EDITION 25
D E C E M B E R
2 0 1 8
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL DRAG RACING ASSOCIATION
A WINNING
AFFAIR Noel Bartley and Miss Piggie are a Championship winning pair
CHAMPIONSHIP RACING TECH STAGING MEMBER LANES ROFILE TORQUE B E N E F I T S POINTS PRACER SUMMIT
ZARA
WINS FOR ANITA
FACES
AT THE RACES
SUMMITRACING.COM
contents CLICK TO VISIT
TECH
TORQUE STAGING LANES
A WINNING LOVE AFFAIR
CHOOSING THE PERFECT CAMSHAFT
RACING TOGETHER, STAYING TOGETHER
ZARA BOARD WINS FOR ANITA
MAKING MEMORIES FOR ALEX MEE
RECORDS BONANZA
KENNY STEWART - RACER PROFILE
FACES AT THE RACES
RACE REPORTS
SUMMIT RACING QLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Fastlane is produced by the Australian National Drag Racing Association LTD.
Editor: Amanda Salmon (media@andra.com.au) Design: YBI Creative (www.ybicreative.com.au) Photography: Rogue Snapper Photography, Automotive Event Images, Outlaw Images, Phil Reeve.
ANDRA Staff
General Manager: Brett Stevens Accounts: Susan Branscombe Business Manager: Jackie Mills Business Development Manager: Jennifer Harrison Licensing and Membership: Kylie Hazelhurst Media & PR Officer: Amanda Salmon Technical Officer: Scott Halfyard
SUNSET STRIP NATS
Contact Details
Phone: 08 8271 5355 Fax: 08 8721 6988 Email: info@andra.com.au Street: 11 McInnes St, Ridleyton SA 5008
SOUTH COAST NATS
ANDRA Board
Murray O’Connor (WA) Nathan Peirano (QLD) - Chairman Grant Wilson (SA) Peter Kapiris (VIC) Wayne Downes(QLD) Grant Hamon (NT)
staginglanes ANDRA AGM HELD
The Australian National Drag Racing Association Limited held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday the 14th of November 2018.
Australia Division Director and Board Member, Terry Jongen.
During a meeting of all Division Directors prior to the AGM, ANDRA Chairman Nathan Peirano was re-elected for a further three year term, while Murray O’Connor was confirmed for a one-year term to formally take over the remainder of the term of retiring Western
ANDRA sends their thanks to all who attended the AGM, which was held at the Mawson Lakes Hotel & Function Centre in Mawson Lakes (SA).
As part of the AGM, Larry Ormsby and the late Eddie Thomas were confirmed as ANDRA Life Members.
FAREWELL TERRY JONGEN Ahead of the ANDRA AGM, long-time ANDRA Board Member Terry Jongen announced his resignation after a long tenure working at the helm of our Association.
“As he embarks on this next chapter, we thank him for all he has done and wish him well.” For Terry, what will stay with him in particular is the passion of those involved with the sport of drag racing
Terry was part of the National Control Council from 2007 to 2011 before being appointed as an original Director of the ANDRA Ltd Board on the 13th of April, 2011. He has also been the Western Australia Division Director since 2007, when he was elected to the post after having been part of the WA Divisional Council for more than 10 years.
“The passion of drag racers never ceases to amaze me – whether they are a racer or a volunteer or a paid staff member, everyone is so passionate about their sport and I think that is fantastic,” Terry said.
A medical professional based in Perth, Terry has been involved in the development of medical services in drag racing and speedway and also competes in the Competition Bike ranks when time permits.
“Over that time there have been a lot of proud moments and highlights. In particular I think our moving to a company structure was something that was very positive as it gave the members more say and the directors more accountability.
“Terry has provided a great service to ANDRA as part of our management for such a long period of time,” ANDRA Chairman, Nathan Peirano, said. “First as part of the National Control Council and then as a Director on our Board and as a Divisional Director for Western Australia, Terry has given a lot to ANDRA as an Association and we have greatly appreciated his knowledge, his passion and his service.
“After 12 years and doing the best I can over that time, I think it is time to now move on and let someone else take over.
“I also thought the Pro Series was a highlight, delivering some good value for money when you consider the costs alongside what was put on and the amount of television coverage involved.” Terry’s position on the Board has been filled by Murray O’Connor following a meeting of Division Directors prior to the 2018 AGM. All at ANDRA wish Terry well and thank him for his service.
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. By joining the program, your business and
products will be promoted to a performancebased target audience. Utilising our database, this is the perfect platform to launch new products, advertise monthly specials and any other sale promotions you may have!
Find out the latest companies to sign up to the program by clicking here or visiting www.andra.com.au
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UPDATED ROLLCAGE JOINT DOCUMENT AND ROLLCAGE SPECIFICATIONS ANDRA Technical recently presented the updated Homologated Rollcage Joint Document with two new joints from Billet Race Craft. You can view the document by visiting the policies and guides section of the ANDRA website.
The updates, which are effective from 1st December 2018, present the following rule changes:
Joints 4 and 5 have been added to the list and are effective as of 1st December: • 5. Billet Race Craft 1 1/2” Joint – Etched with ANDRA RRJ004.
There are some other minor changes to existing requirements, as well as adding further clarification to other existing requirements which were being questioned by some rollcage fabricators. As always the changes are clearly highlighted with different coloured text throughout the documents.
In addition, both ANDRA Rollcage Specifications have been updated by ANDRA Technical and can be found in the technical bulletins section of the ANDRA website.
If you have any questions regarding the information presented please contact ANDRA Technical on technical@andra.com.au or 08 8271 5355.
• 4. Billet Race Craft 1 3/4” Joint – Etched with ANDRA RRJ003.
• To allow the use of Four Point Rollcages in 1930s style Coupes and Hot Rods etc. • To allow a +/- 10° lean in the Main Hoop, (as per CAMS Schedule J).
2018/19 SUPPLEMENTARY RULEBOOK RELEASED The 2018/19 ANDRA Supplementary Rulebook is now available at the ANDRA website. This new edition removes the training requirement for Junior Drag Bike competitors and also introduces requirements for Burnout Vehicles. As before, the Supplementary Rulebook contains information for Non-Championship and Exhibition Classes. If you have any questions please contact ANDRA Technical on 08 8271 5355 or technical@andra.com.au
RULEBOOK PAGE UPDATES A number of rulebook page updates have been released on the ANDRA website recently. The changed text is highlighted in green as per the new text that was introduced in the initial release of the 2018/ 2019 ANDRA Rulebook. You can view the updates at the following links: • Page 231 – regarding requirements for Ballistic Blankets/Shields – please click here for full details
• Pages 20 and 21 – regarding the rules of setting National Records – please click here for full details • Page 119 – regarding the Competition Bike Class in Competition Bike Eliminator (Induction System) – please click here for full details • Page 81 – regarding Competition Bike Eliminator (Shootout Style Format) – click here here for full details If you have any questions please contact ANDRA Technical on 08 8271 5355 or technical@andra.com.au
ANDRA OFFICE CHRISTMAS CLOSURE DATES
The ANDRA office will be closed for the Christmas break from Friday the 21st of December 2018 to Wednesday the 2nd of January 2019. All at ANDRA wish you a happy and safe holiday season. If you need anything during this period please contact your local Division Director.
