Fastlane Magazine - Issue 37

THE BEST OF US

THIS

OUR

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

Editor: Amanda Cobb (media@andra.com.au)

Design: YBI Creative (www.ybicreative.com.au)

Photography: Automotive Event Images, Richard Smith, High Octane Photos, BrightDesign.com.au

STAGING LANES CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF ANDRA

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

ANDRA was established in 1973, born out of a split from the Australian Hot Rod Federation with a coup pulled off by ‘the gunslingers’ to successfully separate the interests of drag racing out into its own controlling body.

ANDRA became the drag racing body, while the street/show division renamed themselves as the Australian Street Rod Federation (ASRF).

In the five decades since, there has been plenty of highs, lows and change, and we are looking forward to looking back on this time with you all across 2023.

One thing in particular we are excited to share with you is the upcoming release of a very special edition of FASTLANE Magazine, celebrating this important milestone for our sport, so make sure you keep an eye out for that!

We are also proud to launch our special 50th anniversary logo, which you will see used across a number of platforms this year.

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

EPIC GRAND FINAL APPROACHES

Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series competitors from all across the country are readying for what is shaping up to be a truly epic Grand Final for the 2022/2023 season at the Perth Motorplex’s Westernationals (March 4/5).

Originally scheduled as the penultimate round of the season, the WA venue is excited to be hosting the Grand Finals after The Bend Motorsport Park advised ANDRA it would not be ready in time to host its scheduled event.

“We are obviously disappointed that our original plans to host our Grand Final at The Bend Motorsport Park will not be able to go ahead,” ANDRA Chief Executive Officer, Brett Stevens, said.

“Moving the Grand Final to the already scheduled Westernationals event serves to

provide surety and minimise disruption as much as possible for competitors.

“With the Top Fuel Championship and Australian Drag Racing Championship also rescheduling their Bend activities to be held with us at the Westernationals in Perth, this event is going to be simply huge, and a more than fitting finale for our 2022/2023 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series.

“We look forward to heading to Perth in March for what is set to be two huge days and nights of drag racing action from the best racers at all levels of our sport, delivering a not-to-be-missed live action experience which will also be broadcast all around the country, and the world.”

For Westernationals event information, go to www.motorplex.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!

DIVISION NOMINATIONS INVITED

Nominations are currently being invited for the various ANDRA Division positions, from Full Members of ANDRA. They must be lodged with the ANDRA Office no later than 12 noon (CDST) Tuesday, March 31st, 2023, on the appropriate form.

During 2023, elections are due for ANDRA Division Director in Western Australia and Victoria/Tasmania.

2021/2022 CHAMPIONSHIP POSTER RELEASED

It should be remembered that Division Directors will be eligible for appointment to the ANDRA Board.

The following table shows those positions due for election in 2023, highlighted in yellow.

Any Delegates appointed to the Divisional Council by the Delegates over the past year must stand for election at this time.

SOUTH

All Divisions may have nine Division Council members plus the Division Director.

As part of the realigning of membership parameters, ANDRA Super Street licence holders have the opportunity to be involved in the future direction of the Company by being eligible to vote, nominate and hold positions as Division Delegates.

CENTRAL AUSTRALIA NEW SOUTH WALES

Nomination Forms are available by contacting ANDRA on info@andra.com.au or (08) 8271 5355.

Full details of the election process may be found in the ANDRA Constitution

* A person under the age of 18 years and who supports the objects of the Company may become a Junior Member of the Company. Junior members are not eligible to vote.

Nathan Peirano (DD) Murray O’Connor (DD)

Robert Cassar (DD)

Peter Tzokas (DD) Paul Stephen (DD)

Aaron Stibbs

Alan Hudson Bill Caris Greg Oberti Aaron Brookes

Frost (Alt DD)

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.

• FASTLANE MAGAZINE ADVERTISING (ONLINE)

• RULE BOOK ADVERTISING (HARD COPY AND ONLINE)

• MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM (FREE TO JOIN)

• WEBSITE RECOGNITION

• MOTOR MAIL FEATURE –MOTOR MAIL IS OUR MEMBERS ONLY NEWSLETTER, CONTACT US TO SEE AN EXAMPLE IF YOU DON’T HAVE AN ANDRA MEMBER LOGIN

• FACEBOOK/TWITTER RECOGNITION

• SPORTSMAN SERIES BRACKET SPONSORSHIP

• EVENT NAMING RIGHTS (AT SELECT EVENTS, PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS)

• OFFICIAL SUPPLIER STATUS

• RUNNER-UP TROPHY SPONSOR FOR SPORTSMAN SERIES

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.

FREE TO JOIN!

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-member-benefits-program

To view a listing of all ANDRA Member Benefits Program offers, please go to www.andra.com.au/directory/member-benefits-program-directory

THE BEST OF US Volunteer of the Year

The Gallagher Volunteer of the Year Award is designed to recognise the outstanding contribution and passion of volunteers who selflessly donate their time to ANDRA drag racing.

For the 2022/2023 season, five Gallagher Volunteer of the Year Awards have been bestowed upon exceptionally deserving recipients, who were nominated for recognition in their division by their peers.

“ANDRA wouldn’t be what it is without the tireless efforts of our volunteer force,” ANDRA Chief Executive Officer, Brett Stevens, said.

“At race tracks all around the country, dedicated volunteers work to ensure that competitors have a place to race.

“Our thanks goes to each and every ANDRA volunteer around the country, to those who took the time to put forward Volunteer of the Year Award nominations, and our very deserving 2022/2023 Gallagher Volunteer of the Year Award winners for their enduring efforts as part of our great sport.”

ANDRA and the Fastlane Magazine team congratulate Alan Hudson, Kingsley Kuchel, John Mowry, Tim Reidy and Alicia Traywick on their Gallagher Volunteer of the Year Awards.

