Fastlane Magazine - Issue 38

CHAMPIONS

The latest Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONS have been crowned

STAGING LANES ANDRA AND NDRC EXCITED FOR THE FUTURE

ANDRA and the National Drag Racing Championship (NDRC) have reached agreement on integrating the contracted Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series rounds into the NDRC Sportsman Championship Western Conference, with a seamless transition to the Aeroflow Sportsman Championship starting from 1st January 2024.

As part of this agreement, the ANDRA Sportsman rounds for 2023 / 2024 previously mentioned (see here) will be run as planned.

These events will count towards the NDRC points score for its 2023 / 2024 sportsman title, with the ANDRA-sanctioned events held prior to the 31st of December 2023 to be run as Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series events.

As of the last Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series event held prior to December 31, point scores from the Summit Racing events will be recognised and flow into the new NDRC sportsman series.

From the 1st of January 2024, the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series name will be retired and all sportsman series events that are part of the NDRC will be branded as Aeroflow Sportsman Series events, with the Grand Final to be held at The Bend Dragway in April 2024, at which the inaugural NDRC Aeroflow Sportsman Series Champions will be crowned.

For the full story, please click here.

SPECIAL EDITION OF FASTLANE MAGAZINE COMING SOON

In 2023, the Australian National Drag Racing Association celebrates 50 years of ANDRA Drag Racing.

As part of the celebrations, we will be releasing a very special edition of FASTLANE Magazine, celebrating this important milestone for our sport.

ANDRA is pleased to confirm this magazine will be released to all

ANDRA members in August 2023, to coincide with the anniversary date.

In the meantime, if you have any photos or stories from the past 50 years you would like to share with us for possible inclusion in our celebrations across the year, please email them to media@andra.com.au

YOUR PERFORMANCE POWERHOUSE IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND

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

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

To download the app, go to:

Apple App Store: https://apple.co/2tuPOZf

Google Play: http://bit.ly/3953d9x

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2022/2023 DIVISIONAL CHAMPIONS

Along with our Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Australian Champions (see pages 10-21 of this magazine for more on them), ANDRA is pleased to announce the following competitors have been confirmed as the 2022/2023 Divisional Champions after achieving the highest points for their brackets in their respective divisions. Please join us in congratulating the following racers:

CENTRAL AUSTRALIA

VICTORIA & TASMANIA

NEW SOUTH WALES

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

UPDATED ANDRA SUPPLEMENTARY

RULEBOOK

ANDRA is pleased to announce an update to the Junior Drag Bike Class Regulations contained within the ANDRA Supplementary Rulebook. This Supplementary Rulebook is available from this link and as always can be found under the Technical tab on the ANDRA website.

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

DIVISION ELECTIONS UPDATE

ANDRA wishes to advise that due to the divisional council nominations for the current elections not exceeding the number of positions available on the Divisional Councils, as per the ANDRA Company Constitution (reference 32.11.3.6), the Divisional Elections will not be proceeding.

The current holders of Divisional Council positions will continue in their positions moving forward. ANDRA members can view the makeups of the various Divisional Councils at https://www.andra.com.au/divisional-councils/

The next scheduled Divisional Council elections period will commence in February of 2024. ANDRA would like to thank those that renominated for their divisions for their past and continued efforts.

If you have any questions, please email info@andra.com.au

ADVERTISING FOR 2023/2024 LAST CHANCE

Advertisement space within the 2023 / 2024 ANDRA Rulebook is closing soon.

The placement of the advertisement can be tailored to your business and placed in an industry relevant section of the ANDRA Rulebook.

Full page, half page and quarter-page advertisements are available.

For rates and specifications, please email by 14 June 2023.

technical@andra.com.au

AMANDA GEDDES ANDRA WELCOMES

ANDRA recently welcomed Amanda Geddes to the team, taking over the role of Membership and Licensing Officer from Kylie Hazelhurst, who has departed the role after almost 17 years of highly appreciated service.

As well as more than 30 years of familiarity with ANDRA drag racing, Geddes brings to the role many

years of corporate experience in the Automotive OEM and Aftermarket industries across Quality Assurance, Component Inspection, Customer Service and Compliance Management.

Geddes officially commenced in the role on Monday April 3, and she can be contacted on 08 8271 5355, 0437 933 745 and Amanda.Geddes@andra.com.au

NEW PREMISES NOW OPEN

ANDRA is now operating from 287 Payneham Road in Royston Park, sharing premises with fellow Australian motorsport governing body, Speedway Australia.

“We are very happy to be sharing premises with our good friends at Speedway Australia, which like us, are members of the Australian Motorsport Council,” ANDRA Caretaker Chief Executive Officer, Ian Brown, said.

“Retaining our headquarters in South Australia was very important to us, and we look forward to continuing to serve our members to the best of our ability from this new location.

“It is no secret that there is a lot of change currently, but our members can rest assured that as we celebrate our 50th year in 2023, ANDRA remains as committed as ever to championing the cause of our members and

member tracks, and growing the great sport of drag racing in Australia.”

The new ANDRA office can be contacted on 08 8271 5355 (landline) and info@andra.com.au

The 0437 933 745 (licensing enquiries) and 0487 800 084 (technical enquiries) phone numbers also remain operational.

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 listed benefits.

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

The ANDRA Member Benefits Program has been created to offer its loyal members the opportunity to receive discounts to products from supporting companies.

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.

CELEBRATING OUR

Following a hard-fought season, ANDRA crowned the 2022 / 2023 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Australian Champions across 11 brackets at the ANDRA Grand Final

After two intense days of competition at the Perth Motorplex for the ANDRA Grand Final as part of the 52nd MacTrack Westernationals, the 2022 / 2023 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Australian Champions were crowned.

ANDRA congratulates each and every one of the champions, runners-up and all of those who took part in what was a fantastic season. Claiming the ultimate reward for their efforts over the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series season were Ross Lamattina (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Tommy Turic (Super Street), Brian Alvisio (Modified Bike), Lance Larcombe (Super Sedan), Simon Barlow (Modified), Alan Mahnkoph (Supercharged Outlaws), Leon Davies (Top Sportsman), Joe Khoury (Competition Bike), Adrian Vella (Super Stock) and Craig Geddes (Competition). While Super Gas did not contest

the event, Robert Bergamin was also heralded as the champion for this bracket. Proudly being awarded as runners-up in the title chase were Sarah Osborne (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Lisa Garbellini (Super Street), Brian Hotker (Modified Bike), Peter Tzokas (Super Sedan), Daniel Hodgins (Modified), Doina Day (Supercharged Outlaws), Glenn Henley (Top Sportsman), Jake Hamilton-Moderate (Competition Bike), Tom Dimitropoulos (Super Stock) and Madison Brown (Competition). Renee Cockerill was confirmed as the runner-up in Super Gas. Receiving special recognition at the end of season celebrations was Lance Larcombe, who was awarded not only the Super Sedan title, but also the coveted John Storm Memorial Trophy.