A WINNING
Noel Bartley recently took out the Summit Racing Queensland Championship honours in Modified Bike on his beloved “Miss Piggie” Honda 4 which he not only built himself, but from second hand parts no less. “That was the biggest surprise of my life I tell you, you could have blown me over with a feather when they said I was the champ!” Bartley grinned, while giving a special thanks to Grulke Concreting and his partner Penny for their support. The 66-year-old from Bundaberg took out the prestigious Copper ANDRA Christmas Tree trophy as the winner of Modified Bike for the 2018 Summit Racing Queensland Championship in September.
He had his hands full that night at Benaraby Raceway too – also taking out the event win for his bracket. While Bartley had a relatively consistent series, he explains he was completely blindsided by the ultimate result as he doesn’t follow the points score as the series progresses – instead focusing on having fun with his beloved 46 year old bike, “Miss Piggie.” “We only go racing to have fun, I don’t go to win, and I don’t keep an
AFFAIR 7
eye on the points – that just stuffs with your head,” he explained. “I just go to race, I don’t need to know if I am up or down. I played the three race meetings and came out with the best result we could with Miss Piggie. That old thing just does the best it can with the rider at the time – there are 112 years between us and we just go for a good time. “At the end, it was a surprise just to win the final round – not saying that I could never do it of course,” he laughed. “To get the big one though – you could have knocked me over with a feather when they called my name out for that big trophy! “So I guess the series unfolded perfectly for us in the end – you
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more or less could say we started up with a rusty crew and ended up a shiny bunch!” he chuckled. While he doesn’t like to go after trophies, Bartley explains there is something he does like to chase on the track. “I am not into hunting trophies, my trophies are hitting my personal best or running a ‘big bike’ off the track – I love knocking a few big hitters off,” he laughed. Bartley’s current personal bests are 7.17 seconds on the eighth mile and a 1.53s 60 foot time, and 11.69 seconds over the quarter-mile on a 1.60s 60 foot time. His personal best reaction time is 0.003 seconds – set at Benaraby at the final round of the Queensland Championships.
A WINNING
AFFAIR
“That is what I can remember anyway – I don’t write it all down. A lot of people document everything and I just stack time cards in a folder and I can go back and look,” he said. “I should document it but it I don’t – if I had started doing it when I started racing it would have been something good to look back on as everyone knows the bike.” Miss Piggie might be an unassuming bike to look at, but she sure packs plenty of punch and has captured the heart of her owner. “I am not a brilliant Honda 4 mechanic or anything but I know a bit and so I put the engine together for what was supposed to be one year of racing eight years ago and it has been going like a train ever since,” he explained. “Believe it or not, Miss Piggie is built from second-hand parts – the only new things that have ever gone on the bike when I built it was a brand new cam chain, new primary chains and tensions, and one set of rings between four sets of pistons!” explained Bartley.
“She has very, very few new parts – sometimes I even use second hand gaskets which a lot of people don’t like doing, but as long as it doesn’t leak on the track I don’t care what I put in it! “The motor I have in her is an old motor that had been sitting around for years and years, and I revived it. “Once upon a time she had a side car hanging off her and was used on a farm. Sixteen years ago I decided to race it – taking the side car off it and putting it on the track. Then for the last eight years she has been really powering with this engine in it. “She draws plenty of attention, and I am sure some people want to shoot me at the moment – especially the lads out there with 10-20k bikes with air shifters and all that and here I am winning with something worth probably no more than 1k while manual shifting,” he chuckled. “Miss Piggie isn’t the prettiest bike you have ever seen, but she is my heart throb. My lady Penny often says ‘when are you
shifting over with Piggie! She loves the bike, if I ever say that I am thinking about painting it she says, if you touch that bike, you will never go racing again! While Miss Piggie has been on the track for 16 years, Bartley’s love affair with Honda 4s actually started way back in the 70s. “I bought a brand new Honda 4 in 1974 and I vowed I would never have any other kind of bike – I have 16 or so on my block, so I have a few spare parts!” said Bartley. “In the early 2000s a few mates were getting into drag racing and I got sick of nearly being run off the road – I nearly died in an accident just up the road from home, people are always rushing out here and I thought, bugger this, I am getting off the road and onto the track – the safest place you could ever ride a bike! “If you get a good result on the track, you have trophies to polish, if you get bad results, you have a bike to polish! It is a win-win! “Drag racing is great – I love
the challenge and the rush, the speed, and when you take out the big top fellas that is what I love! “Really I love everything about it – the people you meet, the fun you have, just about everything – I have never met so many nice people”. Unsurprisingly, Bartley is a big fan of the Summit Racing Queensland Championship concept. “It is a lot of travelling and a lot of fun for the season – I hope it never stops. It is one of the best things out,” Bartley said. “Even if I wasn’t racing, I would still go to watch as there is so much good machinery and there are so many nice people. All the tracks are good and all of the people are good. “I think this is the best thing that has ever happened – and I am not just saying that because I won it!” he grinned. For more on the 2018 Summit Racing Queensland Championships, click here. Photos by Rogue Snapper Photography
ARTISTIC RACERS WIN PRIZES Recently our friends at YBI Creative designed our 2017/2018 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Champions specialedition poster and also
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a special ‘colouring in’ edition just for the young and the young at heart!
Our winners will each receive a cooler bag, poster, wristband, cap, backpack, ear protection, stickers, a magnet, lanyard and notebook.
To celebrate, we held a colouring in competition with some fantastic entries coming in before the closing date of October 15.
Thank you to everyone who entered their creations, you sure made it hard to pick our winners with some fantastic artwork received.
Under 8 Winner Mason Kuchel
Under 8: winner – Mason Kuchel
12-16 Years Winner Chelsea Sammut
8-12 Years Winner Nathaniel Kuchel
tech
torque
CHOOSE THE PERFECT CAMSHAFT WITH SUMMIT RACING’S NEW CAM TIMING CALCULATOR Choosing the right camshaft can be an exercise in frustration, even for seasoned racers and engine builders. With so many choices available, it’s not simply a matter of picking a cam based on lift and duration numbers – you need a good understanding of the four individual valve events and their effects on performance. Summit Racing has created a new tool that can help eliminate the uncertainty of choosing the right cam for your engine. Developed with help from the experts at Cam Motion, the new Summit Racing Cam Timing Calculator is a powerful tool that lets you input and manipulate valve timing specifications to determine the ideal camshaft grind for your engine. But first, a little lesson on valve timing events:
Camshaft Selection There are four valve timing events that determine camshaft duration, lobe separation, and advance. It’s important to understand what they are and how they affect engine performance. The valve timing events in order of importance are:
Intake Valve Closing (IVC) This event has the most control over the engine’s powerband. For example, closing the intake valve later after Bottom Dead Center (BDC) trades lowend torque for high-end horsepower.