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

Alan Hudson

Alan Hudson has been an ANDRA volunteer for more than 50 years, spending countless hours at Ravenswood and then the Perth Motorplex in service of the sport he loves.

As an ANDRA steward, Hudson has spent endless hours assessing licensing procedures and watching over the safety of all classes on the start line, in the scrutineering shed, mentoring young trainee volunteers, keeping an eye on things in the pit paddock, and playing an important role in the running of all kinds of events, from Test and Tunes through to national championship events.

As an ANDRA Tech Inspector, he is known for travelling widely to visit racers in their homes and at their businesses whether that be on week days, week nights or weekends to conduct tech inspections, often at the last minute.

Not only is Hudson known for being always cheerful, highly approachable, and always ready to answer a question or work with racers to find solutions, but his knowledge of the rule book is also exceptionally impressive.

As part of his commitments, he also attends ANDRA meetings and has held various positions over the year, while being a long-standing member of the West Australian Drag Racing Association (WADRA) and previously, Westside. Even following a health scare, Hudson regularly attends club meetings almost every month and always has a smile on his face.

“This really is a special award, and it blew me away to hear my name called out for it. That really surprised me,” Hudson said.

“This is just what I do; I have been doing it for over 50 years and I just really love it.

“It is a great bunch of people over here that really and

truly love our sport, and it is just like working with your family – everyone is friendly, everyone knows everyone, it is just a great deal.

“I love every minute involved in drag racing and everybody associated with it.

“I could not name the great number of brilliant people I have met through the magic sport of drag racing, so I will simply say thank you all, but I would like to make special mention of the membership of the WADRA club, and the former Westside Drag Racing Association. I have been a WADRA club member for many years, and it is a great bunch of people.

“To receive the Gallagher Award is something I am quite impressed about, because Gallagher has put quite a bit of funding into the sport and this award is especially prestigious. The fact that it is a award nominated by the members is also very special to me.

“To be nominated and recognised in this way threw me back a bit in the best possible way – I am just an old fart you know,” he laughed.

Alan Hudson

“I love every minute involved in drag racing and everybody associated with it.”

Kingsley Kuchel

Kingsley Kuchel may be the President of the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association (SDRA), but his work in the club and at Mildura’s Sunset Strip is even more far-reaching than one might assume from that title.

Not only does he steer the club forward from its helm, he also is responsible for all event organisation and promotion.

This sees him creating pit layouts, hiring equipment, organising track officials and volunteers, managing food and drink vendors and liaising with sponsors while also undertaking all marketing, social media and graphic design work to promote the club, track and its events.

He is also an ANDRA steward and tech inspector, a racer, and a proud full member of ANDRA who doesn’t limit his hard work for drag racing to his own track.

Over the years, he has volunteered as a bracket marshal at a wide array of venues, including Whyalla’s Steel City Drag Club, Adelaide International Raceway, Calder Park Dragway, Swan Hill Dragway, Alice Springs Inland Dragway and Portland’s South Coast Raceway.

“I feel very privileged to receive this award,” Kuchel said.

“While it is great to have people see the hard work I put into this sport, I have never done what I do for recognition – everything I do, I do because I really love this sport and everyone in it.

“To see everyone happy to be racing and welcoming new people into the sport is what keeps me going. Plus, having all of my children racing in Junior Dragsters makes it hard not to be involved!” he grinned.

“There is a lot I love about our club, and we would be here all day if I listed everything! I was only three years old when SDRA was founded and it is only the first few committees that I don’t remember due to my age, but by the time I was six I was in and around the club at working bees and events.

“From that time there are only half a dozen years that I have not had some form of involvement in the

club. I do like to look back at where we began in 1986 on a closed road to see what we have now at the Sunset Strip.

“I love that over the past 15 years SDRA has run almost all there is to run, and we have been able to really lift the profile of key events such as our Easter Supercharged Shootout, our Nostalgia Titles, the Junior Nationals, the Ken Scroop Memorial and the Riverland Nationals and adding in the two Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series events, there isn’t much room left for too many other events!

“Definitely a highlight was March 2022 when we hosted Top Fuel Australia in the first regional 1/8th mile Top Fuel Championship Round – that was certainly something none of us thought would ever happen.

“I would like to thank Suzanne Lazar from Atlantic Oils for nominating me for this award, which is greatly appreciated. I also want to thank SDRA, as I can only do what I do because we are a great team and it really does take a team to put on every event. I can’t thank SDRA enough for backing most of my ideas for events or to make events better, as some of my ideas are a bit out there!”

John Mowry

John Mowry might still be comparatively new to drag racing compared to his fellow Gallagher Volunteer of the Year Award winners, but the impact he has made at the Central Australian Drag Racing Association (CADRA) in his short time is impossible to ignore. Soon after becoming a CADRA member, John took over the reins as the club’s technical operator, engineer and advisor, immediately demonstrating dedication and commitment to gaining the knowledge he needed in order to maintain and upgrade equipment for effective communications not only in the control tower but throughout the venue. His organisational and technical skills have ensured that the equipment requirements of large events like Red CentreNATS and the Desert Nationals are met and emergency situations rectified quickly and with skill.

He also works tirelessly to ensure the start line and all sensors down the track are operating efficiently, attends committee meetings to offer his expertise when needed and has been instrumental in seeking quotes for equipment upgrades when required or new equipment when he deems necessary, in order for the Committee to make significant decisions.

To ensure CADRA’s technical support base is always growing, he also puts in considerable effort to seeking out and training new staff for operations in the control tower.

John’s involvement with the club is not limited to his technical impacts either – he is also a racer, and has brought his wife and daughter into the sport in Super Street and Junior Dragster as well. Always friendly, approachable and happy to jump in and lend a hand, CADRA is greatly appreciative for all of John’s efforts.

“Receiving this award means a lot to me. I always try to work the hardest I can for the club and it’s extremely humbling to be honoured with this award,” John said.