In this special feature, we hear from each of our 11 Australian Champions.

SUPER GAS

BRobertergamin

Robert Bergamin saw his dreams come true when he successfully clinched the 2022 / 2023 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Australian Championship for Super Gas, with consistency proving the key to his success.

“It took a good month for it to really sink in, but it has now. I go home at night and walk into my lounge room and see the big old gold Christmas Tree sitting there and it is just awesome,” Bergamin said.

“It really does mean the world to me. I would see the other championship winners in the rule book and always wanted to do that, and now I have. It really is a massive achievement for me, to have that Christmas Tree.

“It takes a lot of effort, but it just shows if you put your mind to it, you can do it, and it really means the world to me.

“I definitely want to run again this coming season and try and defend it. I am not going to change anything on my car, I am going to leave it as it is.

“I am fairly confident of being able to go back-toback. I reckon I could take it again, but now that the other Super Gas guys can see that someone can win with a car with no throttle stop that is basically a street car put on the track, I know they will be trying even harder now, so I will have to try harder myself. Everyone is going to be chasing it.”

For more from Bergamin, please click here.

Runner-up: Renee Cockerill

Photo courtesy of SPEEDPhotography

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT JUNIOR DRAGSTER

Ross Lamattina

In his first full Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series season, young racer Ross Lamattina followed in the championship-winning footsteps of his father, Top Fuel racer Phil Lamattina, by claiming his own Australian Championship by taking out the title for Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster at the ANDRA Grand Final.

“It all started when I was a kid and Mum and Dad dragged me along to the drags, so it was inevitable that I would eventually get into the racing. When Jake Berias’ car was coming up for sale, the Berias family were kind enough to let me license first to see if I liked it, and I was hooked,” Lamattina said.

“It hasn’t really sunken in yet, that I am a national champion, and my name goes into the history books – it is a massive achievement, and it is still sinking

“My younger brother is going to jump in now so I will be helping him out and mentoring him, and maybe we can have another Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster Champion in the family in a few years’ time. I will probably also be working on the Top Fuel car and learning a lot from that.

“At the moment it is a no (about driving the Top Fuel car), as Dad is having way too much fun. I would just like to work on the Top Fuel car for now. II would love to drive the fuel car one day, but Mum is not too happy about the idea of me jumping in, so maybe we are just going to have to find a way around that!”

To hear more from Lamattina, please click here.

Runner-up: Sarah Osborne

Photos courtesy of High Octane Photos

MODIFIED BIKE

BrianAlvisio

Runner-up: Brian Hotker

Brian Alvisio’s first ever trip to the Perth Motorplex proved exceptionally successful, seeing him walk away with not only his maiden Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series National Championship, but also the event runner-up honours in Modified Bike.

“When I bought the bike, all I ever wanted to do was run a nine second pass and race at the Winternationals (at my local track, Willowbank Raceway). I had been in the stands for Top Fuel at that event so many times as a young bloke and I had never even dreamed of winning a Winters, let alone winning it twice and winning championships,” Alvisio said.

“But winning this one (the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series National Championship) was different. It is one thing to go to your local track and race but to travel 23,500km around Australia chasing

a national title was a much bigger deal, and to have success everywhere we went really put a cap on it. It is a huge relief and gives an enormous sense of satisfaction and gratitude to the sport itself.

“(My favourite event of the season) would have to be the Alice Springs Desert Nationals event. There was a special feeling about racing there. The people running the event were exceptional, the racing was great, and it was the first time I really felt like I might have a good chance of winning the championship. Mildura (Twilight Nationals) was a close second. I am a country boy and I have a real love of the country feeling at these places.”

To hear more from Alvisio, please click here.

Photos courtesy of High Octane Photos

SUPER STREET

Tommy Turic

Runner-up: Lisa Garbellini

Tommy Turic immediately impressed upon stepping up from Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster to the senior ranks, taking out not only event wins at both the Top End Nationals (on debut) and the Desert Nationals before going on to claim the 2022 / 2023 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Super Street Championship. Never one to be satisfied, he already has a new class and a new title in his sights.

“It definitely felt pretty good to win the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Championship in Super Street. A lot of hard work went into it,” Turic said.

“I didn’t really expect to be chasing the title as we headed into the start of the season, but when I won that first event in Darwin and then won again at Alice Springs, we thought, ‘well, we are in the running now,’ so we just kept on chasing it from there.

“It has (sunk in that I’ve won the title), but I always want to achieve more – I never feel like I have done what I have to do, I always have to keep going and achieve more. Right now, I feel like I want to keep progressing and now that I have licensed in Top Sportsman, I see my future in chasing that championship at some stage.

“Dad (2021 / 2022 Top Sportsman Champion and John Storm Memorial winner, Vlado Turic) wants me to take a break when it comes to chasing titles so he can try and win another championship, so I will be helping him this season and then I will chase the championship the season after that, in Top Sportsman.”

To hear more from Turic, please click here.

Photos courtesy of High Octane Photos

SUPER SEDAN

Lance Larcombe

Runner-up: Peter

Lance Larcombe had his hands full following the ANDRA Grand Final, claiming both the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Super Sedan Australian Championship and also the coveted John Storm Memorial Trophy.

“Winning the Super Sedan Championship is a huge achievement for us and one we are very proud of. I believe it is one of the toughest brackets to race with plenty of talented racers going rounds,” Larcombe said.

“As for the John Storm Memorial, well that is just the icing on the cake and something that I never contemplated we would achieve. With these two achievements under our belt, which I think are the pinnacle of our sport, it justifies to me that all that time, effort and money is worth it.

“We haven’t really been in a position to chase the championship because of work commitments previously, but this year, that changed. We just went out there racing one round at a time and had fun doing it while taking it one meeting at a time. Our plans for this season are definitely to have a red hot crack and back up the championship.

“My favourite event last year was the Desert Nationals. It was our first Christmas Tree win and one I will never forget. Our highlight from last season was to win three events in a row, this still blows my mind that we were able to achieve that.”

To hear more from Larcombe, click here.