Intake Valve Opening (IVO) This is the most important event for idle quality. The idle gets rougher when we open the valve earlier (Before Top Dead Center/BTDC), but gain more airflow on the intake stroke.
Exhaust Valve Closing (EVC) This determines the compromise between reversion at low RPM and part throttle and the positive effects of scavenging higher in the power band and at wide open throttle.
Exhaust Valve Opening (EVO)
Cam Timing Events for
This is the least critical of the four events due to high residual cylinder pressure blasting out of the cylinder even before the piston hits Bottom Dead Center. EVO helps rid the cylinder of burnt gasses, but it’s a compromise. Opening the exhaust valve too early decreases pressure on the piston that could be used to turn the crank, but it does reduce pumping losses (pressure working against the piston when it’s on the upstroke after BDC).
For a more in-depth explanation on valve timing, click here for a Summit Tech Talk video on Summit Racing’s YouTube channel and also check out the below links for relevant stories on Summit Racing’s OnAllCylinders blog: • Comparing Camshafts Part 1 • Comparing Camshafts Part 2
How the Cam Timing Calculator Works Now that you have a better understanding of valve timing how it affects performance, you can use the Summit Racing Cam Timing Calculator to convert camshaft duration, lobe separation, and advance into the four valve timing events. You can also tweak any of the cam specifications to see how the changes affect the cam profile. Armed with this information, you can quickly find the right cam for your engine, and also compare different cam grinds to see how each one affects engine performance. This Summit Racing Tech Talk video available by clicking here shows the Summit Racing Cam Timing Calculator in action. Once you have a good handle on how it works, visit SummitRacing.com to find the calculator (click here to view) and create your perfect camshaft!
Winning Takes Work. Getting Parts is Easy.
Winning Takes Work. Getting Parts is Easy. Shopping is simple. Use the Summit Racing Mobile App to easily browse parts, add items to your cart, and check out right from your phone. Shipping is Fast! And our Landed Cost Shipping includes all duties, taxes, and clearance fees, so you can spend more time racing and less time waiting for parts. Everything You Need for Anything You Drive.
EXPERT ADVICE. HUGE INVENTORY. FAST DELIVERY. WORLD-CLASS CUSTOMER SERVICE. Get The Summit Racing app for Apple and Android devices. Int’l: 1.330.630.0230 FIND IT AT
championship points
COMPETITION
PTS
TOP SPORTSMAN
PTS
MODIFIED
PTS
SUPER STOCK
PTS
SUPERCHARGED OUTLAWS
PTS
SUPER SEDAN
PTS
COMPETITION BIKE
PTS
Jake Berias Zara Board Daniel Carranza Aidan Abel Tommy Turic
PTS
SUPER STREET
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PTS
MODIFIED BIKE
PTS
SUPER GAS
David Roberts Craig Geddes Steve Athans David Clark Mark Newman
Alex Panagiotidis Adrian Vella Robert Dekert Steve Norman Louis Svingos
Danny Rickard David Willis Robert Cassar Jason McFarlane Tony Frost
Bryan Finn David McGinn Jake Hamilton-Moderate Colin Sainsbury Johnny Ireland
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210 150 145 60 40
270 180 170 160 150
Jason Arbery Darren Saliba Ricky Smith Vlado Turic Chris Theodorakopoulos
Mark Hunt Paul Stephen Mike Evans Jason Keily Justin Russell
JUNIOR DRAGSTER
Adrian McGrotty Warren Bull Graeme Spencer Jason Wilson Warren Smith
300 250 240 170 150
230 220 170 140 120
300 220 210 200 170
PTS 200 120 120 100 80
Jess Voigt Chris Farrell Adam Mundy Kenny Stewart Ashley Johnson
Peter Tzokas David Todd Rob Evans Robert Camilleri Alex Gkroidis
Nikolas Karanovic Michael Bridges Paul Jennings Rodney Kerr Tim Bryan
CLICK HERE
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FOR FULL CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS
championship calendar ROUND 1 JULY 13-14, 2018
HIDDEN VALLEY DRAG STRIP - NT NITRO UP NORTH
ROUND 2 JULY 21-22, 2018
ALICE SPRINGS INLAND DRAGWAY - NT DESERT NATIONALS
ROUND 3 SEPT 22-23, 2018
THE SUNSET STRIP - MILDURA, VIC SUNSET STRIP NATIONALS
ROUND 4 NOV 10-11, 2018 SOUTH COAST RACEWAY - PORTLAND, VIC
ROUND 5 DEC 1, 2018
PERTH MOTORPLEX - WA GOLDENSTATES
ROUND 6 JAN 12-13, 2019
SOUTH COAST RACEWAY - PORTLAND, VIC SOUTH COAST 660
ROUND 7 FEB 15-16, 2019 THE SUNSET STRIP - MILDURA, VIC
ROUND 8 MAR 2-3, 2019 PERTH MOTORPLEX - WA WESTERNATIONALS
ROUND 9 APR 6-7, 2019 PERTH MOTORPLEX - WA
GRAND FINALS
STAYING
TOGETH
Husband and wife Laeith and Lisa Skinner might race together, but you won’t find Laeith watching on from the sidelines when Lisa takes to the start line. In fact, Laeith avoids watching as much as he can, but not for the reason you might think. “She won’t let me watch!” the 43 year old laughed, “I have to go first as she doesn’t want me watching – we raced against each other at round two of the Summit Racing Queensland Championships and she beat me, so I am happy to go in front!”
because I am used to the adrenalin and everything, so it is just wanting them to do well and hoping everything goes well in the race.” Lisa’s involvement in racing started with her husband, but her love of the sport began well before they met.
“He watches very closely and when I think I have done something right or wrong he tends to let me know his thoughts on the whole thing, so it is best he goes in front of me and what happens, happens,” laughed Lisa.
“My brother races in Top Sportsman so I had been to the track several times, but yes after we were together it was the age old story where he said he would just take the bike out to test it ‘one time’ and then all of a sudden, the stock standard road bike became our big green ‘taxi’ and it sort of went from there,” Lisa explained.