“I volunteer because I love being around the cars and people and want to see events run as smoothly as possible. Receiving this award is just the icing on the cake to an already fulfilling role with CADRA. I’ve only been with CADRA for a short time, so being recognised like this is very special.

“CADRA is one of the tightest racing communities that I’ve ever been a part of. They excel at welcoming new racers and volunteers and making them comfortable with the track.

“I’ve had the pleasure to watch the racing grow in a short period to hold world class Top Fuel dragsters and I love the excitement of race day and mentoring new volunteers. It is absolutely exciting to see how we continue to make improvements to ensure our track is ready for the larger events we are hosting and the growing number of entries.

“I would like to thank my family – my wife for letting me go drag racing and racing my car when I’m not able to. My daughters, Annalyse for getting the racing bug with her Junior Dragster and Genevieve for being my pit crew. And I have to thank all of the CADRA committee, racers, and volunteers, for putting in the long hours before, during, and after race day to ensure we have amazing racing events.

“Special thanks also must go to Ray Baney for getting me involved with drag racing and Dan and Josie Hodgins for teaching me more about drag racing than I ever thought was possible.”

TimReidy

Tim Reidy has provided the Meeting Director function for multiple tracks including Whyalla’s Steel City Dragway, Alice Springs Inland Dragway, Mildura’s Sunset Strip and Adelaide International Raceway for more than 10 years.

Reidy’s father was the starter at Adelaide for a time, so it is no surprise that his involvement with the sport started early.

After being an enthusiastic spectator as a young teenager, Reidy became a scrutineer at the tender age of 16, before moving up to trackside spotter, and then to bracket marshal. When the Meeting Director of the time, Mitch Johnson, retired from AIR, Reidy stepped up to fill his shoes, and the rest is history.

For more than a decade, Reidy has shown unwavering commitment to supporting drag racers and race tracks while facilitating safe and efficiently run race meetings, making well considered decisions and recommendations even in the face of challenging circumstances, and providing support and encouragement to tracks and racers.

While Reidy has recently decided to take a welldeserved break away from his Meeting Director role to focus on his young family, his impact on ANDRA drag racing over the last decade cannot be understated and he is an exceptionally deserving recipient of this award.

“It is going to sound corny, but this really means a lot,” Reidy said.

“I regard the Gallagher Volunteer of the Year Award to be for officials like winning a ANDRA Christmas Tree is for racers.

“I am taking a step back at the moment with my family, but for me the Meeting Director role was very rewarding, especially when you could get to the end of a good event, and everything had gone smoothly, and it was a cracker of a meeting – the feeling you would get after that was unreal.

“I am still following everybody on social media and will be heading out to the tracks to spectate and catch up – I can’t wait for The Bend to open as that will be my local track.

“I want to acknowledge each and every official that has ever worked with me – running meetings is definitely a team effort and you need to have everyone doing their jobs to the best of their ability for it to happen, so I definitely want to recognise all of the officials that have ever worked with me and thank them for their efforts.

“I also want to thank the racers for their friendships and for working with me when things weren’t going to plan and for always being there when I needed them in the staging lanes; and the tracks for hiring me and allowing me to basically take the reins at their race tracks to run the meetings.

“I would also like to make mention of Mitch Johnson for all he taught me as a Meeting Director, and Ray Treasure, who has always been a mentor and someone I looked up to in the role. My thanks also goes to Gallagher and to ANDRA – Brett Stevens has been awesome the whole time I have dealt with him, so thank you to him also.

“Finally, the biggest thank you has to go to my family, my wife Carli and my son Jack, for allowing me to do what I did for so long.”

Alica Traywick

Alicia has been a passionate member of the Central Queensland Drag Racing Association (CQDRA) for more than seven years, part of its Business Management Committee for six of those years, and its Treasurer since 2020.

Since the start of her racing career, Alicia has always done all she can to promote the sport, the venue, the club that runs the venue, and ANDRA.

With the role of Treasurer not widely visible on race day, it would be easy for much of her efforts to go unnoticed, but CQDRA asserts her efforts have established a level of professionalism that did not previously exist within the club.

Day to day Alicia works hard to always keep the club’s finances tidy and bills paid, but leading up to events, she wears many different hats to the benefit of CQDRA and its racers.

From managing entry forms, organising arm bands and credentials, and greeting and assisting racers at the track, Alicia is a valuable member of the CQDRA events team. She also ensures prize money is paid promptly and when racers can’t get to the track, she makes sure they get fast, friendly and full refunds.

She balances all of these club and track commitments with her own racing, donning her leathers to do battle over the quarter mile on her Modified Bike, maintaining a top five position every year in which she has competed in the CQDRA Club Championship.

“It was the best surprise to be awarded the Gallagher Volunteer of the Year Award and meant a lot to have my hard work and dedication to not only Benaraby Dragway but the greater sport of drag racing recognised,” Traywick said.

“We really appreciate that Gallagher and ANDRA recognise the efforts that go into the running of these types of facilities like Benaraby Dragway.

“Our relationship with ANDRA has been very healthy and fulfilling over the last several years, allowing us to continue to grow despite all odds.

“We are in really promising times. Our Management Committee is cohesive and share the same goals and ideas which makes one aspect of running a club just a bit easier, and we have huge track improvements coming up as a result of all our hard work and volunteer efforts over the last year, which is really exciting.

“I would like to thank my other half and best friend, Mike Gawley, for his support – his hard work, passion and dedication is inspiring and frustrating at the same time! Thank you Mike for being a great leader both on and off the track.”

TECH TORQUE

SOME ENGINE INSTALLATION TIPS

11:00pm the night before a race is not the time to discover your engine hoist cannot lift the engine high enough to get it into your car. For me at least, it’s never enjoyable having 800 or 900 pounds of iron and steel dangling seven feet over easily damaged sheet metal – I want to get that motor in the car before something bad happens.

Based on (often painful) experience, here are some tips to make life easier during the engine installation or removal process.

