Fastlane Magazine - Issue 41

NEXT GEN ON TWO WHEELS

Junior Drag Bike is blowing up

ANDRA’s 2023 Annual General Meeting was held on the 11th of January at the Bend Motorsport Park to coincide with the Festival State Nationals, which were held at the adjoining Dragway at the Bend across January 12th to 14th.

A large number of ANDRA members attended the AGM, where Audited figures recording a $51,584 loss for the 2022/23 financial year were revealed following what was a tough year financially.

The AGM followed an Operations Committee meeting and Board meeting held earlier in the day.

At the Operations Meeting, which included

all Divisional Directors, Paul Drady was elected to the ANDRA Board.

As outlined in the ANDRA Constitution, the ANDRA Board comprises three Divisional Directors, with one position due for election every year at the Operations Meeting.

Paul Drady hails from the VIC/TAS division and replaces the NSW division’s Paul Stephen. We thank Paul Stephen for his contribution over the past two years. Paul Drady’s appointment follows the recent appointment of Trish Crossin – to learn more about both Paul Drady and Trish Crossin, please see later in this magazine.

At the Board meeting, which also included all Divisional Directors, the focus was to review governance and the outdated Strategic Plan. The Board will continue to review its governance procedures moving forward, and has committed to implement more regular Board meetings, and to improve communication with members and the Divisional Councils.

New board members Trish Crossin and Paul Drady were also officially welcomed, while ANDRA Interim Chair, Katie Cassar, thanked outgoing Board member Paul Stephen for his contribution to the Board and ANDRA drag racing over the past two years.

STAGING LANES ANDRA HOLDS 2023 AGM FEBRUARY BOARD MEETING OUTCOMES

On the 12th of February, the ANDRA Board held its most recent Board meeting, with a number of core outcomes.

Amongst the decisions made, it was resolved that sub-committees would be formed to assist the Board with the general workload, beginning with a Finance and Audit Committee.

Danya Borkowski will Chair this subcommittee, with assistance from fellow Board member Paul Drady, ANDRA CEO Tim McAvaney, and a representative from ANDRA’s accounting firm.

Also heavily discussed was the need to make changes to the ANDRA rulebook following the conclusion of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series last December.

It has been resolved that all references to SRESS will be changed to “ANDRA recognised Sportsman Series” or similar, when they are held at ANDRA sanctioned tracks.

Plans are also underway to print a new hardcopy of the ANDRA rulebook later in the year, and advertising opportunities

are now available – please see further in this magazine for further details.

A number of rule changes and interpretation clarifications were also signed off, regarding Pro Stock Eliminator (engine), Top Doorslammer (body) and Super Stock Eliminator (MS Body and MP Body) regulations. To learn more about these, please click here.

UPDATE FROM THE CEO

January and February have seen an extremely busy start to the year.

The NDRC has held various rounds and local racing has stepped up in Perth, Tailem Bend and Victoria, making the most of the summer weather.

However, how much racing is too much?

With Sportsman competitors now being spoilt for choice, they are having to make some hard decisions on which races to enter – after all, budgets only go so far in this expensive passion of ours!

As a result, we have seen a couple of events cancelled recently due to low nominations making them unviable.

This situation has highlighted the need for tracks to work co-operatively to design a national calendar that works for all parties and produces competitive fields across all categories.

In late December, ANDRA initiated a meeting of all sanctioned tracks, and we are pleased to report that the tracks have also now met twice in the new year to discuss all of the issues around promoting successful events into the future.

The NDRC is also a major player in these calendar discussions, being the custodian of the national sportsman series across all sanctions. As has always been the case, national series dates will set the structure to which regional dates are added, and it is important to work out next year’s structure now. We look forward to supporting our ANDRA member tracks through this planning process.

Another item emphasised amongst the recent discussions has been the need to promote street drags to help provide a starting ground for the next group of Sportsman racers. This is the case particularly in South Australia, which has been starved of racing for more than a decade – it will be a long and strategic process over a few years to build a strong base for racing in the region, but I am confident it will happen.

Tim McAvaney

A special thank you

With the NDRC now administering the national sportsman calendar, the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series came to an end in December.

The series over the past decade could not have been possible without the support of Summit Racing Equipment, which has been exceptional with its support.

As such, I want to take this opportunity to thank Summit Racing Equipment as a whole, and in particular Jim Greenleaf, for their long-held belief in and support of ANDRA and Sportsman Racing.

Equipment for continuing their support in other areas.

Since the structure of Sportsman racing has changed mid-season, some of our members have raised questions in relation to traditional awards like the John Storm Memorial Trophy, ANDRA Shield, Longest Distance Travelled Award and others – I am pleased to report that these awards will continue throughout the NDRC Sportsman Championship at the ANDRA sanctioned events.

If you have feedback or other questions you would like to share with us, please email info@andra.com.au

Best wishes,

Tim McAvaney

ANDRA Chief Executive Officer

Racing

While the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series may have come to an end, you will continue to see Summit Racing Equipment supporting sportsman racing through tracks directly, such as at Dragway at the Bend and South Coast Raceway (amongst others), and we sincerely thank Summit

ANDRA Chief Executive Officer

ANDRA TEAM TO GROW

ANDRA is currently seeking an experienced Office Manager/Administrator to join our team, helping us to further meet the needs of our membership base.

While members have been patient with licencing and membership enquiries over the last nine months, finances have dictated that further staffing has been difficult to fund.

However, with the new online licence system now in place and with a reworking of the budget, ANDRA is now in a position to fill this position.

“We look forward to expanding our resources and being in a position to better meet the needs of our members”, ANDRA Chief Executive Officer, Tim McAvaney, said.

“We are aware of the issues the lack

DIVISIONAL COUNCIL NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

of resources has caused, but we were always focused on improving the finances before committing to further expense.

“We look forward to welcoming a new member to our team very soon, and with their help, further improving our service delivery to ANDRA members.”

ANDRA looks forward to introducing our new team member to you soon.

ANDRA is now inviting nominations from full members of ANDRA for various divisional council positions. Full information regarding the available positions will be posted to the ANDRA website shortly.

Nominations must be lodged with the ANDRA office by the 31st of March, 2024, utilising the appropriate form. To request a nomination form, please contact the ANDRA office on info@andra.com.au

It should be remembered that Division Directors will be eligible for appointment to the ANDRA Board. Full details of the election process may be found in the ANDRA Constitution, which is available by clicking here.

CHANGES TO LOGBOOK APPLICATIONS

The second stage of ANDRA’s new online licencing system will be rolled out in March when Logbook applications will also be available online.