“I do watch him when I can though – it doesn’t make me nervous
“I had been watching him have a go and having fun and then
HER
Palmyra Dragway put on a Powder Puff bracket and that sort of got me hooked on it, it has been all guns blazing from then even though with us having two small kids, I had had to hold off a little till the youngest was older before I could have a go! “I have to thank Laeith for all the work he puts into my bike, trying to get two bikes working sometimes stresses him out and I really appreciate all he does.” While there is plenty of work, there have also been plenty of results for the pair: Laeith took out the Modified Bike victory at round two of the Summit Racing Queensland Championships at the Skinners’ home track of Palmyra Dragway while Lisa was the runner-up at
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Palmyra Dragway’s recent 50th anniversary event. Despite their winning ways, their aim at the race track is always to first have fun. “I have learnt to always just go and have fun – if you aim to win you can be disappointed, but if you aim to have fun you always will and a prize or trophy is just a bonus. To me expecting a win isn’t in the spirit of the game,” Laeith said, “but of course it is always nice to bring home the 1 and 2 trophies!” Photo by Phil Reeve
WINS
AN
NITA
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Zara Board took an emotional and exceptionally popular Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster victory at South Coast Raceway earlier this month on the eve of the first anniversary of her little sister’s passing. Anita Board sadly passed away on November 12 of 2017 just days after her birthday (November 9) in a tragic accident. Her 13 year old sister Zara, with the support of her parents Ian and Sonja, continued on in her beloved sport of Junior Dragster. All season-long Zara and her family have sported special team gear which bears the ‘Rainbow Dash’ My Little Pony character which Anita loved so much, but for the South Coast Nationals the family also had a special helmet made for Zara as they raced in Anita’s memory. The November 11 victory at Portland was Zara’s first event victory, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when she crossed the finish line to take the win as her father pointed to the sky from the startline as celebrations surrounded him. “We couldn’t be happier. I would like to dedicate this win to Anita – I wouldn’t be here without her, Pony Power Forever!” Zara said during the trophy presentations. “I want to thank Tommy Turic (runner-up) for such a close race in the final – it went right down to the extra digits. I also want to thank all the track staff for helping us out, the volunteers, and everyone involved. “I want to thank my mum and dad especially for all the effort to get us here on what was our ‘two minute noodle’ budget trip, it was all worth it. Also a special thanks
to Jason Maggs and MPRINT Industries for my spectacular helmet, it is truly amazing, and for the stickers on my car as well. “From the start I said I would win this event because this event was for her, I always knew I was going to win it. Hopefully this shows the Minister how dedicated we are and it can somehow help racing in WA get back underway sooner, I am missing racing at home.” For Ian and Sonja, it was a truly special and overwhelming moment. “I have to say thank you to the entire drag racing family for everything, the last year has been hell, but they have been amazing with their support,” Ian said after the result. “I want to say thank you to everyone that has helped us along the way, I am without words at the moment. “I think Zara is the strongest 13 year old kid you will ever meet. She makes us so proud. There would have been a lot of pressure on her, not from us, but from within herself, to make her sister proud and she did so, so well.” The South Coast Nationals found winners for 10 brackets in what was round four of the 18/19 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series. For more detail on how the event unfolded, click here. Photos by Automotive Event Images and Outlaw Images
MAKINGMEM
MORIES
Thirteen year old Alex Mee made treasured memories at Mildura’s Sunset Strip Dragway in September thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group.
19 fastlane 19 fastlane Growing up in a drag racing family, Alex had always dreamt of racing himself however after being diagnosed with the terminal disease, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), it appeared this dream would never come true. However, at the Sunset Strip Nationals Alex realised his dream of travelling the drag strip, with the carloving youngster able to ride in a specially-wrapped Junior Dragster as it was pushed by a golf cart to the start line and then down the drag strip* while his family, friends and racing community watched on decked out in special ‘Alex Mee’ race gear and clutching their special edition ‘Alex Mee’ racing posters. “It was mind blowing when they uncovered the dragster and I could see my name and race number on it and what a surprise it was to see crew shirts for all my family and crew as well as stickers and posters of my car,” Alex said. “John Zappia rang during the weekend which was cool, John and I have known each other for a long time. Another highlight of my weekend was meeting Phil Lamattina - after talking with Phil he invited me to Sydney for a Top Fuel event. I also got to meet Kelly Bettes, the Lamattina Family and all the crew which was amazing. “(Going down the dragstrip) I was cool, calm and collected and just wanted to go faster. I feel very lucky to have experienced it and I have met some more amazing people that are now my friends.” The experience at the Sunset Strip Nationals also meant a lot to those who love Alex. “This all means a huge amount – I have grown up with the drags all my life and Alex’s dad Frank Intini and my partner Lance Larcombe also race. I always thought my son would too but then after his diagnosis we knew that was never going to happen,” Alex’s mother Donna Mee said. “He just loves cars, and he has so many friends out there at the drag strip. What happened at the Sunset Strip Nats was just incredible and gave Alex a chance to be out there and enjoying what he loves and what he watches everyone else doing. Words escape me as to how much it has meant to all of us. “With his disease progressing, this is something that was probably a case of now or never and I am so pleased that this has all come together – while he may not have a lot of quantity of life, we want to make sure he has quality of life and treasured memories he will never forget. “He has been so excited, counting down the sleeps and telling everyone at school. There were plenty of happy tears at the track, and we can’t thank everyone involved enough for making this a reality.” Alex’s dad Frank said the activity during the track’s Sunset Strip Nationals event was exceptionally meaningful for the whole family.
MAKINGMEMORIES “It was such an overwhelming feeling to watch him go down that track, it was a huge mix of emotions,” Frank said. “It was really touching to see the effort everyone has gone to – no one has to do anything like this, and it is so heart-warming to know there are people out there that really care about kids in Alex’s situation. The world can be an ugly place but when you have people like this doing things like this, they stand out like a shining light. “This has been an opportunity to let Alex do something that he has wanted for so long and that he otherwise wouldn’t have been able to do; a treasured memory he can look back on. “On behalf of the whole family and all who love Alex I have to really emphasis our thanks to all of those involved - Jason Stares has been absolutely pivotal in making this a reality and together with Tim Reidy, Kingsley and Lauren Kuchel, ANDRA and plenty more has made this a reality for Alex and we can’t thank them enough. We also have to thank the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association for fitting Alex’s run in at what is one of their biggest events to date and Alan Ward for promoting it all over the place. It is very humbling that so many people have gone to such a huge effort.” As part of the activities at the race track, donations were also taken in support of the Save our Sons Duchenne Foundation with more than $3200 raised. If you wish to donate, please visit https://www.saveoursons.org.au/ The Muscular Dystrophy Association explains that Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is the most common and the most severe form of Muscular Dystrophy. It is a genetic disorder characterised by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. It is one of nine types of muscular dystrophy and is caused by an absence of dystrophin, a protein which helps keep muscle cells intact. Symptom onset is in early childhood, usually between ages three and five. The disease primarily affects boys, but in rare cases it can affect girls. Until relatively recently, boys with DMD usually did not survive much beyond their teen years however thanks to advances in cardiac and respiratory care, life expectancy is increasing. For more information on DMD, visit https://www.mda.org/disease/ duchenne-muscular-dystrophy *The engine on the dragster was running however the drive belt was removed. At all times, it was the driver of the golf buggy, not Alex, who had control of the dragster. Photos by Automotive Event Images
Alex and his family would also like to thank the following people who have played a part in this special occasion: • The Collis brothers for suppling their Junior for Alex to drive • Aaron Brookes and Bruno Cugnetto from VPW for giving Alex the race suit, helmet, gloves and boots. • Rob Sharp from YBI for all designs and posters • Anthony and Tegan Petterwood from Lifestyle for the crew shirts • Jason Maggs from Mprint for doing the wrap design of the helmet wrap, stickers and for traveling to Mildura to fit the wrap • Sunoco Race Fuels for supplying race fuel. • ANDRA for sorting insurance • Kingsley Kuchel, the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association, Tim Reidy and Allan Ward for all their input and help. • Grima Brothers Wholesale Produce • R Newman’s and Son embroidery • Macarthur Trophies for a trophy and its engraving • Joseph from Pizza cafe for supplying Alex’s favourite food for dinner • The Boulevard Motor Inn and Mildura Motor Inn for giving Alex and his family and the Collis brothers accommodation for the weekend. • Kellie, Ella Ruby and Maddison Anne Stares for helping come up with the idea and for all their help leading up to race.