ENGINE HOIST HEIGHT AND ORIENTATION

Most engine hoists offer a choice of boom lengths. The one shown in the accompanying photos has a boom that ranges from a two-ton rating (shortest) to a half-ton (longest). Most passenger car gasoline engine and transmission combinations weigh around a half-ton (1,000 pounds), so the longest boom extension usually works.

But there’s a caveat: the longer the boom is extended, the more difficult it is to manage the hoist. I always ensure the engine or engine/transmission is

aligned with the centerline of the car. It is also a good idea to align the hoist’s caster wheels in the direction of travel (back toward the car) so the hoist is easier to steer. And whatever you do, don’t jerk the loaded hoist sideways to straighten it out. This can cause the whole works to tip over to one side.

Hoist orientation is another issue. Some cars, like certain Corvettes and GM G-bodies, have a long snout. If your hoist doesn’t have sufficient boom length, you won’t be able to properly position the engine over the engine bay. In this case, you will have to position the hoist over one of the fenders to lower the engine into place. You will likely have to remove

one or both front wheels and support the front of the car with jack stands to clear the hoist legs.

LOWER CONTROL ARM CLEARANCE

Many engine hoists won’t clear the lower front control arms when rolled into place. It’s a good idea to test-fit an unloaded hoist under the car to ensure there’s room. I typically put a piece of scrap lumber under each front tyre to raise the car slightly; sometimes as little as 3/8-inch is all you’ll need. Keep in mind the chassis will sag as it takes the weight of the engine, but that won’t

have much of an effect on lower control arm clearance.

VEHICLE HEIGHT

If you’re installing an engine and transmission together, you’ll need additional height to make sure the combination is at the proper angle to go into the car without hitting anything. It is common to raise either the front of the car or the entire car on axle stands to get the job done, but this means the engine must be lifted higher to make things work.

A better way is to simply raise just the back end of the car. This provides sufficient room to clear a long transmission and gives you a better angle of attack at the front of the car. When I do this, I still use short sections of scrap lumber under the front tyres; the hoist still needs clearance to roll under the lower front control arms.

ROLL THE CAR, NOT THE HOIST

Once the engine is in the car at the proper angle but not sitting on the motor mounts, it might be easier

to keep the engine hoist in one spot and roll the car back and forth to align the engine to the mounts. This works especially well if the boom is at its maximum extension or if the ground is uneven and you’re having trouble inching the hoist back and forth. I resort to this often as I’m usually installing or removing engines by myself and it’s easier to move the car than the hoist.

SHORTEN UP

When I was installing the big block Chevy/Turbo 400 combination in my Nova (see the accompanying photos), I was positive there was

sufficient room for the crank pulley to clear the top of the radiator support. Turns out I was positively wrong. The moral of the story is, keep everything as short as possible. For example, I removed the distributor and carburettor to get the engine and transmission in place. You might need to remove the valve covers as they can interfere with a wiper motor or power brake booster.

TIE UP LOOSE ENDS

Move everything out of the way that can get in the way. This usually includes starter wiring, ground straps, throttle linkage, wire harnesses, transmission shifter cable, and so on. You don’t have to get fancy wrapping these pieces up. I usually tape them out of the way with painters masking tape.

EXTRA PROTECTION

It is a really good idea to cover the firewall, radiator support, and fenders during an engine install. Several old moving blankets along with conventional fender covers are perfect for the job. I usually cover the windshield too. It is not going to stop a transmission tailshaft from piercing the windshield (don’t laugh, it happens), but it does offer some protection against a gentle bump. I tape the blankets together to minimize the chance of snagging one.

AN ENGINE LEVELLER IS YOUR BEST FRIEND

A quality engine leveller will not only make your job easier, it will also save time and take a bunch of the drama out of the install. Even if you don’t yank and replace engines on a regular basis, a leveller is still worth the price of admission. Just be sure to lubricate the threads on the and keep them lubed as you’re using the tool.

Moving blankets and fender covers can prevent minor scuffs and bruises during the engine install or removal process. You can see the blankets are taped down to reduce the chance of the engine or hoist snagging a blanket edge. Other pieces that get in the way such as the shifter cable, throttle linkage, and sending unit wires are also moved out of the way.

The OTC engine load leveling tool flat out works; just make sure you lubricate the threads. Click here for a story which has more information on engine load levellers.

A piece of scrap 3/8-inch plywood was sufficient to raise the car high enough at the front for the engine hoist legs to pass under the lower front control arms. Many hoists will not clear easily, so it’s better to get the clearance figured out ahead of time.

It’s very common to raise the entire car when installing or removing an engine and transmission combination, but the extra height may exceed the limits of your hoist boom. A better solution is to raise the back of the car slightly as shown here. It provided enough “attitude” to slip the big block/Turbo 400 combination into the Nova.

In it goes. As pointed out in the text, I had to remove the crank pulley to clear the radiator support. Aside from that it was a painless process.

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS LEADERS

Photo courtesy of BrightDesign.com.au

THIS IS OUR CHURCH

On Saturday January 28, the eyes of the entire drag racing community were on the Atlantic Oils Top Fuel Slam as the event paid tribute in front of a capacity crowd to our fallen comrade, Sam Fenech.

Emotions were high across the entire two day event as racers came from all over the country to race in Sam’s honour and celebrate the sport he loved, but the opening ceremonies in particular signalled a true coming together as racers, fans, administrators and family stood shoulder to shoulder or watched on online as they remembered Sam.

Amongst a slew of moving tributes, which included a Missing Man formation from the Top Doorslammers and speeches from commentators Wade Aunger and Chad Neylon, was the unveiling of Adam Brand and Matt Cornell’s incredible new release, ‘Our Church.’

The song, celebrating community and the fact ‘we all race for the

same reason,’ was set to footage of Australian drag racing while featuring both Fenech and Louie Rapisarda.