As a part of the process, the technical inspection will now be included in the price of the logbook, with individual technical inspectors permitted to charge up to an additional $100 per inspection to cover their personal expenses and time to carry out inspections. This inspector’s fee should be agreed to prior to the inspector travelling to inspect your vehicle.

Competitors should firstly have their vehicle inspected prior to applying online, as the Technical Inspection form will need to be uploaded on the portal – much like a medical or photo is uploaded in relation to your licence application.

Please contact your local Divisional Council to arrange an inspection prior to applying – you can find their details by clicking here.

Payment for the logbook applications will be made online at the completion of the process (using Paypal) and will

be $200 each, or $150 for Juniors and Burnout vehicles. ANDRA members will be informed when this change is officially launched, with a notice to be posted on the ANDRA website and social platforms. If you have any questions, please email info@andra.com.au

DIGITAL LICENCE ROLLOUT UPDATE

The new ANDRA online licensing system roll-out continues, and we thank all those ANDRA members who have worked with us as they have renewed their licences over the past months.

ANDRA staff are currently uploading information onto the online Digital Licence System for members/licence holders who do not yet have access to the system. This applies to all licences renewed before October last year, many of whom will have a confirmation of licence email.

If you do not currently have a digital licence, please email a headshot of yourself to info@andra.com.au to assist staff to finish uploading you into the system. This will be a great help for out dedicated licencing staff. Thank you!

If you have any questions about the new online licensing system or logbook system, please email info@andra.com.au

We have experienced a high number of issues in relation to licence and logbook applications over the past twelve months due to technical issues, the changeover of key staff, and the implementation of the new online Digital system.

While not all members have been uploaded into this new system at this time, licences and logbooks issued before October last year will have been confirmed via a confirmation email.

These confirmation emails are still current and licence holders will be uploaded into

WAITING ON A LICENCE OR LOGBOOK? RACE/LICENCE NUMBER AUDIT

Once all licence holders/members are in the Digital Licence System, we will be completing an audit of all currently used licence/membership numbers.

We have a large list of numbers that have not been used for years.

In order to keep a Licence number current, you must renew your licence, or if not currently racing, renew as an ANDRA member

the new system as previously discussed above.

However, if you have not received a confirmation email, and are waiting on a licence or logbook from before October, please let your divisional director know please - click here to see the contact details of your DD.

With an Office Manager starting soon and the new system in place, we look forward to putting the last twelve months behind us! Thanks everyone for your patience.

($120). Any licence numbers which expire by more than two years will be offered to other members.

So please, if your number is special to you, secure it now if not currently licenced!

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

ANDRA is currently looking to once again produce a hard copy of the ANDRA rule book in 2024. This means you have the opportunity to advertise your business directly to our dedicated membership, in an important reference guide which is used continuously by members across the year.

The placement of the advertisement can be tailored to your business and placed in an industry relevant section of the ANDRA rule book. Available spaces include:

• Back Cover – $2500

• Inside Front/Back Cover – $1750

• Full Page – $1100 (x1), $1000ea (x2), $900ea (x3)

• Half Page – $650 (x1), $600ea (x2), $550ea (x3)

• Quarter Page – $400 (x1), $350ea (x2), $300ea (x3)

Also available are advertising spaces in ANDRA’s digital FASTLANE Magazine. ANDRA’s official member publication, FASTLANE is sent out electronically for free to all ANDRA and NHRA members plus licence holders and race fans. Available spaces include:

• Back Cover – $1400

• Inside Cover/Inside back Cover – $1050

• Full Page – $700

• Half Page – $450

• Quarter Page – $250

• *Add 15% for ads placed prominently between pages 4-7

• Audio and Video Ad – add $200 for a video ad to be included in back cover, inside front, inside back cover, double page, full page, half page only. Video ads no more than a minute long. For longer, please contact us. Add $100 for audio ad to be included in all ads. Does not include classifieds.

For more information and to discuss your advertising needs, please email technical@andra.com.au

HAVE YOU GRABBED YOUR SPECIAL EDITION OF FASTLANE YET?

The ANDRA 50th Anniversary special edition Fastlane Commemorative Magazine is now available.

With plenty of history, amazing photos and fantastic profiles on some of our sport’s biggest personalities, administrators and competitors over the 50 year journey, the

50th anniversary ANDRA special edition of Fastlane Magazine is a must-read.

ANDRA members can contact the ANDRA office to request a copy by emailing info@andra.com.au, or pick up a copy at selected race meetings.

ANDRA CLUB MEMBERS RECOGNISED AT MOTORSPORTS NT AWARDS

Motorsports NT held its annual awards ceremony recently, with a number of ANDRA club members across the Hidden Valley Drag Racing Association and Central Australian Drag Racing Association nominated for awards.

ANDRA’s congratulations goes to all nominees on being recognised for their tireless efforts and dedication which make ANDRA drag racing possible at the Hidden Valley Drag Strip and Alice Springs Inland Dragway, and in particular to Calder Brennan of HVDRA, who took out the NT Junior Official of the Year Award for 2023.

Joining Calder in being nominated for awards were:

• Adam Wilson (HVDRA) – Official Of The Year

• Hunter Boyer (HVDRA) – Future Star

• James Low (HVDRA) – Senior Rider Of The Year

• Matt Abel (HVDRA) – Administrator Of The Year

• Miranda Barfoot (HVDRA) – Volunteer Of the Year

• Josie Hodgins (CADRA) – Administrator Of The Year

• Dan Hodgins (CADRA) – Volunteer Of The Year

• Ashia Gillatt (CADRA) – Junior Rider Of The Year

• Tyson Gaghan (CADRA) – Senior Rider Of The Year

• Cody Hodgins (CADRA) – Senior Driver Of The Year

• Immanual Gillatt (CADRA) – Future Star Award

• Lucas Jackson (CADRA) – Official Of The Year

For more information, including comment from Calder and also ANDRA CEO, Tim McAvaney, please click here.

For the full list of Motorsports NT Award Winners, please visit www.facebook.com/MotorSports.NT

DRAG RACING MANAGER APPOINTED PERTH MOTORPLEX

The Perth Motorplex, operated by Evolve Facility Management (a subsidiary of ANDRA), was recently pleased to announce the appointment of Ray Treasure as Drag Racing Manager.

The West Australian has been a key fixture in Australian drag racing since the 1970s, holding a number of prominent positions, including at the Perth Motorplex.

Evolve Facility Management Chair,

Murray O’Connor, said he was pleased to welcome Treasure back to the Motorplex.