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NEW ANDRA MEMBER BENEFITS NOW AVAILABLE The ANDRA Member Benefits Program continues to deliver savings to ANDRA members with the list of companies signing up to offer discounts and special offers getting longer and longer. Since the last issue of Fastlane Magazine was released, all of the below companies have come on-board to support the program. For full details of all of the offers available to members, please click here to view the ANDRA Member Benefits Program directory.
BURNS STAINLESS
10% OFF
304SS TUBING AND MANDREL BENDS
California’s Burns Stainless is pleased to offer ANDRA licence holders 10 percent off 304SS Tubing and Mandrel Bends. Burns Stainless is a motorsports manufacturer and distributor of exhaust and sensor components. It designs, manufactures and tests high quality exhaust components for the professional racer and fabricator. “Our products are at work in practically every corner of the world and we pride ourselves in delivering winning solutions to our large and varied customer base where and when needed,” Burns Stainless’ Vince Roman said. “Burns Stainless is excited to participate in the ANDRA members benefit program. We have worked with Australian racers for many years, including in drag racing and V8 Supercars. We are excited to be able to provide ANDRA racers with the best exhaust technology on the planet to help them win championships.” Burns Stainless is located at 1041 W. 18th Street, Suite B104, Costa Mesa California (USA) 92627. For more information, contact Vince Roman at Burns Stainless on +1 (949) 631-5120 or visit www.burnsstainless.com For more on Burns Stainless’ ANDRA Member Benefits Program Offer, please click here.
DEVELO-PRO (D-PRO)
PLOTTING & 4 LINK SIMULATION 20% OFF CHASSIS
D-Pro is pleased to offer 20% off chassis plotting and 4 link simulation to ANDRA members. It will check the squareness of your current chassis, differential, 4 link system, and how these are working together. It will then provide you with a printout of IC (instantaneous centre) which gives IC height and length. A full report is given suggesting anything it thinks requires adjusting. This is usually a $2200.00 process, however is on offer to ANDRA members for $1750.00. “I was thrilled to hear of this incentive from ANDRA for its members, and to share what we know and love about both the technical side of racing, and the enjoyment we have at the tracks around the place chatting to other guys going through similar trials and tribulations,” Develo-Pro’s Matt Clark said. “I welcome anyone who might have any questions to drop in if they feel they might have a four link rear end that could be working better for them, or call or email with any questions. Likewise, anyone needing the valve lash checked and adjusted, we can cater for that too!” Develo Pro is located at 312 Saint Vincent Street, Port Adelaide, South Australia. For more information, contact Matt Clark on 08 7226 9282, 0437 485 216 or info@developro.com.au, or visit www.developro.com.au For more about what is on offer from Develo-Pro, please click here.
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WA SUSPENSIONS
10% OFF PRODUCT RRP
WA Suspensions is pleased to offer ANDRA Members 10 percent off of its services. The West Australian company has been in operation for more than 30 years in Osborne Park, providing drivers with expert advice, retail part sales and fitting, repairs, wheel alignments and project work. “I have a long history in drag racing commentary…I have been a bit quiet at the track over the last five years as I have been focusing on building my business, but I am really pleased to be becoming involved in the sport once again through the sponsorship of local racers,” WA Suspensions’ Stu Bond said. “A particular area I can help is with racer’s tow vehicles – legislation is changing and vehicles need to be modified correctly
to take advantage of the changes while maintain compliance and maximising towing capacity.” WA Suspensions is located at 28 Colray Avenue, Osborne Park, Western Australia, 6017. For more information, contact WA Suspensions’ Stu Bond on (08) 9444 0500 or stu@wasuspensions. com.au or visit www.wasuspensions.com.au For more on WA Suspensions’ ANDRA Member Benefits Program Offer, please click here.
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Rick’s Mobile Slot Cars specialises in 1:32 scale slot car racing hire and 1:24 scale slot car drag racing hire for all ages at your Home, Workplace or Event. It has three high quality race tracks available for hire and are willing to travel on request to make your day. Its mobile slot car tracks are regularly hired across Sydney and all NSW regions. Rick’s Mobile Slot Cars is based at 11/10 Ferndale Avenue, Blaxland, NSW, 2774. For more information, contact Rick’s Mobile Slot Cars’ Rick Porter on 0400 030 957 or rickport73@gmail.com or visit www.mobileslotcars.com
WHAT IS THE ANDRA MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM? The ANDRA Member Benefits Program has been created to offer loyal ANDRA members the opportunity to receive discounts on products and services from supporting companies. It is FREE to join.
FREE TO JOIN!
Participating businesses of the ANDRA Member Benefits Program receives promotion through ANDRA’s database of over 5000 members and race fans, exposure
through the ANDRA website, the quarterly FASTLANE digital magazine and the fortnightly MotorMail email newsletter. If you would like more information on the program or want to complete your free registration, please click here. To view a listing of all ANDRA Member Benefits Program offers, please click here.