The video was created by Top Fuel Australia’s Nathan Prendergast using footage from all corners of Australia’s drag racing landscape, with the production already being hailed as the new drag racing anthem. You can view the video here.

Following the song’s release, Aunger, Prendergast, Cornell and Brand came together on a Facebook Live to discuss the story behind the song.

The song was originally written about ‘brothers,’ as singer/ songwriters Cornell, Brand and their friends struggled through the ongoing pressures of COVID-19 restrictions. After the initial writing by Cornell with Gavin Carfoot, Brook Chivell, Jake Whittaker and Linc Phelps, Cornell shared the lyrics with Brand who added some key lines to finalise what would become a truly epic piece of music celebrating a subject close to their hearts. The pair came together to record the piece late in 2022, ready for a release in February of 2023.

The wheels for what would transpire at Sydney Dragway were put in motion when, in the car together in the days after Sam’s passing, Aunger was relaying to Brand how everyone was struggling. Brand played the song for Aunger, who immediately knew he had to share it with Prendergast.

“The moment I heard that song, I was actually pretty nervous as I knew it was like it was exactly written for the time and what we all needed, and I was nervous I wouldn’t do it justice. I didn’t want to make it a dark and foreboding tribute that was just a tear jerker for Sam. Whilst it was borne from that tragedy, I wanted it to be a thing the whole sport could rally behind,” Prendergast said.

“It wasn’t a Doorslammer thing, or a Top Fuel thing, or a ANDRA thing or a 400 Thunder thing….we all do the same thing, for the same reasons,

and we go drag racing because we love it. Some people choose long and skinny cars, some choose two wheels, and some choose different factions and different sanctioning, but we are all really the same people and that is how the song spoke to me, so I was really adamant that I had to do a good job of this and do it justice and be inclusive of everyone…I wanted to make sure that it spoke to the entire drag racing community.

“I was three days old when I went to my first drag strip so I have been around the sport my whole life and so I felt, from me to the sport, I had to do it justice. It was a matter of finding the right balance and finding the right pictures and despite all that has gone on over the years where he likes this person but doesn’t like that person, it was about let’s just for now forget that and be really proud of what we do and really remember why we do it.

“I could get the world’s best pictures but it would not have had the impact if it wasn’t for the words and music from Adam and Matt, so we are forever grateful as a drag racing community for what they have given to the sport and also the way they straight away went, let’s make this happen, as it wasn’t due to be released until the 24th of February.”

While it may be the perfect production for drag racing and in honour of those we have lost, Our Church is at its heart a song for communities and families of all kinds, while carrying an important message.

“It has transcended the genre, it is about circuit racing, it is about motocross, it is about speedway, it is about football, it is about any

community in the game,” Aunger said.

“And ultimately it is about mental health. This song came about because of mental health and it has become really magnified because of the loss of someone that so many people loved so dearly and it is so appropriate yet at the same time, it talks about so many things that are just as important as the current moment and we need to have this attitude that we have right now, this awareness, we need to have it every time we play this song.

“There are people in my life that are going through some really tough times right now and I want to say to the people that I love, 143 times, that if you go to war, I go to war, and that is what I think is most important.”

Cornell echoed Aunger’s statements, remembering back to the original ‘church’ the song was written about – a weekly Wednesday catch-up between Cornell, Brand and their friend Chris as they sought to hold each other up during difficult times. Cornell had decided to call their catch-up ‘Church,’ as it was where they went for inspiration and to hold each other accountable.

“I think there has never been a spotlight shined on men’s health more in history than there is right now. Adam and I have lost a mutual friend to suicide a couple of years ago and I have lost many mates over the years to suicide, and it is a real thing, especially during COVID it was rampant and the numbers were frightening,” Cornell said.

“It is not going to be solved overnight, but the conversations are starting and if this song leads to even one person speaking to their mate and

saying, mate I am struggling – and that is where it all started, in a café on the Gold Coast and Adam knew I was struggling – if this song spurs more of this conversation and more blokes speak up, then I feel like there has been something great to come out of it.”

Brand added: “traditionally, we think of a church as a building you go to pray, but we sort of opened that up for ourselves. Church was something where we got together with our brothers and lifted each other up and a place where we did get our souls and our hearts fed, and I think that happens for people in many different areas and many different instances.”

“On that footage (from the opening ceremonies) where you have the shots of the grandstand and all those fans together, my mind immediately goes, wow that is a church I want to belong to, a family that I want to belong to, and to have this (our song) taken like this is a real honour,” Brand said.

“It was pretty special (how it was received). I was watching on the cameras when we were playing the song on the screen, and to see how people were responding and the looks on their faces and the way

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they straight away got it, and behind all the racers at track level there were 13,000 people behind them in the grandstand – a full church, all on their feet watching and paying their respects…it was incredible,” Prendergast said.

There is no doubt, that in this time of great loss, that we need to continue to look out for each other.

“The man that we are talking about, who kicked all of this off, it is not through his death, it is through his life that we are here making these comparisons and we are uniting people, so to Sam Fenech and his family and the Fabietti family, they are the ones we need to lift up –brothers and sisters, we are in this together,” Aunger said.

“We need to keep checking on

these people, and Matty and Adam I am sure you had no idea this was going to resonate with people who do 500km/h in their time of need but it absolutely has done that and I thank you Matt for a phenomenal song and Adam for getting in there and stirring the pot and adding your spices and realising while sitting next to me that I needed something in that moment, and Nathan for recognising that this was the tonic that would help our community to somehow heal.”

The Fastlane Magazine team and ANDRA thank all involved in this great project, and hope you will join us in continuing to send our well wishes to camera operator Chris Donahue who continues to recover from his injuries.

There is no doubt, that in this time of great loss, that we need to continue to look out for each other.

Wade Aunger

ASHLEY SMITH

TOP SPORTSMAN

You took out the Top Sportsman win at the Goldenstates, how was that event for you?

