a service as well as entertainment. “We hold a great deal of pride in catering to the needs of both our races and spectators,” Rhiannon said. “We also recognise that without our local community attending our event, we wouldn’t be as successful as we are. “We keep the drinks cold, the food hot and the courtesy bus running from the start of the day until the end; and gate entry is free which entices locals to come out and have a look. “During the times that we aren’t racing, club members are busy selling tickets in raffles and $100 boards at the local watering hole, striking up plenty of great conversations and forming bonds with our great community at the same time.” The club is currently busy preparing for 2022 with the support of existing and new members and backers. “We don’t have any racing on the schedule for 2021 currently as we focus on infrastructure, but we are already planning on getting back to having fun for a bigger and better 2022!” Rhiannon said.
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“There is a range of ways in which people can support us if they wish. “Becoming a member with our club can not only give you a sense of belonging to a club, but it also helps us to pay the ever-growing expenses. “As we are a small NFP organisation, we are always seeking sponsors, race day prize packs and any other form of collaborations possible. “We would love to capture the interest of you, the readers, to come out and check out our facilities one day. After all, telling your friends about the time you had, sharing our facebook posts and supporting us are all free ways that will help our club to grow.” Like so many amazing teams in Australian drag racing, the team behind the Winton Motorsport Association is purely volunteer based. “A successful team starts at the top, with good leadership comes success in the club. From our executive members to our club members down to our volunteers, anyone involved in our club is a blessing in disguise. After all, many hands make light work,” Rhiannon said. “To put it simply, volunteers are not paid because they are worthless, but because they are priceless. Without our volunteers nothing would happen. “Our wonderful volunteers help with absolutely everything! Working bee day? The super volunteers will be there! Need a hand to clean the toilets? They will be there! They help whenever and wherever they can. “Our thanks goes to each and every volunteer that helps us do what we do for our community. We might be a small club, but we sure are mighty! They say we do it differently in the bush and we do, but we promise you will have the time of your life if you attend our events.” To learn more about the Winton Motorsport Association, please click here to visit its Facebook page. To contact the club, email wintonmotorsport@gmail.com
RACER PROFILES
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ALLAN HENRY MODIFIED BIKE
NAME: ALLAN HENRY AGE: 65 BASED IN: BERRY SPRINGS, NT OCCUPATION: RETIRED STARTED RACING: 1976 IN WHYALLA CLASSES COMPETED: SUPER STREET BIKE, A STREET BIKE, MODIFIED BIKE BEST ET AND SPEED: 8.53 @ 155MPH SPONSORS: EPRINT AND AUTOSMART NT FAVOURITE TV SHOW: VIKINGS FAVOURITE FOOD: SALAD FAVOURITE RACETRACK: HIDDEN VALLEY DRAG STRIP
At the season-opening Top End Nationals, you took out the Modified Bike win – what was that event like for you? It was great fun for the team. We top qualified and had high hopes going into the round after taking out the Nitro Up North meeting and a round one win for the NT Championship Series. Crew Chief Adam Rapp had the shock and clutch setup perfectly, getting the Section 8 Racing Hayabusa down the track with a stock engine in the mid-eights which was pretty good. The win was certainly a high point, it was great to finally get a Christmas Tree trophy after getting so close several times and the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier medal was a bonus as well. What are your plans for the rest of the 2021/2022 season? Hopefully the team will make a trip to WA in 2022 for the Westernationals. Ray Treasure does a great job in Darwin as well as Perth and the Motorplex looks fantastic and probably has better air than here in the NT. Beyond that we will have to wait and see how the near future plays out given the current border dramas as far as Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series events go, but we will definitely be racing locally. The bike has just gone to Jim Hanlon for a freshen up of the engine ready for racing next year. Our team Section 8 racing has won the NT Modified Bike championship and the NT Titles for the last three seasons, and my wife Mary-Rose got runner-up this year in the Street Bike class so all in all it has been a great year this year and we hope to repeat and do better next year! You recently