Tzokas

Photos courtesy of High Octane Photos

MODIFIED

SimonBarlow

Runner-up: Daniel Hodgins

Simon Barlow put himself in the box seat for his maiden Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Modified Australian Championship with a penultimate round victory, but with a number of racers nipping at his heels, he had an anxious wait to see if he would successfully claim the title after going out in the first round of the ANDRA Grand Final, throwing a red light by one thousandth of a second. With the chips eventually falling his way, Barlow was celebrated as a very well-deserving Australian Champion in Modified after many years in the hunt.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet (that I have won the title). I have been very busy with a lot of off-season preparation, but it probably will when the number one goes on the car,” Barlow said.

“We race each meeting just with the goal of getting past the first round, and we have done that enough times to win the championship. So, it is pretty cool and was definitely one of those ‘bucket list’ items.

“We have had a few runs at the championship over the years, twice going in on maximum points but getting overrun in the final rounds, so it was great to close this one out.

“The Mildura Twilight Nationals was probably my favourite (event of the season). Kingsley and his crew always put on a good event and that one was no different. It was stinking hot conditions, but it was cool to be racing the final after midnight against my old mate, Neil Dyson. Thanks for the red light, Neil!”

To hear more from Barlow, please click here.

Photos courtesy of High Octane Photos

SUPERCHARGED OUTLAWS

MAlanahnkoph

Runner-up: Doina Day

Many, many kilometres of travel, a dedicated team, a well-performing race car and plenty of strong and consistent results across the 2022 / 2023 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series saw WA racer Alan Mahnkoph celebrated as a well-deserving Supercharged Outlaws Australian Champion at the ANDRA Grand Finals.

“It is great to have won the championship for the team. As a sportsman racer, I am very grateful that my team is so passionate and has put in a lot of commitment with juggling work/life and travel expenses while in pursuit of our national championship,” Mahnkoph said.

“For three seasons now we have travelled interstate to compete in the championship. COVID held us back a bit last year as it was hard to travel, so it was great to be able to do the full series this year and the car performed faultlessly. We are really happy to have

clinched it this year.

“All of the events are great and unique. It is awesome fun taking your race car on holidays, meeting new people on our travels and catching up with friends.

“We are having the upcoming season off from running Supercharged Outlaws to regroup and hopefully find some new sponsors to help us to chase another championship in the following season, so watch this space.

“We choose to compete in Supercharged Outlaws as we love the sound of supercharged engines and enjoy racing other supercharged cars, while putting on a great show for the crowd. We also choose the category as we can run our car as hard as we like within our budget and wear our parts out, rather than throwing them out!” he laughed.

To hear more from Mahnkoph, please click here.

Photos courtesy of High Octane Photos

TOP SPORTSMAN

Leon Davies

Leon Davies headed to the ANDRA Grand Finals fourth on the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Super Stock championship points with 260 points, while the top three ahead of him were all on the max points cap. As his rivals fell throughout the event, Davies was in the box seat to clinch the big trophy, but he had to win the event to win the title, and that is exactly what he did.

“It took a while, but it has sunk in now. It really was very surreal at the time – I was running in fourth place when we headed over to Perth, 40 points down, so I didn’t think I had much of a chance, but things went right and went my way luckily! There were three guys on 300 and I was on 260, so things really had to go my way and it just really did fall my way, so that was great,” Davies said.

“We have been chasing the title for about four years, and with all the time and effort that we have put in, to

have finally achieved it really means a lot. And to have my whole family there to see me do it really made it extra special.

“I will be racing the upcoming season and I am definitely planning on trying to defend the title. With drag racing being so unpredictable, anything could happen, and I am going to be giving it a red hot go.

“Winning Perth’s ANDRA Grand Finals / Westernationals was my favourite event of the season, not only because of the championship, but because I had my wife Lisa and my kids (and son in law) Brett, Adam, Emma and Binnsy there with me.”

To hear more from Davies, please click here.

Runner-up: Glenn Henley

Photos courtesy of High Octane Photos

COMPETITION BIKE

Joe Khoury

Runner-up: Jake Hamilton-Moderate

Joe Khoury has been chasing a national championship for more than a decade, and at the ANDRA Grand Finals at the Perth Motorplex in April, he finally achieved his dream by claiming the 2022/2023 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Australian Championship for Competition Bike.

“It all started for me at street meetings 20 years ago,” Khoury said.

“Yes, it has sunk in, especially when people are still congratulating you. It is something we all strive for; we all want to be our best. People say you race for the fun, but deep down we all want to be a champion.

“I am very happy to have won. It is always a nice feeling to be able to say you are number one!

“I would say I have been chasing it seriously for about 10 years. I have won track championships but never

a national championship, I even came runner-up a while back, but this is my first national win and it is great, and as the good old saying goes, now the monkey is off my back!

“I would have to say the ANDRA Grand Final at the Perth Motorplex was my favourite event of the season. I love racing in front of big crowds. Every race meeting is a highlight. Especially when you win or come runner up at those meetings.

“I would like to chase the title again, but unfortunately work commitments are making it hard. So, I will do the meetings I can and hope for the best.”

To hear more from Khoury, please click here.

Photos courtesy of High Octane Photos

SUPER STOCK

Adrian Vella

At the ANDRA Grand Finals / Westernationals, Adrian Vella not only claimed his maiden Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Australian Championship in Super Stock, but he also clean swept the event, with the event win coming at the expense of last season’s winner (to who Vella was the runner-up), Steve Norman.

“It still hasn’t sunk in as I am still doing a bit of racing here and there, but I think when we are freshening the car in the off season and the crew are around, we will reflect on what we have been able to do. I am really lucky to be working with some great people and the car I have now is just awesome,” Vella said. “There have been three things I wanted to cross off my list and we ticked off two of those in Perth at the Westernationals. It is a big deal for us

and our sponsors to win the event and to get the championship as well.

“The ANDRA Grand Finals / Westernationals at the Perth Motorplex (was my favourite event of the season) – what a great event and race track. Also winning both the event and the Championship at the same time was unbelievable!

“Honestly racing with my friends and family at some cool race tracks is a highlight every time we go out. Winning means a lot, but just putting on a show with my little wheel standing Super Stock Cobalt is loads of fun.

“We would love to attempt to become back-to-back champions, but as we all know there is a lot of good competition out there. We will be doing our best! To hear more from Vella, please click here.

Runner-up: Tom Dimitropoulos

Photos courtesy of High Octane Photos

COMPETITION

Craig Geddes

Runner-up: Madison Brown

By successfully claiming the 2022/2023 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Australian Championship in the Competition category, Craig Geddes continued to write his name in the history books as ANDRA’s most successful sportsman competitor. This latest accolade is made even more impressive by the fact that it marks seven titles in a row for the Victorian – and he already has title number 10 in his sights!