A WHOLE HOST OF BENEFITS AWAIT
These new members join a growing list of companies who are ready and waiting to help ANDRA members, including:
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DECOGLAZE CENTRAL VICTORIA
ABROARD Australia’s Leonard Brothers have been busy in the States recently, taking on Firebird Raceway, Salt Lake City’s RMR Raceway and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. For the Boise Nightfire Nationals at Firebird Raceway, it was all about running nitro before Mathew and Warren converted the NitroRat fuel altered back to alcohol for their Salt Lake City outing. In Idaho, the brothers and their crew competed in the 6.0 Fuel Altered Class, with Mathew driving the NitroRat Fuel Altered to a best time of 6.118 seconds at 230 miles per hour to qualify third fastest from a field of nine cars. “For only our first full pass and fifth pass in total running nitromethane, I was pretty happy with how the car performed,” Mathew said. Unfortunately for Mathew, the lower end of the engine suffered some damage. “I backed the motor down a good amount to get it down the track, after inspecting the car after the 6.11s run we found that main caps two, three and four had split down the outer section where the side bolts come in,” Mathew explained. “We could have run the engine again but with another event
coming up across the 23rd to 26th of August in Salt Lake City, I decided it wasn’t worth causing more damage just to pad my ego by running nitro! I’m not going to lie, running nitro is pretty bloody awesome though!” The team stripped the car and motor and had new main caps installed within 48 hours. They then converted the combination back over to Alcohol to run in the Competition Eliminator bracket at the double divisional event at RMR Raceway. “With us losing the track this year in Salt Lake City to make way for more warehouses - because we always need more empty warehouses - I wanted to make sure we were there for the track and to have a great send off for all the people that have supported me over the years while putting on a good show for the crowd,” Mathew said. “The double divisional event at Rocky Mountain Raceway is always a great one to race at. Being our ‘home track’ and the last year of the facility as its being bulldozed, it was high on our list to try and take the Wally.
D
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AA/FA OR AA/AM
WHY NOT BOTH, SAY LEONARD BROS. “We ran our personal best for RMR and qualified second for the first event before Clint Neff, who is running for the championship, was too good for us in first round – it was close but he took the stripe. “We made a couple of changes for the second event but we had a bearing fail at about 500ft and we broke a connecting rod and donated to the aluminium gods; and so it was farewell RMR!” From RMR the team was off to Las Vegas for the NHRA Toyota Nationals in late October. “We went to Vegas with a goal of running 6.4 seconds and 210mph. Right off the bat the car was running great, in each run we were running personal bests,” Mathew said. “For our first round we had the number four qualifier. I had a great light with a .003 and we ran another personal best of 6.46s at 209.75mph for the win. We had run 210mph on a previous run so to hit both goals was great. We fell off a little bit in round two, and the person we lost too went on to win the event.” So what’s coming up for the boys from South Australia? “In 2019 we will start off by running Nitro methane in the NitroRat altered at the March Meet in Bakersfield. We’ll then switch back
over to alcohol for the Vegas National event, then probably head to Boise and see where we race after that,” Mathew said. “I’ll fly back to Australia to race with Warren down there and he’ll fly back to the states to race with me here. One big goal I have is to bring my car to Australia and run it on Nitro at Whyalla. I would also love to run it at AIR and whichever track would have me, we just need to find the cubic dollars to make it happen!” To follow along with all of the Leonard Brothers Racing action, be sure to check out the ‘Mathew Leonard Nitrorat Racing’ facebook page by clicking here. Photos supplied by Mathew Leonard
Since the last edition of FASTLANE Magazine, plenty of national record setting performances have played out at both Mildura’s Sunset Strip Nationals and Portland’s South Coast Nationals.
B
Eight new national markers have been set by seven racers at these two events alone. To see the current records, please click here.
those runs we did were quicker than what we had run at Sydney and Willowbank this year so we were very impressed.
During the Sunset Strip Nationals’ SuperComp proceedings, racers Craig Geddes (E/D 660ft ET record: 4.519s), Alex Panagiotidis (E/GA 660ft ET and MPH record: 5.514s and 123.59mph) and Adrian Vella (B/APA 660ft ET and MPH record: 4.667s and 148.52mph) each reset national markers.
“We weren’t chasing a record, we were trying to get past some of the quicker guys – we just couldn’t get the job done unfortunately and the record was set on a losing run which wasn’t ideal. Overall though we were very happy with how things went and we are super proud of the team behind the event.”
Meanwhile in the Competition Bike ranks at the same event, Rob Cassar (AA/CBN 660ft MPH record: 139.15mph) and event Comp Bike winner Danny Rickard (V/CB 660ft ET and MPH record: 5.615s and 123.41mph) also rewrote the record books as did Modified Eliminator racer Rob McKay, who might have endured a first-round break-out but made it all worth it by resetting the BB/MD 660ft MPH record to 139.78mph.
Panagiotidis coupled his record with an event win on his first trip to Mildura.
At the South Coast Nationals, Cassar took it upon himself to break his own AA/CBN 660ft MPH record (140.46mph), while Rob Dekert put his name against the C/AP 660ft speed record (139.54mph). For Geddes, it was no surprise that the SuperComp bracket heralded so many record-setting performances at the Sunset Strip Nationals. “The Sunset Strip Nationals event was terrific – the guys always put on a great event, the racing surface was super impressive with plenty of available grip, and the weather was exceptional for great performances,” Geddes said while thanking DecoGlaze for their support. “There was a fairly large group of very fast cars at hand, which always meant it was going to be difficult racing and a few records would be set as we slugged it out. We were very surprised with our run,
“The racing went really well – we had a bit of luck in a couple of the rounds and everything fell into place over what was a good weekend,” Panagiotidis said. “We weren’t trying to reset the record, but it is very pleasing and we certainly weren’t expecting the win – that was very unexpected but as the day went on we realised that we just might be able to do it. “It was our first time in Mildura and it was a good weekend – the officials and volunteers tried really hard and kept the event going, it all ran smoothly and the weather was good as well. I would like to thank my crew as they did a great job all
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BONANZA weekend and back home too preparing the car, and also the ANDRA officials and Kingsley Kuchel and all his volunteers at the race track – it was really nice to go there and we had a good time.” McKay might have seen his Sunset Strip Nationals experience end early after breaking out in the first round, but he says it was a worthy sacrifice. “We did the record in qualifying and then we had to do it again in competition to back it up. The car broke out as there was no way I was going to back off as I knew we had to the do the MPH to get the record,” McKay explained while sending special thanks to his crew chief Rhys Steer, Daniel Collins, Andrew Sanders, Mathew Despirit, M & W Engine Service, Craig Geddes, Stewart Johnson and his wife and daughter, Michelle and Lucy. “We got knocked out in the first round. But it was a good feeling, as we set the record and the car went 4.880s on a 4.90s dial in; it had never gone that fast before . “The Sunraysia Drag Racing Association did an awesome job of the track – it was the stickiest race track I have ever raced on for sure, and it was a great weekend. The way the event was run was fantastic and a big thumbs up goes to Kingsley Kuchel for his efforts.” Just seven weeks after resetting the AA/CBN speed record in Mildura, Victorian racer Cassar broke his own record at the South Coast Nationals and says he is keen to do it again. “We were going to try and rewrite
the record, we are always chasing records and we will keep on chasing them for the rest of the season,” Cassar said while thanking his wife Katie – they have been racing together for 23 years – as well as Denso Auto Parts Australia, PowerPlus Racing Fuels, Shinko Tyers Australia, Nolan Helmets Australia, Ballistic Performance Parts, Lectron Carbs Australia and Lucas Oils.