travelled all the way to Whyalla for their October double-header event – how was that event for you? We had a pretty hectic two weeks, Adam and I drove down to Alice Springs with the bike in the back of Adam’s ute to race at CADRA’s last meet of the year at Alice Springs Inland Dragway where we had some grip issues but managed to run a triple 0 light to save some face and come away happy. Fellow bike racer Bryan Finn kindly loaded our bike onto his Whyalla-bound trailer and Adam and I, after travelling back to Darwin, flew out to Adelaide on the Friday before the meeting. Big Matt Dare from Overlord Racing picked us up and drove us down to Whyalla – the place where 45 years ago I started racing. The track was unrecognisable from when I was last there 26 years ago, thanks to all the work the club has done. It was sort of a bucket list thing to get back there, and we ran a couple of 60-foot mile per hour PBs and made it to the final on Saturday. Unfortunately, it was in the final that we broke the clutch ring on the start line and left us with the runner-up result and an unfixable clutch which saw us miss Sunday’s racing which was a bit of a bummer! But that is racing, and we enjoyed what racing we got to do! Is there anyone who you would like to shine the spotlight on for their involvement in your racing? If anyone has influenced me to start racing it is a guy named Tom Hugo, so my thanks goes to him. Also, my wife Mary-Rose – she races in Street Bike class and is always supportive – and also Adam Rap who sets the bike up so all I have to do is react and ride.
Photo courtesy of HighRPM
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SCARLETT SHERWOOD SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT JUNIOR DRAGSTER
NAME: SCARLETT SHERWOOD
How did you find the Top End Nationals event, racing as part of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series?
AGE: 15
I found the racing to be really good and I really enjoyed meeting and talking to the other Junior races over the two days and nights.
HOMETOWN: DARWIN, NT
What is your goal for the 2021/2022 season?
OCCUPATION: STUDENT STARTED RACING: 2019 FAVOURITE RACE VEHICLE: MY CURRENT CAR
I just want to get out there and race in Perth as much as we can. What do you plan to do when you graduate from the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster class? At this stage I am planning on just doing all I can to help out with the Abels and their racing and see where things go from there. What do you enjoy about the Junior Dragster bracket?
FAVOURITE TV SHOW: LOVE ISLAND
It has been a very good experience so far, a great introduction to drag racing and a great way to meet new people. I enjoy it.
FAVOURITE FOOD: CHICKEN CARBONARA
Is there anyone you would like to thank for the role they have played in your racing?
FAVOURITE RACETRACK: HIDDEN VALLEY DRAG STRIP Photo courtesy of HighRPM
I would really like to thank the Abel family, especially Matt for letting me to race one of his cars. I also want to thank my dad Mark, my brother Deegan and Jorja for helping out.
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Behind the Wheel with Jr. Dragster Racer Sarah Osborne “I love being able to race friends and be competitive, but still have fun together at the end of the day.”
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24
“
I think I am equal parts nervous and excited! Doina Day
”
PORTLAND
READY TO FIRE UP racerprofile Across December 11 and 12, South Coast Raceway will roar back into life for the first of back-to-back Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series events to be held at the venue across December and January – the South Coast Nationals.
“At the South Coast Nats we will be focusing on getting down the track fast and safe. You never know, we could win and the stars could align like they have for me once before, I doubt it, but you never know!
Entries have poured in for the event, with Doina Day one competitor in particular who is anxiously awaiting the two-day event at the Portland venue.
“The Portland track is always fantastic, it is on of my favourites, alongside Mildura and also Sydney from a quarter-mile perspective, and I can’t wait to be back racing there. The whole team is just fantastic and so welcoming. They are the best of the best and I am really happy that we have this group supporting our sport.
the hill and watch the racing for hours and one day Peter will build her a Junior Dragster and we can all enjoy our beloved sort together hopefully,” she said.
DARREN MALLISON
The event will mark her comeback to Supercharged Outlaws racing after three years out of the drivers’ seat, and she will do so with a new engine. “It has been three years, so I am feeling very nervous, I think I am equal parts nervous and excited!” Doina laughed.