“It is an absolute honour to be recognised as ANDRA’s most successful sportsman racer,” Geddes said. “We go out there every year just trying to promote ANDRA drag racing as best we can and do our absolute best while having a great time. I’m still as proud and motivated with this one as we were with our first. We are so passionate and want to do our best.

“We have a formula that seems to work for us –the biggest thing for us is preparation and being organised. If you can turn up ready to go, it takes a lot of pressure off everyone in the team and things flow much nicer.

“Of course, things go wrong from time to time, but most times we can get it sorted without too much stress. We also have a never say die attitude, so even when it looks like we are out of the race, we dig deep and more times than not, we can turn the win light on.

“The highlight of the season would have to be running our personal best time of 6.84 at the Perth Motorplex. It is not an easy thing to do with a naturally aspirated smallish 335 Small block Chevy. We tried some changes on that run and it stuck.”

To hear more from Geddes, please click here.

Photos courtesy of High Octane Photos

TECH TORQUE THE HOOK FACTOR

SETTING UP A STREET CAR CHASSIS SETUP FOR THE QUARTER MILE

Street-driven or dual-purpose street/race cars present several issues when it comes to quarter-mile chassis setup. Since they’re not dedicated drag cars, they don’t have a full-boogie suspension package such as a four link or ladder bars. These cars may have bolt-on traction bars, adjustable shocks, or performance springs.

The writer’s personal car, a big-block Chevy Nova, has what amounts to a forward-biased rear spring (AFCO Racing’s modified version of a traditional Mopar Super Stock springs), custom 200-pound coil springs on the nose, and double-adjustable AFCO shocks. There are no other traction devices.

One thing the Nova has is a home-brewed rear anti-roll bar. And yes, there is a difference between an anti-roll bar and a conventional sway bar.

A sway bar usually has two end links that connect to a lower trailing arm of some sort. An anti-roll bar has two links that connect to the chassis. When a force – say, body roll that occurs as the car launches – acts upon the anti-roll bar, it will always transfer those loads directly to the chassis, not the suspension. If you are setting up the rear suspension on a car with an anti-roll bar, make sure to disconnect it.

Bar and shock setup come last.

Like a lot of you, I don’t own (or have a need for) a set of electronic four-wheel scales. We’re not talking full-on race car here. You can use a tape measure to see changes in ride height during chassis adjustment.

With the preliminaries out of the way, let me show you my method for setting up a chassis.

ON THE LEVEL

The first thing to do is to find a level location on your shop floor. My shop has floor drains, which means the floor slopes slightly in certain spots. The middle of the shop doesn’t have drains, so the floor is level there. Once you find a level location, set the tyre pressure front and rear.

Raise the car so you can access the suspension components. I use a set of axle stands under the rear end housing and ramps under the

front tyres. Ramps front and rear will make life easier if you have them. Once the car is in the air, bounce it a few times front and rear to settle the suspension. Make sure the car is level side to side both front and rear (not front to rear).

WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION

Simulating weight distribution is next. Ballast is used to replicate the weight of fuel, gasoline, and other fluids, any unattached parts (in my case the exhaust system and the hood), and the driver. Gasoline weighs approximately 6.2 pounds per US gallon. Water weighs approximately 8.4 pounds per US gallon, and oil tips the scales at approximately seven pounds per US gallon. I say approximately because the weights can vary by fuel mixes, temperature, and other factors.

There are many things you can use for ballast. I use 44-pound water softener salt bags and

weight lifting weights because I have them readily available. Sand bags are another option. Here’s how I ballasted the Nova to simulate true running weight as close as possible:

• Two bags of softener salt in the centre of the trunk to simulate 14 US gallons of gas

• Fifteen pounds of weight on the floor where the back seat goes to simulate the unattached exhaust system

• One bag of softener salt on the engine to simulate the missing stock hood

• Four bags of softener salt and an additional 20 pounds of weight in the driver’s compartment to simulate my body weight

MAKING ADJUSTMENTS

With ballasting complete, it’s time to make your suspension adjustments. In my case, I make

sure the anti-roll bar is disconnected and the bar bushings are lubricated; mine have a zerk fitting on each bushing. Then I measure from each wheel well lip to the shop floor to establish a baseline ride height.

If your car has any sort of traction device or adjustable four-link, ladder bars, or trailing arm setup, now is the time to adjust them. Most suspension manufacturers will give you baseline adjustment settings for those components. With no adjustment available for the Nova’s Super Stock-style leaf springs, I skipped this step.

Next up are the shocks. I started with the baseline setup from AFCO – 18 clicks of compression from full stiff for the rear shocks and 22 clicks of compression from full stiff for the fronts. Rebound was set 20 clicks from full stiff front and rear. I can adjust these settings as needed when I’m at the track.

Last up for me is the anti-roll bar. I adjust the length of the connecting links so the rod ends rotate freely from side to side. With the car on a flat, level surface (at running weight), you should be able to rotate the ends and feel for tension. You don’t want any load on the suspension. Once the links are adjusted, I don’t make any further chassis adjustments (aside from shock settings), nor do I change the ride height. If the ride height changes, the anti-roll bar settings must be revised.

On some cars, you can see a considerable difference in ride height at the respective corners once the suspension is adjusted. Out of curiosity, I removed the ballast from the car while it was still in the air and re-checked the ride height. Some of the changes were marginal (about a 1/4-inch or so), but the right rear corner changed more than that.

When setting up the suspension, the weight of the car must be on the suspension components, not the frame. It is a good idea to replicate the actual ride height.

ENGINE TORQUE

As you work out your baseline and tuning, keep engine torque in mind. As the engine spins clockwise, an equal amount of torque is applied in the opposite direction (counter clockwise) through the motor mounts to the chassis. That’s why cars without a properly set up anti-roll bar always lift the driver’s side wheel and push the passenger side rear quarter panel downward.

Engine torque isn’t consistent – it varies by engine RPM. That’s why you can’t use an anti-roll bar to preload the chassis. Your settings might work at one RPM level but can seriously affect handling at other RPMs. If you absolutely need preload in a chassis, do it with a suspension adjustment. If you don’t have an adjustable rear suspension, use different rate springs to make adjustments.

Every car is different, but doing a baseline setup like I did is important to hook up at the track. Hopefully, some (or all) of these techniques can work for you.

The car should as close to level side-to-side as possible. Sometimes this is difficult due to a sloping shop floor. Try to find a level location. In some cases, you’ll have to shim the axle stands or ramps to get the car level.

Anything not attached to the car should be weighed. In this photo, the remaining exhaust for the Nova is weighed. I also weighed the stock flat hood. You must compensate for these items when setting up the suspension.