“Ray Treasure is much loved here in WA and his return to the Drag Racing Manager’s position at the Perth Motorplex will reinvigorate confidence and enthusiasm in drag racing in Western Australia,” O’Connor said.

“I would like to also take this opportunity on behalf of everyone at Evolve Facility

VALE : SERGEI OSTASHKEVICH

All at ANDRA were extremely saddened recently to hear of the sudden and unexpected passing of valued ANDRA and SADRA member, Sergei Ostashkevich.

Sergei was a great supporter of drag racing in Australia from the mid-eighties onwards, a long-time ANDRA member, a past SADRA president, and current committee member. Alongside his brother Vladimir, he organised the first marketing seminar for drag racing in Adelaide and more recently was a big part of the

Management and the Perth Motorplex to thank Chris Mitchell, Andrew Sharpe and Matthew Pickett for their efforts across the 2023/2024 season to date.”

Treasure commenced in the full-time role on the 15th of January 2024, reporting to the General Manager.

For information about the Perth Motorplex, please visit www.motorplex.com.au

campaigning for and development of the Dragway at The Bend facility.

He assisted with the upgrading of the ANDRA computer resources in 1989, and organised ANDRA’s first presence on the internet. He also played a role in helping to take Bob Sherry from A/Street all the way to Top Fuel.

A long-time ANDRA member and past SADRA president, Sergei was a friend to everyone and a dedicated volunteer and participant in our sport. There is no doubt he will be sorely missed, and all at ANDRA send their deepest condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time.

The Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) is pleased to welcome Thorn Creative to the ANDRA Member Benefits Program.

Headed up by Kirsty Dredge, daughter of ASID co-founder and long-time drag racer Andrew Cole, Thorn Creative offers website design and development services as well as marketing and graphics support.

“Although I don’t race myself, I have grown up around the sport with Dad,” Dredge explains.

“I am really excited to work with ANDRA members to help them with their race team or business website, marketing and design needs, and to offer them a 10 percent discount as part of the ANDRA Member Benefits program.

“I am looking forward to helping race teams get set-up to share their updates and news, and even sell merchandise online through their own shop.

“Everything is included to get you up and running including the domain, hosting services, a professional WordPress-

driven website, email accounts and ongoing Australian support.”

For more information, contact Kirsty Dredge at Thorn Creative on 0493 535 705 or admin@thorncreative.com.au

As a valued ANDRA business partner, you can receive maximum exposure through the ANDRA Drag Racing brand and its events. As a valued partner, your company will be showcased and celebrated whenever and wherever possible.

There is a host of ways you can support ANDRA drag racing, including investment in the following:

THANK YOU SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT

Summit Racing Equipment has long been a key supporter of ANDRA drag racing throughout Australia, supporting not only the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series, but also the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster bracket and a number of ANDRA member tracks and their local events and championships.

Across the length of its partnership with ANDRA, this leading performance powerhouse has invested more than $1.5 million dollars to the benefit of ANDRA racers through prize money and contingency payments, series, bracket and lane sponsorships, and the supply of goods, discounts and promotions as well as support of track and event sponsorships. While the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series – supported by Summit Racing for the

past nine years – has now come to a close, the ‘World Speed Shop’ remains a passionate supporter of Australia’s drag racers through track and local partnerships, and we are so grateful for their continued support.

Please join us in sending a big thank you to Summit Racing Equipment for all they have done for ANDRA drag racing and the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series over the last nine years, and for all they continue to do in support of ANDRA members.

To learn more about Summit Racing Equipment, please visit www.summitracing.com

TWO WHEELS

AT TRACKS ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY, JUNIOR DRAG BIKE IS GAINING MOMENTUM AS THE NEWEST PLACE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF AUSTRALIAN DRAG RACING STARS TO GET THEIR START.

Junior Drag Bike was created by ANDRA for competitors between the ages of 11 and 16 inclusive, racing Production Street Motorcycles of any age, modified to the limits described in the class regulations. The dial your own handicap system is used, and Junior Drag Bikes are limited to competition over the eighth-mile distance with two categories and performance levels.

In South Australia, the Raschella and Bergamin families are doing all they can to advance the bracket, with 14 year old Lawrence Raschella and 16 year old Lucas Bergamin not only competing, but together with their fathers Anthony and Geoff, providing an opportunity for other interested families to try the bracket out.

“We want to provide an avenue to help

encourage more families into this great bracket, so Geoff and I and the kids have started a program to help them have a go before making the full financial investment of buying their own bike,” Anthony said.

“The families will need to arrange their safety gear, their ANDRA licence and medical and so on, but we will supply a

Cackling Pipes & Snapshot Media

Yamaha R150 bike, maintain it, transport it and run it at the event for them while providing mentorship for the kids (and the parents) to have a go, acquire their licence – which if all goes to plan will take two events – and then enjoy one competition meeting with us before they need to invest in their own bike.

“We want to see more kids joining this bracket, and we want to do what we can to foster not only the next generation of drag racers, but also a family friendly environment for kids to interact and learn and socialise and maybe get away from their phones a bit. Motorsport is a great place for kids, so we want to show them what it is all about.

“It really is a big family with a lot of support for the kids especially from the Drag Riders Association of South Australia (DRASA). With guys like Sam Scerri and Matt Dare, there is no shortage of highly experienced, championship winning riders ready to help mentor the next generation and both Lawrence and Lucas have very much benefited from their assistance.

“From a parent’s point of view, I have never been a bike person myself, so putting my son on a bike for the first time was a little scary yes, but it is safe, he loves it, and he is learning so much from not only working on the bike but also the clutch, throttle control, balance, shifting gears, reaction times, and of course sportsmanship.

“When people think of kids riding bikes they think of dirt tracks and doing jumps

and stuff like that where the risk of coming off is a lot higher.

Lawrence had never ridden a bike before this, and two weeks after debuting at Whyalla to get his licence, he was right at home. I am super proud of both Lawrence and Lucas and what they have achieved in such a short time.” Lawrence Raschella echoed his father’s thoughts.

“I have had a wow of a time so far; it has been heaps of fun. I used to race in Junior Dragster and while it is great, I have found a lot of enjoyment on the bike. I say it is half the wheels, but twice the fun! They are two different things, and both have lots of attractive qualities which will appeal to different people,” Lawrence said.

“To anyone who is considering Junior Drag Bike, I say – you should do it! It is heaps of fun and hands on. You are speaking with different people all the time, you are learning motor skills, you are learning life skills, and all the basic mechanical skills too.”

When it comes to costs, Anthony – a longtime drag racer currently competing in the Top Sportsman ranks – says Junior Drag Bike is very accessible.