“I am worried I have forgotten what to do! But I am sure once I am back in the seat and ready to race it will be like I never left. “I started in Outlaws around 15 years ago in my old car, and I was very comfortable in that car but when I broke it, we got the new car and put the old motor into it, but it was just never really happy. “It is a beautiful big car, Bob Myer built is and it is just stunning and beautiful to drive, and I have a lot of faith in it, but it seems to only be happy when it is angry, when it is going flat out, so hopefully this new motor – a 511 Hemi Anderson compared to a 350 small block Chev – will be angry enough for it!” she grinned.
“I really can’t wait to get back into action – COVID-19 has been very isolating and I miss all of my drag racing family, and I can’t wait for us all to be back together again for this event.” Day has taken out victory at Portland before, winning the January South Coast 660 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series event on a day where her daughter, Jasmine, also took victory in Modified. “Back in 2015 I won the event in January in Outlaws and Jasmine raced and won in Modified, and that was a huge achievement for us to do that as mother and daughter racing and winning. “Now I can’t wait for my granddaughter Aubrey to join us one day – she is three now and loves drag racing, she will sit on
“It is such a family sport for us and I must thank Peter – he is a legend, he is the man. We have been married for nearly 39 years and he is my best friend and this is just one of the many things we do together. “He is happy to be the tuner and this new engine and also our new Lenco drive are a whole new challenge for him, but he just loves it and enjoys it. “This is a new challenge and a new goal for us, we went as far as we could with the small block and we are looking forward to going fast with this new combination. “I would also like to thank John Drysdale who has been my sponsor for my whole Outlaws racing career, as well as all of my crew guys over the years.” The South Coast Nationals will be held at Portland’s South Coast Raceway across December 11 and 12, 2021. It will host round five of the 2021/2022 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series. For more event information, visit www.southcoastraceway.com.au Photo courtesy of Automotive Event Images
25 fastlane 19 fastlane
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26
N E D L GO S E T A T S
A GOLDEN TIME Australian Drag Racing Championship and Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series competitors delivered gold-standard performances at the Perth Motorplex’s Goldenstates across November 26-27. In their pursuit of prestigious ANDRA Christmas Tree trophies, Stuart Moresby (Top Doorslammer), Greg Durack (Top Fuel Motorcycle), Jett Martin (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Kirstie Wroe (Super Street), Simon Garbutt (Modified Bike), Kyle Higgins (Super Sedan), Kasey McClure (Modified), Alby Bakranich (Top Sportsman), Mark Hunt (Supercharged Outlaws), Ross Smith (Competition Bike), Graeme Simms (Super Stock) and Steven Martin (Competition) were ultimately successful after two big days of action. Taking out the runner-up spots were Pino Priolo (Top Doorslammer), Ricky Wood (Top Fuel Motorcycle), Seth Jarvis (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Mike Caridi (Super Street), Paul Nieuwhof (Modified Bike), Matt Gullotto (Super Sedan), Darryl Treasure (Modified), Paul Downe (Top Sportsman), Alan Mahnkoph (Supercharged Outlaws), Troy Thompson (Competition Bike), Errol Quartermaine (Super Stock) and Moreno Gullotto (Competition). Moresby found himself in the Top Doorslammer final against fellow underdog Pino Priolo after a round one
victory over a very loose Kelvin Lyle and a semi-final win against a wall-scraping Daniel Gregorini – who on Friday claimed the Crow Cams Top Qualifier Award presented by Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks for the bracket. Priolo meanwhile emerged with a win over John Zappia in the very first round when Zappia crossed the centre line, and then went on to take victory against Steve Aldridge in the semi with Aldridge hampered by his chutes deploying at the 1000-foot mark. The final had everyone holding their breath and while Priolo ran into trouble, Moresby streaked through for the victory with a 5.915 second performance. Making Moresby’s victory even more impressive is the fact he came to the Motorplex with essentially no data to rely on after putting a new rear end in the car. For Top Fuel Motorcycle victor Greg Durack, the Goldenstates result was 40 years in the making. The Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier took on and defeated Les Holden in the sem-final, while eventual runner-up Ricky Wood emerged victorious from a battle against Wayne