NAME: ASHLEY SMITH

AGE: 53

BASED IN: DARWIN, NT

OCCUPATION: AIRCRAFT ENGINEER (L.A.M.E.)

STARTED RACING: 2013

CLASSES COMPETED: SUPER SEDAN, TOP SPORTSMAN

BEST ET AND SPEED: 8.18 AT 162.99MPH

SPONSORS: RYNO INDUSTRIAL

FAVOURITE TV SHOW: FAMILY GUY

FAVOURITE FOOD: HAM AND SALAD ROLL

FAVOURITE RACETRACK: PERTH! THE MOTORPLEX FACILITY ALL ROUND!

I was nervous! For me it was a new track with different conditions, and there were changing temperatures as the night went on. The event was very well organised and everyone would offer help, which I did need on an occasion or two!

What did it mean to you to take out that victory and the ANDRA Christmas Tree in the process?

It was absolutely amazing – I did not expect that! To have travelled so far and to have never been there before and go on to take the win was very gratifying.

What did you like about the Perth Motorplex?

It was my first time there, but I found it was a really friendly and welcoming racing community and everybody I came across had a real ‘can do’ attitude. I also especially liked how big the pit parking is, and how easy it was to tow out and get around.

What have you been up to since the Goldenstates?

There hasn’t been any racing in the NT due to the wet season, but I have been working hard on the car, putting on a new plastic front end, new doors, and overhauling the diff, transmission and converter. Hopefully it will be all fixed up ready for start-up for us in April.

How did you get started in drag racing?

I have been going to the drags since I was a lot younger, starting at Ravenswood as I am originally from Perth. I wanted a car, so when I saw one for sale in the US in 2013, I got it sent over, and the rest is history!

What is it you love about racing in Top Sportsman?

I really love the competition of the class, the ‘exactness’ of the vehicles, and the fact that nearly all of the racers I have met will help you out if you need something.

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

There has been many people that have assisted and helped me with repairs and with advice. My thanks goes to Matt Able, Lyndsay Burmester, Joab Coyne to name just a few, and I couldn’t do it without my pit crew: Jason, Wally and Fiona. Thank you also to my brother Bradley and my mate Gazza who provided additional help in Perth!

Photo courtesy of High Octane Photos

Transit and static race

ISAAC ADAMOS JUNIOR

NAME: ISAAC ADAMOS AGE: 16

HOMETOWN: EAST PERTH, WA

GRADE AT SCHOOL: YEAR 11

STARTED RACING: 2021

PERSONAL BESTS: 9.41 AT 110KMH

SPONSORS:

CON ADAMOS AT BALCATTA ENGINES; SCRUFFY AT BL & SG LAKE BRICK AND PAVING CARTAGE

FAVOURITE RACE VEHICLE: THE BEACH BOMB NITRO FUNNY CAR

FAVOURITE TV SHOW: BREAKING BAD

FAVOURITE FOOD: BUTTER CHICKEN

FAVOURITE ANDRA RACETRACK: PERTH MOTORPLEX

DRAGSTER

How did you get into racing?

It’s been one of those sports that has been passed down for years and years through our family. My cousin Matthew Adamos was one of the first Juniors in WA and that was maybe about 35 years ago. My Uncle Con has been involved since he could drive road cars!

What do you consider as your racing highlights?

The 48th Goldenstates Championship where I came runner up was definitely one of those events I will never forget. Also, my very first licensing pass, where I accidentally drove so far past the 60 foot mark that I had to be rolled back nearly a whole track length by my crew.

What do you love about Junior Dragster Racing?

For me, drag racing wouldn’t be the same without its community. Being a part of the junior community is amazing and filled with love and support from fellow racers as well as family. The family aspect of drag racing is vital to make it such a loveable sport.

What is your ultimate racing goal/dream?

My ultimate dream is to finish my potential last season feeling satisfied with the time I spent in the car, knowing that I’ve left a mark like the other Adamos junior racers.

What do your school mates think about what you do?

In all honesty, I don’t believe my school mates can even comprehend the experience which one gets from drag racing. They are all very interested as well as extremely confused about the rules and procedures of the sport.

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

I would really love to stay active in the racing community, whether or not I race is a question for the future. I’m dedicated to my school and my music which will always remain a main priority along with family, but if I had the opportunity to create a future in drag racing, driving in the Super Sedan category would be quite amazing. Away from the track I hope to achieve well in my graduating years at school and get into a university that would help me set the right pathway for a career in most likely, music, law and/or medicine. I wish to remain dedicated to the things I enjoy and at the same time not lose sight of the end goals in my life.

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

I definitely want to thank my Mum, Dad and brother Xavier, but especially my Uncle Con because without him and his constant support I wouldn’t be able to do what I love. I would also like to thank the Junior Dragster community, including all the junior racers and their crews. The overall support of the West Coast JD club goes far beyond what’s expected and for racers who feel like outsiders like myself, it’s extremely welcoming. Finally, a big thanks to the ANDRA volunteers and the track staff; the scale and number of drag racing meetings could not be achieved with such professionalism without their continuous work and dedication.

Photo courtesy of High Octane Photos

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SOUTH COAST 660 HERALDS FIRST SUMMIT RACING SERIES WINNERS OF 2023

On Sunday January 8, the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series celebrated its first event winners of 2023, with the conclusion of the South Coast 660 event in Portland.

Following a big day of racing at South Coast Raceway, it was Colin Griffin (Super Gas), Ross Lamattina (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Tommy Turic (Super Street), Sean Ricketts (Modified Bike), Lance Larcombe (Super Sedan), Josh Baker (Modified), Glenn Henley (Top Sportsman), Shane Baxter (Supercharged Outlaws), Craig Geddes (Super Comp) and Edge Mallis (Competition Bike) who claimed the silver ANDRA Christmas Trees.