“You can put a bike in the back of a Ute or in a garden trailer behind a car; and for under three thousand for the bike, you can pretty much go racing, and that is with a competitive bike,” Anthony said. “Yes you have to invest in the safety gear, as only the best will do for our kids of

course, and we have been very grateful for the support of our fantastic sponsors in Shoei Helmets and AMX, but as far as the bike outlay and what you need to get it around, it is quite affordable.”

Like the Raschellas, the Bergamins have a long history of involvement in sportsman drag racing, with Geoff a Modified Bike racer and his cousin Rob Bergamin the 2022/2023 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Super Gas Australian Champion.

“As soon as Lucas heard about the bracket, he was keen. He has restored his 1989 CBR Honda, probably the oldest bike in all of Junior Drag Bike in Australia, from a bucket to a great little racer and off we went. I am so proud of all he has achieved so far already, while it has been a learning curve, we have worked our way through, and we are so excited about what is ahead for Lucas and for the bracket as a whole,” Geoff Bergamin said.

“Grassroots racing is where it all starts, and that begins with the kids. Junior Dragster has been successful for many years, and this is just another great way to get involved for those that want something a little different and it really is a great place to learn skills to set them up for life.” For Lucas, Junior Drag Bike is set to provide a springboard into the senior ranks.

“I am really enjoying riding and trying to put on a good show for other kids that are watching. I would love for them to get excited about the bracket and want to join in. I have been riding bikes since I was young, so I jumped at the chance when I found out about Junior Drag Bike, and I had a lot of fun rebuilding the bike too, learning a lot along the way,” Lucas said.

“In the future I want to keep going faster and moving up to bigger bikes, while working together with the other riders and families to try and make this bracket bigger because it really is something special.”

To learn more about the Junior Drag Bike rules and regulations, please click here.

To learn more about the program offered by Anthony Raschella and Geoff Bergamin, please call Anthony on 0404 066 318 or Geoff on 0413 296 133.

ANDRA BOARD WELCOMES NEW FACES

The Australian National Drag Racing Association has been pleased recently to welcome Paul Drady and Trish Crossin (AM) to the ANDRA Board. Paul and Trish join Katie Cassar (Chair), Nathan Peirano (QLD DD), Murray O’Conner (WA DD), and Danya Borkowski (independent director) in making up the ANDRA

Introducing Paul Drady

Paul Drady has been a lifetime supporter of drag racing and directly involved for the past 15 years through not only his business but also as a crew member, ANDRA steward, divisional council member and most recently, Alternate VIC Division Director.

The 45-year-old from Melbourne in Victoria not only brings this first-hand knowledge of ANDRA drag racing to the role, but also experience in high stress and time restricted environments thanks to 14 years in the medical industry.

He started working on Super Gas cars early on, before becoming an ANDRA Gold Accredited photographer in 2011 while still working with various race teams.

He was then offered a position working on the Lee Bektash Pro Stock car. Following around the ANDRA series of the time, they secured two championships.

For the past six years he has working with a lot of sportsman racers, particularly around their shock and chassis set up.

Through his business, Paul speaks to racers from all backgrounds and at all levels from Junior Dragster to Top Fuel, discussing what makes them tick and what they want out of drag racing.

He has also worked with regional tracks and airport facilities since joining the NSW Divisional Council in 2021, for which he was also the Alternate DD. And in 2023 he became the Victoria Alternate Division Director.

Board, with one position currently vacant. As Vic/Tas DD, Paul Drady replaces outgoing Board member, Paul Stephen. Paul Stephen remains as the NSW DD. ANDRA thanks Paul Stephen for his valued contribution while serving on the Board. To learn more about Paul and Trish, please read on.

Introducing Trish Crossin

Patricia (Trish) Crossin AM is an experienced Director with an extensive background in corporate governance, risk management and strategic planning, which sees her ideally placed to contribute to the future of ANDRA drag racing. Now based in Melbourne, Crossin is a former Senator and was the first woman to represent the Northern Territory in the Federal Parliament.

During her time as a Senator, Crossin lobbied for and gained $4.5m to upgrade and redesign the drag strip for the Hidden Valley Drag Racing Association at the Motorsports Complex in Darwin. She is also a Chair and Board member of a number of community, education, sporting organisations and statutory authorities, a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and holds a Bachelor of Education.

She is currently a Director on the Boards of the Gordon Institute of TAFE, Westjustice Community Legal Centre, St Columba’s College, Asthma Foundation NT, Rainbow Disability Services Club and Gender Equity Victoria. Her previous board positions include Directorship of the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, Australian Indigenous Agribusiness Company, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Pty Ltd, President of Netball NT and Netball ACT. She also established the NT Working Women’s Centre and was the Founding Chairperson.

In recognition of her efforts, Crossin has received a National Service Award from Asthma Australia and was awarded a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia in 2013 for her significant services to the Parliament and to the community of the NT.

To learn more about the ANDRA Board Members, go to www.andra.com.au/about-us/andra-board/

NAME: BRIAN KEANE

AGE: 47

BASED IN: MOUNT GAMBIER

OCCUPATION: QUARRY / SKIP BIN MANAGER

STARTED RACING: 2018

CLASSES COMPETED: SUPER STREET AND SUPER SEDAN

BEST ET AND SPEED: 10:65 / 122MPH IN SUPER STREET

MAJOR SPONSORS: SANDYRIDGE SKIPS AND MURRIHY DEMOLITIONS

FAVOURITE SHOW: HOME AND AWAY

FAVOURITEFOOD: SEAFOOD

FAVOURITE RACE TRACK: SOUTH COAST RACEWAY

BRIAN KEANE SUPER SEDAN

You were the winner for Super Street at the Festival State Nationals – what did that mean to you, and how was the event for you overall?

It was my first big major win, and it was great to do it with friends by my side. It was a great event, well run and a credit to the organisers.

You then went runner-up at the South Coast Rumble – do you feel like you are on a bit of a roll at the moment?

The car is running really well. When the driver does the right thing, it is a pretty consistent car and hard to beat.

What is contributing to your success?

It is always good to have people around you that are happy to help out in any way which makes it a lot easier and definitely contributes to my success at the moment.

How has the rest of your season gone so far?

So far, I have had a great season even though I have had to swap cars and classes, but I am still enjoying it.

How did you get started in drag racing?

I have long been involved in drag racing with friends, even when I was younger. I have always had good street muscle cars but as a teenager I raced Motorcross which took up a lot of my time with all of the travelling. I then did FIFO in my late 20s. In my early 40s I settled in South Australia and thought what I could do with my spare time – so I chose Drag Racing.