“The Portland weekend was good for us up until the final, I am still not sure what happened there, we got to around half track and something happened, it jumped out of gear or maybe it didn’t go into gear – I am pulling the bike apart trying to find out what happened and how much damage I have done. “Earlier we had PBed on the 60ft and the 330ft, we had the national record and reset the track Competition Bike record to 4.58s at 145.45mph and of course made it the finals, so overall it was good. Hopefully we can get the bike sorted in time for the next round where we will keep on chasing records and points.” Joining Cassar in setting new markers in Portland was Rob Dekert, who now lays claim to the C/AP speed record at 139.54mph thanks to the Melbourne racer’s efforts aboard his Super Stock Pontiac GXP machine. “We weren’t trying to set a record, the car has been fast enough to do it for a year, we just didn’t want to touch it up – but at Portland we had no choice, to go rounds we had to go fast!” Dekert explained. “We went all the way to the final but we had no index left. Taking the record doesn’t really take the sting out of missing out on the event win, but it is not too bad to go to runner-up and the car is starting to get better which is good. “We are looking to race the whole series this year and do all we can in the points and see how we go. I have to thank Unique Body Smash Repairs, my wife Deanne and also all my crew and family for their support - I couldn’t do this without them.” For more on the Sunset Strip Nationals and the South Coast Nationals, click here.
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racerprofile KENNY STEWART Age 51 years old Hometown Werribee Occupation Warehousing Started Racing 1994 Classes competed Modified Best ET and Speed 7.28 seconds and 188 mph Sponsors Fuchs Lubricants, Gene Cook Race Engines, Proshift Automatics, R&J Batteries, Total Fleet Imaging, Swarf King Engineering and Gerry’s Ski Shop Favourite Race Vehicle Current Spitzer Top Dragster Favourite TV Show Big Bang Theory, Two Broke Girls, Seinfeld Favourite Food I love a mixed grill! Favourite race track South Coast Raceway
You recently took out two Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Modified wins in a row, winning first at the Sunset Strip Nationals and then at the South Coast Nationals. How did it feel to go back to back, and did you expect to be able to secure two in a row?
During the off season, I made a couple of changes to the car and converter to help with consistency and reaction times so we were unsure of what to expect in Mildura. I never go to a meeting expecting to win, but always hope to make it to the final, so after some luck falling our way during eliminations I was so happy to win at Mildura. In between the Mildura and Portland meetings we went to the Mallee Drag challenge at Swan Hill where I made the final but was unable to start the Dragster due to fuel pump issues. Thinking back, this was a blessing in disguise as we would have turned up at Portland and had the problem arise there. This would have been very stressful to find and fix at the track. Winning at Portland was so exciting and unbelievable. I love racing at Portland and the changes made in the off season have really paid off with consistency. Racing in Modified is tough with a lot of experienced racers attending both rounds. It is also great to see a lot of new faces in Modified with the bracket continuing to grow and be very well supported. If you had to pick the top three highlights of your drag racing career to date, what would they be and why?
The three highlights that come to mind are: winning the Fuchs Australian Nationals at Sydney Dragway in front of Fuchs Management; Winning the Modified Championship; and being part of the Drag Racing Demonstrations at numerous Australian Grand Prix events – especially the time I got to perform burn outs on the main straight!
How did you get into the sport of drag racing and what keeps you coming back? To quote the famous Ricky Bobby: “I just wanna go fast!” But seriously, I have always loved drag racing since I was a teenager and a good friend of mine, Ian Cameron, who owned a front engine rail and raced in Modified, helped get me involved in drag racing. He helped me understand the costs of buying and running a race car, gave me advice of how to look after sponsors and when we decided to get into racing he was there when I got my licence. I am now in my 25th year of racing and what keeps me racing is the challenge of keeping the dragster competitive each meeting. There are lot of highs and lows but one important part of racing is the good friends we have made and the great time at the track and outside racing we have. We have the amazing support of our sponsors and are very proud and fortunate to have had many of these businesses help us for the 25 years.
In 2018 we are celebrating our 25th year of sponsorship with Fuchs Lubricants. We are fortunate to have the support of Fuchs and they have given us many experiences and opportunities on and off the track. Along with our other sponsors, we are very proud to represent them and do our best to raise awareness of their great products and services. Is there anyone you would like to shine the spotlight on for their role in your racing career?
The one person I would like to shine the spotlight is my number one supporter: Amanda Ruddle. In 25 years of racing, she has never missed a meeting, she helps prepare and helps with the maintenance of the dragster. I would also like to thank the many people who have helped over the year with crewing. Drag Racing is a lot of hard work, and you can’t do it without the help of our friends. Photo by Automotive Event Images
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Talk to us today Martyn Luck – 08 8172 8121 martyn.luck@ajg.com.au Renee Morris – 08 8172 8084 renee.morris@ajg.com.au
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racerprofile CHELSEA SAMMUT Age 14
Hometown Sunbury, Victoria Occupation Student (year 8) Started racing August 2017 Classes competed B Class Best ET and speed 8.73 seconds @ 72.5MPH Sponsors Melton Motor Wreckers, Epic Visuals, Ballistic and Gone Mowing Favourite race vehicle Rail / Top Fuel Favourite TV show Tanked Favourite food Ice Cream Favourite race track Sunset Strip Mildura
How did you get into racing?
I’ve gone to the drags since I was a little girl as my uncle has always raced and my dad crewed for him. It was at the Nationals at Calder Park Drag Strip in January 2017 that my sisters and I saw a Junior Dragster for sale. Let’s just say a family meeting was held, we all agreed as a family to go down this road and here we are today. What do you consider as your racing highlights?
Coming runner up at the recent Sunset Strip Nationals would have to be my biggest highlight to date. Finishing in the top 10 in the 2017/18 Summit Racing Equipment Championship was pretty awesome too. What do you love about Junior Dragster Racing?
It is a rush, I can’t legally drive on the road but I can get strapped into a Junior Dragster and race down a track. I also love getting to meet new people from all across Australia who love the sport like I do – a lot of them have become like a second family to me (my drag family). What is your ultimate racing goal/dream?
To win a Christmas Tree and one day maybe a championship.
What do your school mates think about what you do?
Most people at school including teachers thought I was joking when I said I race a Junior Dragster, so I referred them to my profile on Junior Dragster Australia. They were surprised – it is not your standard sport or hobby! At the recent Sunset Strip Nationals you were the runner-up to current championship leader Jake Berias - how did it feel to go to the final and take out the runner-up honours?