Taking the runner-up honours were Renee Cockerill (Super Gas), Todd Wagner (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Greg ‘Dutchy’ Holland (Super Street), Dean Jamieson (Modified Bike), Mick Rouhan (Super Sedan), Matt Ponton (Modified), Leon Davies (Top Sportsman), Steven Walker (Supercharged Outlaws), Adrian Vella (Super Comp) and Joe Khoury (Competition Bike).

Before the competitors commenced eliminations racing, the day was opened with a minute of silence for Top Doorslammer racer Sam Fenech, who sadly passed away while competing in another drag racing event in Queensland the night before. The entire ANDRA membership sends their deepest condolences to Fenech’s team and loved

ones during this terribly tragic time.

In the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster class, Ross Lamattina took out an exceptionally close win over Todd Wagner. On his way to the win, Lamattina had earlier defeated Sophia Kuchel (round one) and Cody Brae (round two) before enjoying a bye in the semi-final, while Wagner had taken wins from Mason Kuchel (round one), Sarah Osborne (round two) and Levi Knezevic (semfinal). Levi had earlier beaten his brother, Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Dylan Knezevic, in the second round.

In Modified Bike, Sean Ricketts was ecstatic to take his second ANDRA Christmas tree in as many visits to South Coast Raceway, following a win in the final over Dean Jamieson.

To secure his place in the final, Ricketts and his Kawasaki zX12r had earlier emerged victorious from battles against Rob Church (round one), top qualifier Peter Bartlett (round two), and Jamie Dohnt (semi-final), while Jamieson had successfully taken on Johnny Ireland (round one) and defending champion Shane Walker (round two) ahead of a bye in the semis.

In Super Sedan, Lance Larcombe took an emotional win in his 1968 Camaro over Mick Rouhan, following earlier race wins over Scott Rouhan (round one), Graeme Cooper (round two) and Robyn Phillis (round four) while enjoying bye runs in round three and the semi-final. Mick Rouhan meanwhile had ensured his place in the final by defeating

John Pellas (round one), Stephen Griffin (round two), Alex Gkroidis (round three), Peter Furlanetto (round four) and defending champion Peter Tzokas (semi-final).

In Supercharged Outlaws, Shane Baxter was pleased to take the win and the coveted Chris Stewart Memorial Trophy in his SBR Altered. Baxter faced off against Steven Walker in the final, with both racers enjoying bye runs in their second rounds after earlier victories over Bob Sherry and Chris Dalton respectively. Doina Day was the top qualifier for the bracket.

In Super Gas, Colin Griffin and his Toyota Celica took out the win over top qualifier Renee Cockerill, following earlier wins over defending champion Graeme Spencer (round one) and Jason Wilson (round two) before a bye in the semi-final, while Cockerill had enjoyed a bye in the first round before dispatching Adrian McGrotty (round two) and Rob Bergamin (semi-final) on her way to the final.

In Super Street, Tommy Turic took out his third ANDRA Christmas Tree in what is his first season competing in the senior ranks of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series. Turic did battle in the final with Greg ‘Dutchy’ Holland following earlier wins over Adrian Pitts (round one), Rodney Kerr (round two), Paul Tabone (round three) and top qualifier, Zac Shepherd (semi-final). Holland meanwhile had defeated Matthew Cowley (round one), Garth O’Hehir (round two), Paul Jennings (round three) and Matt Czerny

(semi-final) on his way to the final match-up.

When it came to the Modified racing, it was Josh Baker who took the win in his rear engine dragster over Matt Ponton. Baker had earlier faced off against Cory Dyson (round one), Derek Wills (round two) and top qualifier Simon Barlow (semi-final) while Ponton had taken on Josie Hodgins (round one) and Kenny Stewart (round two) ahead of a bye run in the semis.

In the Top Sportsman category, it was Glenn Henley in his Datsun 1200 Ute who took out the ANDRA Christmas Tree with victory over Leon Davies in the final following earlier battles with Brandon Freer (round one), David Foster (round two), and top qualifier Dean Cleary (semi-final), while Davies had booked his ticket to the final by defeating Roc Puccini (round one), reigning champ and John Storm Memorial winner Vlado Turic (round two) and Kevin McIvor (semi-final).

In Super Comp, eight-time and reigning Competition champion Craig Geddes claimed the winning honours over Adrian Vella in his Pro Start Dragster. The final was set up following earlier victories over Matt Forbes (round one) and Tom Dimitropoulos (semi) for Geddes, and over top qualifier and reigning Super Stock title winner Steve Norman (round one) for Vella, who benefited from a bye run in the semi-final.

In Competition Bike, Edge Mallis clean swept the weekend by taking out the event win after being the top qualifier on his Kawasaki Ninja. The Competition Bike bracket runs a

Chicago Shootout format, and Mallis went to the final against Joe Khoury after taking wins from Nathan Stone (round one), David Willis (round two) and Gavin Dohnt (round three), while Khoury had beaten David Willis (round one), Gavin Dohnt (round two) and Nathan Stone (round three).

For the full story including comment from Lamattina, Ricketts, Larcombe and Baxter, please click here

For results from the South Coast 660, please click here

ANDRA thanks the South Coast Raceway management and all of its volunteers and sponsors for an outstanding racetrack and a well-run event.

Craig Geddes

Colin Griffin

Shane Baxter

Tommy Turic

Edge Mallis

Glenn Henley

Josh Baker

Lance Larcombe

Ross Lamattina

Sean Ricketts

GRAND FINAL BECKONS FOLLOWING SIZZLING TWILIGHT NATIONALS

The penultimate round of the 2022/2023 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series, the Twilight Nationals, concluded in style on Saturday February 18 at Mildura’s Sunset Strip, setting the stage for what is sure to be an intense ANDRA Grand Final fight at the Perth Motorplex (March 4/5).

After two hot days of racing, it was Jordan Spencer (Super Gas), Sarah Osborne (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Andrew Waight (Super Street), Sean Ricketts (Modified Bike), Lance Larcombe (Super Sedan), Simon Barlow (Modified), Greg Damiani (Top Sportsman), Dale Tucker (Supercharged Outlaws), Jake HamiltonModerate (Competition Bike) and Craig Geddes (Super Comp) who secured the coveted ANDRA Christmas Trees for their brackets.