Can you tell us about your car?

It is an XR Falcon GT lookalike. It has a 408 Cleveland which makes 620hp and a ProTrans C4, all with a 4V Top End Tunnel rammed twin dominator carbies. It has had its current paint scheme for the past 28 years.

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

My stepson, Jackson (my un-official Team Manager) who is with me at every meeting. My wife, Nikki, and daughter Layla, who are my biggest fans. The Henley Brothers for all their guidance along the way. My Father in Law, Ken, who’s always there to drive me home after a meeting so I can have a few hard earned beers after the end of the event.

Photo courtesy of Crackling Pipes

NAME:

TAYLOR HORTON

AGE: 13

HOMETOWN: GEELONG

GRADE AT SCHOOL: YEAR 8

STARTED RACING: 1 YEAR AGO

PERSONAL BESTS:

WINNING THE BOXING DAY CHALLENGE TWO YEARS IN A ROW AND TAKING OUT THE WIN AT SOUTH COAST RUMBLE

SPONSORS:

MOTO WORKS, SPARKLE ‘N’ SHINE HOUSEKEEPERS, UNITED SIGNAGE, PRO STAR MOTORSPORTS, TYRES NOW

FAVOURITE RACE VEHICLE: TOP FUELER

FAVOURITE TV SHOW: GOLD RUSH

FAVOURITE FOOD: KFC

FAVOURITE ANDRA TRACK:

PORTLAND’S SOUTH COAST RACEWAY

TAYLOR HORTON

JUNIOR DRAGSTER

How did you get into racing?

My mum and dad drove to Mildura to look at a Junior Dragster and decided to buy it for me.

What do you consider as your racing highlights?

PROFILE

Winning the South Coast Rumble and Boxing Day Challenges and racing interstate including at The Bend

You took out the win at the South Coast Rumble – what was that like for you and how was the event for you overall?

It was unbelievable. I have been working hard to try and win a National round. I love racing at Portland, they always put on a fantastic event, and it was great catching up with the other junior racers.

What do you love about Junior Dragster Racing?

I get to have so much fun racing but most of all I meet other junior racers. I have made some great friendships.

What is your ultimate racing goal/dream?

To race a Top Doorslammer or in Top Fuel.

What do your school mates think about what you do?

They think it’s awesome and support me in what I do. They say I have very cool parents because their parents would never let them do anything like this.

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

To be the best person I can be on and off the track.

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

My mum, dad and sister, Moto Works, Sparkle ‘N’ Shine Housekeepers, United Signage, Pro Star Motorsports, Rob and Anne Camilleri, Simon and Paris, Tyres Now and Jason Cunliffe.

Photo courtesy of DragPix and the Horton family

SOUTH COAST NATS

SUPER SOUTH COAST NATIONALS DELIVERS IN PORTLAND

The South Coast Nationals saw the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series racers well and truly deliver some super performances across December 2nd and 3rd as they looked to claim ANDRA Christmas Trees in Portland.

When all was said and done, it was Rob Bergamin (Super Gas), Sarah Osborne (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Michael Jennings (Super Street), Lucas Neagoe (Modified Bike), Gary Vogelsang (Super Sedan), Kenny Stewart (Modified), Glenn Henley (Top Sportsman), Dale Tucker (Supercharged Outlaws), Adrian Vella (Super Comp) and Joe Khoury (Competition Bike) who claimed the silver ANDRA Christmas Trees.

Taking the runner-up honours were Jason Wilson (Super Gas), Alex Rottenbury (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Tex Griffiths (Super Street), Sean Ricketts (Modified Bike), Alex Gkroidis (Super Sedan), Derek Wills (Modified), Vlado Turic (Top Sportsman),

Tim Stewart (Supercharged Outlaws), Matt Forbes (Super Comp) and David Willis (Competition Bike).

In Super Sedan, it was a particularly emotional victory for Gary Vogelsang with the win coming just three weeks after he lost his father. On his way to the final against runner-up Alex Gkroidis in his Taboo 1968 Camaro, Vogelsang had faced off against Brendan Carr (round one), Nikolas Karanovic, Brian Keane and reigning champ, Lance Larcombe. Gkroidis meanwhile had done battle with Jamie Mclaren (round one) and Brent Murray before a round three bye and a semi-final match-up with Robert Kardum – who had earlier dispatched Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier, Tony Miskelly, in round three.

In Top Sportsman, Glenn Henley followed up his 2023 South Coast 660 victory with another ANDRA Christmas Tree aboard his Datsun 1200 Ute. Henley took the event win over Vlado Turic after having earlier faced off against Darryl Stephen

(round one), David Foster and reigning champion Leon Davies, while Turic had enjoyed successful races against Cory Read (round one) and Keith Hards, including a Perfect Light, before a bye in the semi-finals. Dean Cleary was the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier on Saturday but was unable to take any further part in the proceedings.

In Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster, Sarah Osborne was pleased to take out her third ANDRA Christmas Tree in what is her last season in the bracket with her Drag’n Fly Junior Dragster. Osborne took the win over runner-up Alex Rottenbury after having earlier taken wins from Lily Vickery (round one), Deklan McGregor and Taylor Horton before a semi-final bye, while Rottenbury had taken wins from Mason Kuchel (round one), Todd Wagner, Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Luca Lamattina, and Shantaya Kardum.

In Supercharged Outlaws, Dale Tucker and his HQ GTS emerged victorious over Tim Stewart to claim the ANDRA Christmas

Tree trophy in his first trip to South Coast Raceway. Tucker ensured his place in the final with earlier wins over Doina Day and Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks

Top Qualifier, Davydd Estcourt. Stewart meanwhile had successfully dispatched Paul Stephen (round one) and Mike Evans. In Super Gas, Rob Bergamin was a very happy camper, with the reigning champ taking the win over Jason Wilson. Bergamin and his ‘ANGRY’ VF Valiant Hardtop ensured his place in the final with wins over Mark Calus and Jordan Spencer, while Wilson had dispatched Colin Griffin and Warren Bull – who had earlier defeated Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier, Des Woolstencroft, in the first round.

In SuperComp, reigning Super Stock champion Adrian Vella took out the victory over Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifer, Matt Forbes. Vella booked his spot in the final by taking victory from Leigh Donaldson (round one) and Graeme Simms aboard his Chevrolet Cobalt while Forbes had taken on Mick Simic (round

one) and Mitch Oxley. On his way to the victory, Vella also rewrote two national records, resetting the Super Stock E/GA ET and MPH records to 5.416 (from 5.476) and 128.26mph (from 123.59mph).