McGuinness – whose team was awarded the Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award. When Wood was unable to front for the final, Durack was left to complete a solo pass to secure his claim on the prestigious ANDRA Christmas Tree trophy. In Super Street, Kirstie Wroe took out an exceptionally close final against Mike Caridi following an equally intense semifinal against her twin sister, Ashleigh Wroe, which ended in a double breakout. Kirstie took on and defeated Glenn Sterkenburg (round one), national champion Paul Garbellini and Joel Trotman to make it to the semis and eventually, the final. Caridi meanwhile had taken on WA champion Andy Oorschot (round one), Peter Forward, Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Steph Gullotto, and Lisa Garbellini to take his spot in the final. The Modified class was another which saw a very close finish, with Kasey McClure beating Darryl Treasure to the line by 0.017 of a foot in a nailbiting finale. McClure had earlier beaten Nicholas Wroe (round one) and Rachel Gannaway while Treasure had bettered Jeff Acton (round one) and Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Paul Ryan. In Modified Bike, Simon Garbutt took the victory on his daily driver over Paul Nieuwhof. Garbutt found himself in the final following victories over Jarrod Maclean (round one) and Luke Seaton before enjoying a bye in round three
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Photos courtesy of High Octane Photos
ahead of victory over Brett Allen in the semi-final. Meanwhile, Nieuwhof – the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Medallion winner for the bracket – enjoyed byes in both the opening round and the semi-final, successfully taking on Natasha Hayden and Jack Wasley in rounds two and three. Also on two wheels, the Competition Bike Chicago shootout format proved entertaining with Ross Smith taking on and defeating Troy Thompson in the final. In the Super Sedan category, Kyle Higgins
delivered
his
mother
the
perfect birthday present by taking out the ANDRA Christmas Tree trophy with a win over Matt Gullotto who unfortunately encountered issues on the start line. Higgins had previously taken on and won against Luke Guppy (round one) and national champion Martin Mirco before a bye in round three and a semi-final victory over Daniel Kojic. Gullotto meanwhile ensured he had a spot in the final by taking earlier wins from Steve Hunt, Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Rob Evans and Kathy Regan before benefitting from a bye run in the semi-final.
While there were plenty of very close races across the brackets, Supercharged Outlaws was not one such category. Instead, Mark Hunt was very surprised to take the win after breaking on the hit, after his rival Alan Mahnkoph red-lit. Hunt had previously defeated Peter Appleby and Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Vince Belladonna to go to the final, while Mahnkoph had taken on Ryan Van Dyk and Jessica Mullins. Super Stock was another class that saw an unfortunate breakage on the startline, with Errol Quartermaine unable to make use of his finals berth against event winner Graeme Simms. Simms had earlier taken on and defeated Daniel Johnson (round one) and Jake Chaisty while Quartermaine had emerged victorious from battles against Jodi Racco (round one) and Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Steve Norman. In the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster ranks, it was Jett Martin who took the victory over a red-lighting Seth Jarvis, after having emerged victorious from earlier battles against Isaac Adamos (round one), Zara Board and Angel Bakranich ahead of a bye in the semi. Jarvis meanwhile had taken on
and defeated Lachlan Taylor (round one), Brock Ferguson and Tyler James (who defeated Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Dylan Spadaro in round two) before also enjoying a bye in the semi. It was a family affair for the Martins in the winners’ circle, with Steve Martin also taking out an ANDRA Christmas Tree for the Competition bracket thanks to a win over Moreno Gullotto. Martin had previously successfully faced off against James Kemp while Moreno had won against Brett Glover to book his place in the final. Martin was also the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier for the Competition class. The Top Sportsman class saw Alby Bakranich take the win over Paul Downe following earlier victories over Kevin McIvor (round one) and Yvette Gregg. Downe had booked his place in the final by defeating Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Colin Davis in the first round before facing off against Phil Rowles in the semi-final. ANDRA thanks the Perth Motorplex and all of its volunteers and sponsors for an outstanding racetrack and a well-run event.