You can use a lot of things for ballast. In my situation, 44 pound bags of water softener salt and exercise weights fit the bill perfectly because I have them on hand.

Since there is no traction device other than the springs in this car, I did shock settings first. I set compression front and rear using the adjusters on the AFCO doubleadjustable shocks. The main article text offers more info.

The exhaust system weight was spread out in the back seat floor area. I put one bag of salt in the engine compartment to simulate the weight of the hood.

Check the ride height of the car from a known spot on the body to the floor. Do this on the rear as well as the front. We’ll recheck this after the car is ballasted and the suspension is adjusted.

The driver’s seat area was loaded with salt and weights to simulate my weight.

I then set rebound using the adjusters located on the top of the AFCO shock shafts.

There was no gas in the tank. I used two bags of softener salt in the trunk to simulate 14 US gallons – roughly three-quarters of a tank.

The last thing I adjusted was the anti-roll bar. The links should be set to neutral, so the bar does not put a strain on the suspension. It is possible to preload the suspension using the anti-roll bar, but be aware that you can cause handling issues doing this.

Winning Takes Work. Getting Parts is

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Photo courtesy of High Octane Photos

ENGINEERED BEST

The Best Engineered award is a specially commissioned trophy presented to the car or motorcycle judged to be the best engineered at either the Australian Nationals, Westernationals and ANDRA Grand Finals. To be eligible, it must have been no more than five years since building or restoration, Australian built and show technical excellence in engineering and detailed presentation.

At the ANDRA Grand Finals, Adrian Hynes was awarded this honour for his impressive 1971 HG Holden Belmont Utility.

Purchased for $2,500 in 2014, the ute started as a primed shell with panel damage, explains Hynes.

“Originally it had a 186ci six-cylinder – it now sports a 400ci Dart SBC with 14 degree Proaction heads, a three piece Proaction intake modified by Terry Stacey for EFI and fuel rails, a GTX55 Turbo, Holley Dominator EFI, LSX Powertrain Reid Powerglide, GJ Driveline carbon fibre tail shaft, final drive nine inch sheet metal with 35 spline race product floaters, a United Speed front end and a PT3000 W2A cooler, all rolling on RC

Component wheels,” he said.

“The body is factory steel with the exception of fibreglass doors and bonnet. There’s quite a lot of custom work which has been completed by Mik Waters of Mik Waters Fabrication, who along with Rhys and Sharna basically built the car and carry out chassis tuning and crew duties.

“The car was completely wired front to back by the legends at Grgic Bros. The body and paint work were done by Willem Van Der Merwe. Willem, along with Mitch Forrest and Nick Hynes, also helped with the assembly and maintenance and crew at each event. Kurt Bertling did the panel beating and the tuning and engine works are by ‘Triple J’ Jeff Johnson, who has given us the time right from the start going from the ECU setup to turbo setup when it was just an idea and nothing decided, all the way through to making it a reality. The gearbox inspections and maintenance were done by Rocky from LSX Powertrain.

“Getting the car finished took 7.5 years and has been a huge achievement for us, as was licensing the car with a driver who had never drag raced before in any bracket.

“To then make a semi-final at the

Westernationals in our first outing while getting our best ET (8.17) and MPH (171) to date also really stands out.

“To then be recognised with the Best Engineered Award was just unreal. Our goal for the event was to qualify and beat our PB, and we managed to qualify, beat our PB, make a semi-final and win Best Engineered.

“To receive the award is outstanding for the team. It means a lot for us to have that recognition after such a long build with a huge amount of hours and design going into getting it all working together, and it is an absolute credit to Mik Waters for the fabrication work and William Van Der Merwe for the paint.

“Overall, it was an amazing weekend.

“We are a new team with no sponsors, but alongside the deepest of thanks to all of the people I mentioned earlier who have been a part of the build and our team, I would like to thank my wife Kaye for pushing us to get the car finished and racing as much as possible, helping out in the shed, and making the trips to support us with the rest of our family.

“Our future plans are to consistently run dial in times and have heaps of laughs with good people,” he smiled.

Photo courtesy of High Octane Photos

PRESENTED BEST

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 crew.

Earlier this year, Anthony Raschella (South Coast 660) and Davydd Estcourt (Twilight Nationals) were recognised with the Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award.

ANTHONY RASCHELLA

“It was very cool, and I was a little bit shocked and a bit surprised to receive the award, considering the calibre of the other cars,” Raschella said.

“I wasn’t expecting to get it, but I am very grateful for it. The presentation out there across the board is next level now, and this award really is a credit to the whole team and all of their work, not just to me.

“We are mainly a family-based team, my wife Kylie-Jo, my son Lawrence who is also now a Junior Drag Bike rider, my nephew Tom, and good mates of mine, Dave, and Simon Barlow.

“The car was built in the shed at home. We probably didn’t expect the response we have had since it has been finished, everyone just seems to love it. It is something different, being a

naturally aspirated 1937 Chev – having a hot rod running in Modified, which is predominantly dragsters and altereds, certainly draws a bit of attention. I think a lot of people can relate to hot rods.

“It is definitely popular with the kids, and we love having them come through the pits and sit in the car and we always invite everyone to come by the pits and see us at the track.

“I would like to thank my crew, my wife for putting up with all the hours in the shed, Simon Barlow for all his work, and my sponsors: Panini Brothers Bakery, Williams Metal Fabrication, Smooth Flow Traffic Management, Pro Paint and Panel, RT Race Craft, Just Muscle Cars (my business) and Effective Earthworks. Also thank you to Vinyl Wraps and Graphics for their support of the award.”

DAVYDD ESTCOURT

“Receiving the award at the Twilight Nationals was an awesome fe eling. Estcourt Motorsports takes great pride in our team every time we are at the track, so to be acknowledged in front of our peers was an honour and we are very appreciative,” Estcourt said.

“The Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award is a fantastic trophy, that not only looks incredible, but definitely gives our team a morale boost when we see it displayed. Receiving

the award was certainly not what we expected, but absolutely something that we’re very proud to have achieved – we do our best every meet to show a well presented, professional and united team.

“In our designing of our brand, we wanted everything to be clean and modern. Our fleet reflects this, with the vehicles being sleek and minimal, while still standing out in the crowd.

“All our merchandise and uniforms were also created with this concept in mind. We are a team made up of mostly family members, and of course we have crew that are not directly related, but being in the motorsports community it creates this union that bonds us all together.

“Being the driver for the team, obviously the spotlight is more often on myself, but there is always a team behind the car and all crew members are deserving of thanks always. A special thanks though, needs to go to father and son, Rodney and Greg – without them, Estcourt Motorsport would not exist. Also, thank you to ANDRA for creating these meets where we have the freedom to race, and to Vinyl Wraps and Graphics for offering an incredible award that acts as incentive for motorsport teams to really strive to be the best they can be in all aspect of racing.”