In Super Street, Michael Jennings lifted the ANDRA Christmas Tree trophy after defeating Tex Griffiths in the final in his 1970 Nova, following earlier victorious races against Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Bill Farrugia (round one) and Trevor Mallia ahead of a round three bye and a semi-final matchup against his brother, Paul Jennings. Griffiths meanwhile had ensured his spot in the final race by taking wins from Andrew Smith, Michael Bridges, Andrew Gay and Henry Spicak.

In Modified Bike, Lucas Neagoe took the win over South Coast 660 winner Sean Ricketts. Neagoe raced his Suzuki GSXR1000 to the final with victories over Bryan Finn and Matthew Yard before a round three bye, while Ricketts had taken on Derryn McGregor, Greg Oberti and Jamie Dohnt. Decoglaze Glass

Splashbacks Top Qualifier Shane Walker meanwhile was unable to proceed past a round two bye.

In Modified Eliminator, Kenny Stewart took the win over David Wills in his dragster, following earlier wins over Ashley Johnson (round one) and Decoglaze Glass

Splashbacks Top Qualifier, Simon Barlow, while Wills had successfully faced off against Jodie Wagner and David Grills on his way to the final.

In Competition Bike, reigning champion Joe Khoury took the win over David Willis with his Harley Davidson Destroyer. Competition Bike employs the threeround Chicago Shootout format, with Khoury enjoying three successful races on his way to the final against Rob Church, Jake Hamilton-Moderate, and Gavin Dohnt, while Willis took two wins from Hamilton-Moderate and Church while suffering one race lose to Dohnt. Edge Mallis was the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier.

Also on track was South Coast Raceway’s Street Fighter class, with Jaydan Hoggan taking the win over Bree Seiler. For results from the South Coast Nationals, please click here

ANDRA thanks the South Coast Raceway management and all of its volunteers and sponsors as well as all of the ANDRA officials and volunteers for an outstanding

Gary Vogelsang

Lucas Neagoe

Dale Tucker

Joe Khoury

Michael Jennings

Glenn Henley

Photos courtesy of BrightDesign.com.au

RACERS CELEBRATE HAPPY NEW YEAR AT

SOUTH COAST RACEWAY

The Aeroflow National Sportsman Championship rung in the new year in style at South Coast Raceway over January 6th and 7th, with more than 140 competitors taking to the Portland venue for the South Coast 660.

The following racers got their 2024 racing exploits off to the best possible start by claiming the event win and the prestigious Christmas Tree trophies in their respective brackets: Shane Baxter (Supercharged Outlaws), Todd Wagner (Junior Dragster), Michael Jennings (Super Street), Steve Norman (Super Comp), Edge Mallis (Competition Bike), Jamie Dohnt (Modified Bike), Colin Griffin (Super Gas), Simon Barlow (Modified), David Todd (Super Sedan) and Glenn

Henley (Top Sportsman).

In Supercharged Outlaws, Melbourne’s Shane Baxter took the event win from top qualifier Doina Day in his Neil and Parks Dragster. He had earlier defeated Brendan Carr (round one) before a round two bye, while Day had a round one bye ahead of victory over Bob Sherry in round two before breaking out in the final.

In Junior Dragster, 12-year-old Todd Wagner of Mildura South (VIC) was left speechless after claiming his first ever Christmas Tree trophy. Wagner took the win over three-time tree winner, Sarah Osborne, after emerging victorious from match-ups against Lachlan Walker, Luca Lamattina and Jason Maggs, while Osborne had taken on Brock Furlanetto,

James Barlow, and Cooper Plummer. Taylor Horton had earlier been celebrated as the top qualifier.

In Competition Bike, Edge Mallis had a very successful weekend at the race track with his Kawasaki H2R, with the Moonee Ponds (VIC) racer top qualifying before going on to take the event win over Joe Khoury – a defending Australian champion and the last round winner. Competition Bike employs a three-round Chicago Shootout format, and Mallis and Khoury faced off in the final after Mallis had won races against Gavin Dohnt, Rob Church and Jake Hamilton-Moderate while Khoury had also taken three wins over Church, Hamilton-Moderate and Nathan Stone to earn his place in the final.

In Super Street, Michael Jennings backed up his December South Coast Nationals victory in his 1970 Nova, with Allan Brooks this time being the runner-up. Jennings, of Valley View in SA, ensured his place in the final by taking wins from Bill Farrugia, Andrew Waight and Andrew Smith before a semi-final bye, while Brooks had taken on Henry Spicak, Nathan Micallef, Rodney Kerr, and Benny Phillips. Ji Ackland claimed the top qualifying honours for the bracket.

In Super Comp, Whyalla’s Steve Norman took the win over top qualifier Matthew Forbes with his championship-winning BMW M3. Forbes red lit in the final after having earlier successfully taken on Adrian Vella before a round two bye, while Norman had dispatched Kim Fardella and Graeme Simms.

In Modified Bike, Jamie Dohnt took the win from last round winner Lucas Neagoe in a great final which saw the pair face off for the Christmas Tree following some great earlier match-ups. Dohnt, of Mount Gambier East (SA), took opening wins against Cheryl Beddoes and Dean Jamieson in his Yamaha R1 before a

round three bye and Neagoe defeated Derryn McGregor before a round two bye and a win over top qualifier, Corey Gathercole.

In Super Gas, Craigieburn (VIC) racer Colin Griffin took the win over a breakingout Warren Smith in his Toyota Celica. Griffin was the top qualifier and had defeated Jason Wilson in round one before a round two bye and a semi-final win from Graeme Spencer, while Smith had taken on Jordan Spencer and Waren Bull before a semi-final bye.

In the Modified ranks Simon Barlow took his championship winning dragster all the way to the end with victory over lastround winner, Kenny Stewart. The Holden Hill (SA) racer got his day off to a good start by top qualifying and earning a round one bye, before he successfully took on Cory Dyson and Adriana Cartledge on his way to the final, while Stewart ensured his place in the final by taking wins from Neil Dyson and Derek Wills before a semifinal bye.

In Super Sedan, David Todd and Robert Kardum faced off in the final, with Todd

and his Gemini ultimately taking the Christmas Tree home. The Beachport (SA) racer had earlier enjoyed wins over Brodie Tedesco, Troy Newton, Alex Gkroidis, and top qualifier Tony Miskelly, while Kardum had emerged victorious from battles against Jamie Mclaren, Lisa Sherry, and Brent Murray before a semifinal bye.