Also celebrated at the end-of-night presentations were runners-up Rob Bergamin (Super Gas), Lachlan Walker (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Brodie Tedesco (Super Street), Brian Alvisio (Modified Bike), Peter Tzokas (Super Sedan), Neil Dyson (Modified), Vlado Turic (Top Sportsman), Doina Day (Supercharged Outlaws), Joe Khoury (Competition Bike) and Madison Brown (Super Comp).

For Jordan Spencer, it was an exceptionally emotional win in Super Gas in his Commodore, with the victory delivering him

his second ANDRA Christmas Tree – but his first in the Super Gas bracket. Spencer took the win over Rob Bergamin and his VF Valiant hardtop, following earlier wins over Adrian McGrotty (round one), Warren Smith (round two), and Des Woolstencroft (round three). Bergamin meanwhile took the runner-up spot after defeating Decoglaze Glass Splashback Top Qualifier, Jason Wilson (round one) and Darryl Stephen before enjoying a bye run in the semi-finals.

In the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster ranks, it was a very close final with a double break-out for Sarah Osborne and Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Lachlan Walker. With Walker’s being the bigger of the breakouts, Osborne took out the ANDRA Christmas Tree. She had earlier taken wins from Shantaya Kardum (round one), Ava Walker (round two) and Ayden Lanciana (semi). Walker had booked his ticket to the final with victories over Nathaniel Kuchel (round one), Allirah Kardum (round two) and Cooper Plummer (semi). It is the second ANDRA Christmas Tree for Osborne, who took out her first at Portland in December of 2021.

In Competition Bike, a win for Jake HamiltonModerate was something of a redemption for the SA racer, after recent difficulties. The bracket runs a three-round format, with Hamilton-Moderate earning his way to the final with wins on his Suzuki Hayabusa over Archie Fabian (round one) and David Willis (round three) with a bye in round two, while runner-up Joe Khoury defeated David Willis

in round two and enjoyed a bye in round three, following a round one lose to Mark Habel. Edge Mallis was the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier for the bracket. In Top Sportsman, the win for Damiani was especially rewarding, following an engine change in his HG Holden Monaro midseason. Damiani took the win over Vlado Turic, who ran into trouble on the start line with his Pontiac and was unable to race down the track, after having earlier defeated Cory Read (round one) and Bob Sherry (round two) before enjoying a bye in the semis, while Turic had taken on Glenn Henley (round one), Leon Davies (round two) and Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Darren Saliba (semi).

In Super Street, Andrew Waight took the win over Brodie Tedesco, who broke-out in the final. Waight’s winning run in his HQ Holden over Tedesco’s Gemini followed earlier victories over Julian Semmler (round one), Joey Carbone (round two) and Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Rohan Watson (semi). Tedesco – racing in the senior ranks for the first time seven years after the conclusion of her Junior Dragster career – had taken on and defeated Tony Antonino (round one), Lisa Sherry (round two) and Chris Tatchell (semi).

Sean Ricketts took out his second consecutive ANDRA Christmas Tree with his Kawasaki in Mildura this weekend, taking the Modified Bike win over Brian Alvisio after having earlier emerged victorious from battles against Rob Church (round one), Derryn McGregor (round

two) and Dean Jamieson (semi). On his way to the runner-up spot, Alvisio successfully faced off against Glen Bellini (round one) and Shane Walker (round two) before enjoying a bye in the semi. Jarrod Healeay was the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier for the bracket, and was defeated by Jamieson in the first round.

In Super Sedan, Lance Larcombe was another backing up his South Coast 660 success with a win in Mildura, taking the win in his 68 Camaro over Peter Tzokas. Larcombe ensured his place in the final by taking wins from Matthew Cockerill (round one), Brett Mathew (round three) and Tony Tedesco (semi) with a bye in round two. Tzokas meanwhile had taken on Wayne Couzner (round one), Steve Paech (round two) and Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Brendan Carr (semi) with a bye in the third round.

Simon Barlow had a great weekend, with a win over Neil Dyson. Barlow – the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier this weekend – went all the way to the final and the win thanks to earlier successes over Davydd Estcourt (round one) – who was awarded the Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award – Shane Wynd (round two) and Bradley Hicks (semi). Dyson meanwhile had defeated Jodie Wagner (round one), Kenny Stewart (round two) and Adriana MacCaskell (semi) on his way to the runner-up spot.

In Supercharged Outlaws, Dale Tucker took the win over a red-lighting Doina Day – who was also the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks

Top Qualifier. Tucker and his HQ GTS had earlier defeated Alan Mahnkoph (round one) and Shane Baxter (round two) while Day had faced off against David Thornton (round one) and Paul Stephen (round two).

In SuperComp, Craig Geddes took the win in his dragster over Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier, Madison Brown and her Celica Funny Car. The eight-time sportsman champion is in the hunt for another title this season, while Brown is in contention for what would be her first national title, so it was certainly a tense final ahead of the Grand Final in two weeks’ time. Geddes had earlier dispatched Leigh Donaldson (round one) and Adrian Vella (round two) while Brown had emerged victorious from a battle against Tom Dimitropoulos before enjoying a bye in the second round.

For the full story including comment from Spencer, Osborne, Hamilton-Moderate and Damiani, please click here

For results from the Twilight Nationals, please click here.

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

The final round of the 2022/2023 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series will be held at the Perth Motorplex, as part of the Westernationals across March 4 and 5. For event information, go to www.motorplex.com.au

Jordan Spencer

Andrew Waight

Simon Barlow

Sean Ricketts

Craig Geddes

Dale Tucker

Greg Damiani

Jake Hamilton-Moderate

Lance Larcombe

Sarah Osborne