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 Melbournebased business 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 www.facebook.com/vinylwrapsandgraphics

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

.000LIGHT PERFECT

The 2022/2023 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series yielded a number of Perfect Light performances, with Lance Larcombe (Desert Nationals – see Fastlane Magazine Issue 35) joined by Brock Ferguson, Beau Higgins, Jason Lippi, Sarah Osborne, Tyler Jarvis, Jase Dobra and Steve Norman in achieving the marker across the season.

BROCK FERGUSON GOLDENSTATES

“I qualified fifth with an 8.62. I had good reaction times all day and I felt good. I cut the triple zero light in round two, but red lit in round three. (The Perfect Light) allowed me to get through to round three, which was my first ever semi-final!” Ferguson said.

“It actually felt like a terrible reaction

– when my brother told me at the end of the track, I had done 0.000, I couldn’t believe it! I have since cut a second perfect light and it feels great! Especially because I am beating Dad, he has none.

“It was a great event! Because I cut a 0.000, I ran a PB of 8.45 and I got

through to the semis for the first time ever! My plans for next season are to win an event and to get another top three finish in the local championship. I can’t wait to go racing next season!” he concluded, while thanking Westfill and his family.

Photo courtesy of High Octane Photos

BEAU HIGGINS GOLDENSTATES

“We were having some issues with the car cutting in and out (fuel problems), but we couldn’t do anything on the day other than nurse it and take it round by round,” Higgins said.

“I had been doing pretty good lights all day. I was coming up against Jacob Mills in the semi and I knew I had to be on my A game. Driving into stage at the tree I was getting nervous. The

JASON LIPPI GOLDENSTATES

“The Goldenstates was a really good event, we got to the final and the car was running mint. We pulled the wheels up in the semi-final,” Lippi said.

“I got the 000 in the semi-final, so that definitely helped us get to the final. It felt like a good light but also felt too

lights went green, and I knew straight away...wowee that was a good light!

“I was over the moon to get the win, and then heading back I saw my family was happy and clapping. On looking at the run sheet I saw the 0.000 and I couldn’t believe it.

“I want to say thank you to my family for supporting me and getting me

down the track. Thank you to mum and dad for giving me the opportunity to drive an old school XY GT that not many 21 years olds get to do, and also thank you to Ast Mechanical, Midvale Auto Electrics, Scene Signs, Mik Waters Fabrication, Superoo Falcon Spares, Midland Sand Soils, Midland Mini Crete and Fast Torque Convertors.”

close to a negative to celebrate. It wasn’t until the tow car came down; they told me I had got the 000.

“Unfortunately, the truck had some damage from the wheel stand in the previous pass and we had to pull out of the final. But even so, it was a great weekend, the event ran smoothly, and

it was awesome to be a part of it.

“I am sad, yet excited to say the truck is now up for sale and I am waiting for my new car to be ready for the start of the season,” he said, while thanking Tuscan Tiling, Extreme Ford Tuning and Dyson Pools for their support.

Photo courtesy of High Octane Photos

Photo courtesy of High Octane Photos

COAST 660

SARAH OSBORNE SOUTH

“I had a nice win in E1 on Sunday and felt confident we could do well, but as we know anything can and normally does happen in drag racing,” Osborne said.

“Unfortunately, the perfect reaction (in E2) didn’t play too much of a part in me continuing, as I ended up losing the race! I was racing a slower car and caught them at three-quarter track,

but unfortunately hit the brakes too hard and got driven around by three feet (.03 sec).

“When I launched, I was shocked I didn’t actually red light, so I knew it was definitely going to be a good light however I didn’t think it was going to be perfect! It certainly was a nice surprise and something I am proud of.

JASE DOBRA ANDRA GRAND FINAL

“The event went fairly well for me. We had a first round win which is always nice and takes some of the pressure off. In the second round I had my friend Paul Garbellini, who went on to win the event – I unfortunately was just a little too far off my dial-in and although we both had great lights, there wouldn’t have been more than a couple of feet between us across the line,” Dobra said.

“It definitely helped having the perfect light, as I didn’t know what the car was going to do as we didn’t get to have a qualifier on the day. During the run I thought it was decent, but not that good! This was the first time getting the Perfect Light Award, and it felt really good as we have put a lot of work in this season, changing the car and testing.

“From here we are planning to leave

I love racing at Portland and its always great fun there. The track staff and officials are always nice and helpful, and this event was no different. I won my first ANDRA Xmas tree and Top Qualifier medal there so it always going to be a special track for me,” she concluded, while thanking her mum and dad, Summit Racing Equipment and Force Wear Group.

the car alone and just race. My girlfriend Emily and I will be travelling in July to go to Darwin and Alice Springs, which will be my first time travelling to race. Depending on how we go, we might travel some more for championship points,” he concluded, while thanking The Loose Leaf Lettuce Company, Fairbanks Seeds, WA Suspension, and Mitch and Deb from WA Performance for their support.

Photo courtesy of SPEEDPhotography

Photo courtesy of High Octane Photos

TYLER JARVIS ANDRA

GRAND FINAL

“It was a massive help to have the advantage at the top end to get my first ever event win,” Jarvis said.

“At the time I knew it was a good light, but when I got told I cut a .000 reaction time I was speechless.

“This was my first ANDRA Perfect Light, and hopefully not the last.

“Overall, the day went well, and by the end of it, it was a dream come true.

“I have a new car to step into for the new season, so I am hoping to run on

STEVE NORMAN ANDRA GRAND FINAL

“The Grand Final was a pretty good result for us, as at the previous two events at Portland and Mildura had been terrible with an ignition and fuel problem, so we pretty much went to Perth without having done any testing, but we were confident that Reg and Ryan had gotten on top of it,” Norman said.

“The Perfect Light didn’t have much

of an effect on the outcome of the meeting for us, but it was nice to get. Although it did make me a little nervous as it is a little too close to that awful colour red!

“The event was excellent as usual over there, especially as we didn’t have 40 plus degree heat which can happen at that time of the year.

the class index of 8.60 and hopefully achieve another win.

“I would like to thank my dad, as well as Ian Board, Scruffy, Will, Gary, and all of the track crew and my fellow competitors.”

“My plans for next season are to follow the rounds as usual with hopefully a round or two at the new Tailem Bend track, which is a lot closer to home.

“A huge thanks must go to Ryan and Reg Lee for their ongoing support, and to Peter Ridgeway and ETS Fuels Australia for our record-setting power.”