In Top Sportsman, Glenn Henley backed up his South Coast Nationals win with another Christmas Tree trophy, this time over red-lighting runner up, Ricky Smith. Henley, of Mount Gambier (SA), booked his ticket to the final with wins over Vlado Turic and Greg Damiani ahead of a semifinal bye in his Datsun 1200 Ute, while Smith had dispatched top qualifier David Foster before a round two bye and a semifinal win over, Leon Davies, a current Australian champion. For results from the South Coast 660, please click here

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

Colin Griffin David Todd

Shane Baxter

Steve Norman

Joe Khoury Simon Barlow Todd Wagner

Photos courtesy of Automotive Event Images

FANTASTIC FESTIVAL STATE NATIONALS DELIGHT PACKED HOUSE

FESTIVAL STATE NATIONALS

Race fans delighted in all that the National Drag Racing Championship had to offer at the Festival State Nationals in midJanuary, with epic performances from Nitro Funny Cars, Top Doorslammers, Top Fuel Motorcycles and the Aeroflow National Sportsman Series ensuring the 20,000+ strong crowd on-track and the many watching live on 7plus were captivated from start to finish.

With Nitro Funny Car making its debut at the recently opened venue, Justin Walshe took home the bragging rights and the NDRC Christmas Tree for the flamethrowing bracket with a hole-shot win (better reaction time) over championship leader, Morice McMillin.

His win with a 5.012 second pass at 494.78kph over McMillin’s 4.989/478.87kph effort in what was a side-by-side full flames pass had the

crowd on their feet and will tighten up the championship points significantly as the Nitro Funny Car championship surpasses its mid-point..

In Top Fuel Motorcycle, Benny Stevens put in a A-Final winning performance, taking the win over Greg Durack to add to his championship lead. Stevens – who had a problematic day on Saturday, took a win over Corey Buttigieg in the first round, before an early shut off in round two on a solo.

Durack meanwhile put down a huge run in round one to signal his return to competitiveness with a 6.671 ET at 326kph over a struggling Aaron Deery and followed that up with a round two victory over Buttigieg who again encountered issues.

In Top Doorslammer, there were wild and

emotional celebrations when John Zappia crossed the line with a 5.763 second pass at 400.52kph ahead of Russell Taylor (5.749) in the A-Final in a Goldenstates rematch. However, immediately following the run and after Zappia was tearfully presented with the Gold Christmas Tree in the deep end, one of the officials reported a disqualifiable offence – a crew member touching the car while in full stage.

In light of the multiple video angles available, the ANDRA Chief Steward allowed a lengthier investigation to take place on Monday, with the decision ultimately upheld to award Taylor the win, and Zappia the runner-up points.

In the Aeroflow National Sportsman Championship, victories went to Sean Maher (Super Sedan), Cory Dyson (Modified), Lachlan Walker (Junior Dragster), Bob Sherry (Supercharged

Photos courtesy of Cackling Pipes

Outlaws), Briane Keane (Super Street), Lucas Neagoe (Modified Bike), Chris Allen (Competition Bike), Steve Norman (Super Stock), Glenn Henley (Top Sportsman), and Matt Forbes (Competition). Also ontrack running exhibition passes were Junior Bike competitors.

For Matt Forbes in Competition, it was a very exciting victory, as it marked him becoming the first Australian national championship competitor to win national events in five different championship brackets – Super Gas, Modified, Top Sportsman, Super Stock, and now Competition Eliminator.

The win followed two previous runnerup and top qualifying combos at the last two NDRC championship events, with Forbes again top qualifying before going on to finally clinch the win with victory over Mitch Oxley. Forbes went to the final following a round one bye and a round two victory over champion racer Craig Geddes, Oxley meanwhile had defeated Ralf Perri in round one before a round two bye.

In Supercharged Outlaws, it was a special victory for long-time racer Bob Sherry, who took the win over Larry Basile following a round one win from Lucas Woodburn, while Basile had enjoyed a round one bye. Top qualifier Milan Dokic was unable to compete due to push rod issues.

In Junior Dragster, Lachlan Walker claimed his first ever Christmas Tree trophy with a win over Savanna Condello, after defeating Paige Harvey in round one before a round two bye, and a semifinal win over Savanna’s brother Zayne Condello. Savannah meanwhile had taken on Brock Furlanetto, top qualifier James Barlow and Cooper Plummer on her way to the final.

In Super Sedan, Sean Maher took the win over Kym Driesener following earlier wins over Deb O’Connell, champion Lance Larcombe and Chevy Taylor – who had defeated top qualifier Tony Miskelly in the second round, while Driesener had taken on Robert Kardum, Darren Russell, and Darryl Stephen on her way to the final.

In Modified, Cory Dyson had a successful weekend, taking the big trophy over Fiona Crisp in a heads-up final which followed earlier wins over Peter O’Donnell and top qualifier Simon Barlow, before a bye in the semi-final. Crisp had ensured her place in the final with victories over Daniel Bader and Daniel Carranza before also enjoying a semi-final bye run.

In Super Street, Brian Keane and Julian Semmler faced off for the NDRC Christmas Tree, with both racers red lighting and Keane awarded the win by being the second to turn on the cherry. Keane had earlier taken on Andrew Shirely, Dutchy Holland and Michael Bridges while Semmler had faced off against top qualifier Andrew Ricketts, Rick Pfitzner and Rod Kerr.

On two-wheels, Lucas Neagoe took a win over Nick Thompson in the final despite running a 17 second pass when Nick broke out. He had earlier taken on Chris Morgan and Cheryl Beddoes while Thompson had taken on Dean Jamieson and top qualifier Brian Alvisio. While in Competition Bike, Chris Allen and Sam Scerri did battle for the final victory following a three-round Chicago Shootout which saw top qualifier Allen record wins on a bye and over Paul Andrews and Rob Church, while Scerri defeated Jake Hamilton-Moderate and David Willis before a round three bye.

In Super Stock, Steve Norman took a solo win in the final when defending champion Adrian Vella couldn’t fire up to greet the starter. Top qualifier Norman had earlier taken on Ray Oxley before a round two bye while Vella had taken victories from Simon Lazarevski and Kim Fardella.

In Top Sportsman, Glenn Henley collected another NDRC Christmas Tree with victory over Cory Read. Henley made his way to the final courtesy of wins over Chris Dalton, Greg Damiani and Dean Tassone – who defeated top qualifier Vlado Turic in round two, while Read had dispatched Jason Young and David Foster before a semi-final bye.