Photo courtesy of High Octane Photos

Photo courtesy of High Octane Photos

ANDREW WAIGHT

SUPER STREET

NAME: ANDREW WAIGHT

AGE: 25

BASED IN: BALLARAT, VIC OCCUPATION: MONUMENTAL MASON/STONE MASON STARTED RACING: 2018

CLASSES COMPETED: SUPER STREET BEST ET AND SPEED: 6.65 @104MPH 1/8TH MILE

FAVOURITE TV SHOW: VICE GRIP GARAGE (AMERICAN YOUTUBE CHANNEL)

FAVOURITE FOOD: VIETNAMESE FOOD

FAVOURITE RACE TRACK: SOUTH COAST RACEWAY

You were the Winner in Super Street at the Twilight Nationals earlier this year – how did it feel to take out that win and an ANDRA Christmas tree?

The win was great. I had such a great weekend with everyone at the Sunset Strip and grabbing my first Christmas tree was incredible. It has been very hard to put that night into words, and it is still hard to even now.

Overall, how was that event for you, and in particular, the final?

The event was great for me, and the car was faultless all weekend. The trickiest part about the weekend was the heat being 37 degrees in qualifying and about the same on race day. In the final I had Brodie Tedesco in her Gemini. It was a hard race, she slightly out-reacted me, but I pushed her right to the end and dumped it and unfortunately, she broke out by bugger all. It was a great race to end a great weekend.

What have you been up to since the Twilight Nationals and what do you have planned coming up? Recently I’ve picked up a back half race car/truck. It is a 1984 American Ford Ranger which came from the States. I am re-doing most of the fabrication on the Ute, so it won’t be out for the next six to 12 months, but I look very much forward to getting it out and racing it. As for the HQ in Super Street, the car will be moved on soon so I can finish the Ranger and make the move into Super Sedan or even Super Gas.

What do you love about your home track?

“Home tracks” for me would either be Portland or Mildura (neither are close to home). They both have great track staff and volunteers that always seem to run the best weekends, and without them, there’s no us!

How did you get started in drag racing?

I definitely got the passion from my father, Les. As a young boy being heavily into cars and always in the shed watching dad cage and tub cars, it was inevitable. To now be putting the learning into practice is cool as, it is a great thing I get to do with the old man.

What is it you love about racing in Super Street?

I love Super Street. For the entry level category to drag racing I think it is very competitive and hard to turn win lights on in if you are not on your A game. Having said that, I told myself that after one Christmas tree in my street car I would make the move to Super Sedan or Super Gas, and I am really looking forward to making the transition and learning a lot!

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

I definitely have to mention Les Waight and Matt Forbes for always pushing me to be the best. Being surrounded by people that want you to win races and are consistently in your ear with race craft and great decisions helps a lot!

Photo courtesy of BrightDesign.com.au

LACHLAN WALKER SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT JUNIOR DRAGSTER

NAME:

LACHLAN WALKER

AGE: 14

HOMETOWN:

NURIOOTPA, BAROSSA VALLEY

GRADE AT SCHOOL: YEAR 9

STARTED RACING: 2020

PERSONAL BESTS: 7.93

SPONSORS:

MUM AND DAD – WE ARE LOOKING FOR SPONSORS

FAVOURITE RACE VEHICLE: THE RAPISARDA TOP FUEL DRAGSTER DRIVEN BY WAYNE NEWBY

FAVOURITE TV SHOW: YOUNG SHELDON

FAVOURITE FOOD: STEAK

FAVOURITE ANDRA RACE TRACK:

MILDURA’S SUNSET STRIP

How did you get into racing?

After many years of watching Dad race, Steven and David Collis lent me one of their JDs, ‘YOLO’, to get my licence in at Whyalla.

What do you consider as your racing highlights?

Getting top qualifier at the Junior Nationals with 8.004 and coming second in the Whyalla Club Championship Round.

You went all the way to the finals of the Twilight Nationals event earlier this year –how did that feel and how was that race for you?

It was a hot weekend, and all the races were very close, especially mine and Sarah’s race in the final.

What do you love about Junior Dragster Racing?

I like going racing for the competitiveness and spending time with my family. I have met lots of people through racing who I now consider my friends. It is great to catch up with them at the track.

What is your ultimate racing goal/dream?

To one day be racing in Supercharged Outlaws with Dad.

What do your school mates think about what you do?

They think it’s pretty cool.

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

I want to keep racing for as long as I can. I want to finish school and get into FIFO work to fund my racing.

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

I would like to thank Mum and Dad. I would also like to thank Mick Osborne for all of his help and advice with the car, and Grandpa and Dad for giving me the opportunity to grow up being involved in drag racing.

Photo courtesy of BrightDesign.com.au

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Behind the Wheel with Jr. Dragster Racer Tyler Jarvis

“Winning the Westernationals and bringing home my first Gold Christmas Tree is a dream come true.”

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ANDRA GRAND FINAL

The final round of the 202 2 / 2023 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series brought all of the intensity and excitement that was expected of it and more at the Perth Motorplex across March 4 and 5 as part of the 52nd MacTrack Westernationals.

Following an epic day of final battles on Sunday March 5, the season champions and event winners were heralded with plenty of ANDRA Christmas Tree trophies being handed out alongside the prestigious John Storm Memorial Trophy.

Also recognised at the ANDRA Grand Final presentations were Adrian Hynes who was awarded the Best Engineered Award, and the winners of the Burson Auto Parts Australian Top Fuel

Championship (Phil Read), ADRC Top Doorslammer (Daniel Gregorini) and Top Fuel Motorcycle (Benny Stevens) who were each awarded an ANDRA Gold Christmas Tree. Stevens was additionally also awarded the ANDRA Longest Distance Travelled Award

On his way to the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Junior Dragster Australian Championship, Ross Lamattina went all the way to the final, but it was local racer Tyler Jarvis who would claim the win and his first ever ANDRA Christmas Tree trophy.

To book his spot in the final, Lamattina defeated Jesse Martin (round one), Cooper Plummer and Nathan Townsend before a bye in the semis. Jarvis meanwhile had taken on and defeated

Brock Moresby, Angel Bakranich and Cooper Moresby before facing off against his brother Seth Jarvis in the semi. While Tyler took the semi-final victory to advance to the final and the event victory, Seth still had plenty to smile about as the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier.

Championship runner-up Sarah Osborne headed to the event with a 10-point lead over Lamattina in the points, but was defeated in round two by Nathan Townsend.