For results from the Festival State Nationals. please click here

ANDRA thanks the Dragway at The Bend management and all of its volunteers and sponsors as well as all of the ANDRA officials and volunteers for an outstanding racetrack and a well-run event.

Benny Stevens

Sean Maher

Steve Norman

Cory Dyson

Matt Forbes

Russel Taylor

SOUTH COAST RUMBLE

PICTURE PERFECT WEEKEND DELIVERS AT SOUTH COAST RUMBLE

Two days of picture perfect conditions greeted more than 120 Aeroflow National Sportsman Championship competitors at South Coast Raceway in early February for the South Coast Rumble, with the competitors making the most of the brilliant conditions to put on a thrilling show.

Taking home the Christmas Trees at the close of the event were Michael Jennings (Super Street), Taylor Horton (Junior Dragster), Johnny Ireland (Modified Bike), Joe Carbone (Super Sedan), Kenny Stewart (Modified Eliminator), Darryl Stephen (Super Gas), Edge Mallis (Competition Bike), Glenn Henley (Top Sportsman), and Shane Baxter (Supercharged Outlaws)

Taking the runner-up honours across their respective categories were Brian Keane (Super Street), Todd Wagner (Junior Dragster), Michael Webb (Modified Bike), Scott Rouhan (Super Sedan), Derek Wills

(Modified Eliminator), Jordan Spencer (Super Gas), Corey Scholes (Competition Bike), Dean Cleary (Top Sportsman), and Brendan Carr (Supercharged Outlaws).

In Top Sportsman, the battle of local racers turned into a solo run for Glenn Henley after top qualifier Dean Cleary was unable to make the start of the final round. The South Coast Rumble win marked the fifth consecutive win for the Worrolong, VIC racer with Henley also finding victory at the South Coast Nationals in December, South Coast 660, the Festival State Nationals and preceding weekend’s track championship round at The Bend.

Henley raced his way to five in a row in his Datsun 1200 Ute with wins over Stuart McBain (round one) and Tommy Turic, ahead of lining up against top qualifier Dean Cleary for the final. Unfortunately, Cleary’s Pontiac GTO developed an issue at the start line and was unable to complete the final run after besting Ricky

Smith and Leon Davies in rounds one and two.

In Modified Bike, the win for Johnny ‘Hog’ Ireland had been a long time coming. The Hoppers Crossing, VIC racer has taken time away from his FASTJ Harley Davidson in the recent past, choosing to focus instead on helping son Locky with his racing aspirations.

Ireland found himself lined up alongside top qualifier Michael Webb for the final, before an issue for Webb meant he was unable to start the final pass. Ireland enjoyed wins over Corey Gathercole (round one) and Jamie Dohnt in the racing before a bye in round three. Before issues struck, Webb enjoyed a bye in round one, before taking wins over Cheryl Beddoes and Derryn McGregor in rounds two and three.

In Supercharged Outlaws, Shane Baxter is relishing a close win in round one which

Photo courtesy of : DragPix

set the Melbourne racer in good stead to ultimately raise the NDRC Christmas Tree after the final pass against Brendan Carr.

Baxter lined up in the Oakley Thermocouples Neil and Parks Dragster against Dale Tucker in round one before a bye in round two, while Carr took wins over Mike Evans in round one and top qualifier Doina Day in round two.

In Super Gas, Darryl Stephen claimed top honours over Jordan Spencer. The Orangeville, NSW racer took his Ford TX5 Telstar to the final round with wins over Rob Bergamin in round one, top qualifier Des Woolstencroft in round two, and Graeme Spencer in round three. Meanwhile, Jordan Spencer found his way to the final over Jason Wilson and Colin Griffin before enjoying a solo run in round three.

In Super Street, Valley View, VIC racer Michael Jennings again lifted the NDRC Christmas Tree at South Coast Raceway following his South Coast Nationals and South Coast 660 victories in December and January, taking the win over lastround (Festival State Nationals) winner Brian Keane in his 1970 Nova. Jennings bested top qualifier Malcom Todd in round three, having previously knocked out Henry Spicak (round one) and Rodd Kerr (round two). Keane found his way to the final race by taking wins over Andrew Waight (round one), Dimos Stefanopoulos (round two), and Michael Bridges (round

three) before a bye in round four.

In Junior Dragster, Taylor Horton and Todd Wagner both red lit at the tree, however, Wagner did so first, handing the win to Horton, who hails from Lethbridge in VIC. Horton lined up in the Horton Junior Dragster for the final, after knocking out top qualifier Luca Lamattina in round three, after previous wins over Nihyah Kardum (round one) and Brock Furlanetto (round two). Meanwhile, Wagner enjoyed a win over Seth Jarvis in round one, a bye in round two, and a win over Lachlan Walker in round three.

In Modified Eliminator, Kenny Stewart claimed another round win for the season over Derek Wills when Wills triggered a red light during the final pass. For this event Modified Eliminator employed a three-round Chicago Shootout format. Across the day’s racing, the Tarneit VIC racer and his top qualifying R&S Racing Fuchs Spitzer Dragster took wins over David Bunnik and Ashley Johnson while also recording a loss to Wills in round two. Meanwhile, Wills’s journey to the final round saw him defeat Johnson in round one and Bunnik in round three.

The Super Sedan final was a tight race, with almost identical reaction times from Joe Carbone and Scott Rouhan. Ultimately, Carbone set a time closer to his dialin time in his Holden VK Commodore, meaning the Angle Vale, SA racer would raise the NDRC Christmas Tree at the end

of the pass. Carbone found his way to the final with wins over Gary Vogelsang (round one), Robert Kardum (round two), and top qualifier Tony Miskelly in round three before a bye in round four. Meanwhile, Rouhan enjoyed a bye in round three, with wins over Brent Murray and Ned Karanovic in rounds one and two and Peter Furlanetto in round four.

In Competition Bike, top qualifier Edge Mallis found another NDRC victory following his South Coast 660 win, this time taking the victory over Corey Scholes in the final round of the racing action. The Moonee Ponds, VIC racer took his Sabotage Kawasaki H2R all the way to the win in the three-round Chicago Shootout format, earning his place in the final with earlier wins over Joe Khoury and Gavin Dhont, while recording a loss to Scholes from which he ultimately redeemed himself. Meanwhile, Scholes ensured his place in the final match-up with round wins over Mallis, Dohnt, and Khoury.

Also on track was South Coast Raceway’s Street Fighter class, with George Wythe taking the win over Ronnie Johnson. For results from the South Coast Rumble, please click here

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

Darryl Stephen

Joe Carbone

Johnny Ireland

Shane Baxter

Glenn Henley

Taylor Horton