Brian Alvisio was another who was very busy at the end of night presentations at the ANDRA Grand Final, picking up not only the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Modified Bike Australian Championship but also the

Tyler Jarvis

Paul Garbellini

event runner-up trophy.

Alvisio headed to the event on the max points and went all the way to the final against winner, Christopher Fryer. On his way to the final, Alvisio emerged victorious from battles against Owen Rose (round one), Andrew Sellears, Graham Jennings and Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier, Chris Allen. Fryer meanwhile had successfully taken on Connor Wood (round one) and Luke Seaton before a round three bye and a semi-final against championship runner-up, Brian Hotker.

After a strong debut season in the senior ranks, Tommy Turic – son of last year’s John Storm Memorial Winner, Vlado Turic – stormed through for the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series

Super Street Australian Championship despite being eliminated from the ANDRA Grand Final racing in the fourth round by Beau Higgins.

The event final was one for the story books – husband and wife, and former and reigning champions respectively, Paul and Lisa Garbellini, faced off for the event glory. It was all gloves off for the pair, with both red lighting by 0.007, but with Lisa the first to leave, Paul was awarded the victory and Lisa was awarded not only the runner-up honours for the event, but also for the championship.

On their way to the final, Paul Garbellini took wins from Paul Mobilia, Jase Dobra and Joel Trotman before a round four bye and victory over Beau Higgins in

the semi, while Lisa took on Stephen Hotchkin, Peter Forward, Kirstie Wroe and Daniel Brecich before a bye in her semi-final. Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Stephanie Gullotto was eliminated in the first round.

The Super Sedan battle was exceptionally tight heading into the ANDRA Grand Final, with the top four racers – Larcombe, defending champion Peter Tzokas, Ned Karanovic and former champ Martin Mirco – all in with a shot to win it. Ultimately it was Lance Larcombe who would take the victory, outlasting his rivals to go all the way to the semifinal to rack up enough points to be declared not only the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Super Sedan Australian Champion but also the John Storm Memorial winner.

Paul Ryan

Brodie Zappia

Michael Buckley

ANDRA GRAND FINAL

Larcombe was defeated in the semi by last year’s Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster Champion Brodie Zappia in what was his debut national event in the senior ranks. Zappia would go on to win the event over runner-up Glenn Sterkenburg.

Zappia was also the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier for the event, and faced off against Dean Whisson in round one before a bye in round two, a win over title contender Martin Mirco in round three, and Larcombe in the semi.

Sterkenburg meanwhile had taken on Goran Kojic (round one) and Trung Tran before a round three bye and a semi-final win over Roger Moorhouse. Tzokas and Karanovic were both defeated in the first round by Steve Paech and Brian Hicks respectively, but Tzokas had amassed enough points to be declared the runnerup when Mirco was eliminated in round three.

Simon Barlow had an anxious wait to see if he would claim the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Modified

Australian Championship after going out in the first round of the Westernationals after throwing a red light by one thousandth of a second.

With the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks

Top Qualifier on the sidelines, he had to wait and see how the eliminations racing would unfold for his rivals, Josie Hodgins and Daniel Hodgins. When they were respectively eliminated in the first round and second round respectively, Barlow was able to claim the title.

Claiming the event victory was Paul Ryan, while Jeff Acton was the runnerup. To line up for the final, Ryan had earlier dispatched Nicholas Wroe (round one), Anthony Raschella and Shane Holmes, while Acton had taken on Michelle Osborn, Dan Hodgins and Darryl Treasure.

While Alan Mahnkoph had a strong start to his ANDRA Grand Final as the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier for Supercharged Outlaws, race day didn’t go as planned. A first round loss to event runner-up Norbert

Claite however wasn’t enough to stop him clinching the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Supercharged Outlaws Australian Championship following a strong and consistent season. After defeating Mahnkoph in the first round, Claite went on to race Jodie Mellitt before facing event winner Kasey McClure in the final, while McClure had earlier taken on Greg James and Peter Appleby before taking the event win.

Heading into the ANDRA Grand Finals, Leon Davies was fourth on the championship standings for Top Sportsman behind three racers who were all on max points – Glenn Henley, Kevin McIvor and Greg Damiani – with Davies 40 points adrift on 260 points and also having to contend with defending champion, Vlado Turic, who was just 20 points behind him.

As his title rivals fell throughout the event (Damiani, Turic and McIvor were eliminated in round one, while Henley in round two), Davies needed to win the event to win the title, and was ecstatic

Daniel Natalotto

when he was able to achieve just that with victory over event runner-up Cory Read.

On his way to the final, Davies took on Darren Saliba, Paul Downe and Adrian Hynes – who was awarded the Best Engineered Award for the event and dispatched Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Jason Stares in round two –while Read had faced off against Turic, Henley and Yvette Greg.

While Joe Khoury won the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Competition Bike Australian Championship, the event win went for the bracket went to Daniel Natalotto, who faced off against Troy Thompson in the final following the three-round format for an eight-strong field of Comp Bikes.

To secure their spots in the final, Natalotto – also the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier in Modified Bike for the event – won earlier races over Wayne Gummow and Matt Haunold with a bye in the first round, while

Thompson defeated Ross Green and Rob Wasley before a bye in the third round. On his way to the runner-up spot, Thompson also rewrote the CC/AB MPH record to 186.03mph.

In Super Stock, Adrian Vella cleanswept the ANDRA Grand Final event, claiming not only the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Super Stock Australian Championship, but also the event win and the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Medallion.

Vella took the event win over reigning champion Steve Norman following earlier victories over Rob Gaikhorst and championship runner-up, Tom Dimitropoulos. Norman meanwhile had faced off against Todd Stacy and Jamie Chaisty on his way to the final and runner-up honours – setting a new A/ MPA ET record along the way of 8.117.

Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Competition Australian Champion Craig Geddes had his hands full at the presentations, also claiming the event runner-up trophy and the

Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Medallion for the Competition bracket. This marked the ninth national championship for Geddes, and his seventh in a row.

Geddes faced off against Michael Buckley in the final, who as well as taking the event win, also reset the RR/SM ET and MPH records to 6.892 second and 201.01mph. On their way to the final, Geddes enjoyed an opening round bye before taking on Paul Carey and Jayde Richardson –who defeated championship runner-up Madison Brown in round two – while Buckley had defeated Bailey McClure (round one) and Sam Treasure before a bye run in the semis.

For full ANDRA Grand Final / Westernationals coverage, please click here, here, here and here.

ANDRA thanks the Perth Motorplex and all of its volunteers and sponsors for an outstanding racetrack and a well-run event.

Chris Fryer

Kasey McClure

Photos courtesy of High Octane Photos

Benny Stevens

Daniel Gregorini

Phil Read