It was brilliant, I got to take on Jake who is currently un-beaten. Jake was so supportive, gave me a hug before the race and told me to have fun and let’s put on a show, this settled my nerves (mostly) and I think we did put on a show. Is there anyone you would like to thank for being part of your drag racing journey?
I want to thank my parents and my sisters, Georgia and Jessica, and also my mascot Mango (the Bearded Dragon). Also all of the other junior dragster families who welcomed me into their community with open arms. Oh and I can’t forgot The Camilleris, I need to thank them for selling us the car! Photos by Automotive Event Images and Outlaw Images (action shot)
Behind the Wheel with Jr. Dragster Racer Jake Berias. “Junior dragster racing is a great family-oriented sport. It’s amazing how many families you meet from all around Australia. I love how the different racers and crews work to support each other even though it’s a competition.”
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QLD CHAMPS
BENARABY RACEWAY PROVIDES PERFECT END TO SUMMIT RACING QLD CHAMPS
Benaraby Raceway’s final round of the 2018 Summit Racing Queensland Championship brought the series to a spectacular close in late September.
Previously, the series had visited Roma’s Ironbark Raceway (31 March – 1 April) and Mackay’s Palmyra Dragway (29-30 June) before an epic one-day finale at the Gladstone venue on Saturday (22 September). The prize on offer was a special Copper ANDRA Xmas Tree trophy and it would be title winners Harrison Thwaite (Junior Dragster), Sarah Langridge (Street), Matt Halpin (Street Bike), Brett Kelly (Super
Street), Noel Bartley (Modified Bike), Laurie Bonato (Super Sedan), Katie Cunningham (Modified/Top Sportsman) and Rodney Hansen (Outlaws) who would hoist the prestigious trophies at the conclusion of the day’s running. Championship runners-up Kilarney Back (Junior Dragster), Michelle Roydhouse (Street), Warren Dunn (Street Bike), Richard Dawe (Super Street), Dallas Everrett (Modified Bike), Michael Adams (Super Sedan), Dale Sonogan (Modified/Top Sportsman) and Russell Grulke (Outlaws) were awarded championship plaques for their efforts. Many of the championship winners had their hands well and truly full on Saturday evening, bringing home race day accolades as well – taking victory in not only the series
but also round three were Thwaite, Halpin, Kelly, Bartley and Hansen while Langridge and Cunningham were event runnersup. Joining them in the event winners’ circle was Series Modified/Top Sportsman runner-up Sonogan – who set a perfect run (light and dial-in) in his second round of eliminations – as well as Hunter Oliver (H2 Racing Junior Bike), Tracy Rieck (Street) and Earl McCallum (Grulke Concreting Super Sedan). The weekend’s racing was supported by a range of bracket sponsors, including H2 Racing (Junior Bike), Coalroc Contractors (Junior Dragster), Autobarn (Super Street), Westlands Engineering and Hydraulics (Modified Bike), Grulke Concreting (Super Sedan), Knijff Earthmoving (Modified/ Top Sportsman) and PTW Auto Electrical (Supercharged Outlaws).
CHAMPIONCHAT
HARRY THWAITE JUNIOR DRAGSTER
“Our goal was to make the final and hopefully take a win and it did happen and it was even better because my cousin Kilarney Back won all three of her races and came second in the series so we had two HJ Racing cars up there, that was really good,” the 15 year old said. “It was a good weekend, the cars went really well, we had the right tune-ups, and the track was fantastic. “To have won it two times and back to back, it is actually pretty amazing, I just can’t believe it. I have to send a big thanks to all of my sponsors JADS Earthworks, Active Skip Bins, B & G Auto Electrics, 1KD Performance & Mechanical and Robert Ambruosi PSI Race Engines - as well as all of my family and friends who follow me around the country side watching and supporting me doing what I love.”
SARAH LANGRIDGE STREET
“Our season started off pretty ordinary but we turned it around with two finals and two runners-up results in a row,” Langridge said. “It was honestly not how I wanted to win the championship though as Sonya (Wagensveld), the points leader on the way to the final, had a gearbox issue just outside of the event. I was thinking about giving her my car to race and try and win, but then she was still able to compete so we went ahead and I was going to try and block for her - but then I went and won it! To me, I am sharing this with her – she is my best friend, our daughters race JDs together, we even live down the road from each other. “I quite enjoyed the season, being an ANDRA steward, running a Junior Dragster and racing myself, I don’t stop. But it is my favourite Series and I look forward to doing it again next year too. I need to say thank to my biggest fans, my daughter Ashleigh for her support and also to my partner Dave for taking my car everywhere, including Mackay and Benaraby where I had to work and so flew in!”
MATT HALPIN STREET BIKE
“I was running two bikes (in the series) – at the beginning of the series the whole idea was to have the Street Bike there as an extra; I took the Modified Bike to race it and then when there was a Street Bike class at round one, I decided that I might as well race that as well. It was a bonus to take it there and have a bit of fun,” Halpin explained. “When the first round went all right in Street Bike I thought I had better keep going and it seems like it has certainly worked out and has been worth the trip!
34 fastlane I have to thank Halpin Motors and give a special thanks to my brother John Halpin for lending me the wheels for the bike,” he laughed. “It was a good day on Saturday, I can’t complain about anything at all – everything went well and it was smooth sailing really. The Summit Racing Queensland Championship is a lot of fun – Roma is my local track so I race there a lot but this year was my first trip to Mackay. I loved it and it has been a really good time, there are heaps of good people racing alongside you and I hope it all continues next year and keeps getting bigger and better.”
BRETT KELLY SUPER STREET
“After the second round I ran through the points in my head and I thought I was too low down to take a win, I thought I might be able to get the runner-up sport,” Kelly said. “I have made a few changes to the car, switching over to running methanol and I have a spare engine in it at the moment as I damaged my proper race engine, but it ran pretty good and when I got the win in the final I thought I might have locked out the runner-up result for the series. “Then at the presentations they called out Richard Dawe as runner-up and I thought I had miscalculated and I wasn’t even in the running – but then they called me out for the Champions’ trophy! I just went ‘wow’, it was a real shock! It is a good series, and I will be back next year.”
NOEL BARTLEY MODIFIED BIKE
“At the end, it was a surprise just to win the final round – not saying that I could never do it of course,” Bartley laughed. “To get the big one though – you could have knocked me over with a feather when they called my name out for that big trophy! “So I guess the series unfolded perfectly for us in the end – you more or less could say we started up with a rusty crew and ended up a shiny bunch!” To hear more from Bartley, check out our special feature by click here.
LAURIE BONATO SUPER SEDAN
“We had a pretty good season and there has been a lot of really close racing, a lot of good racers, and a lot of true sportsmen too. I had trouble at the second round with my car and it was a couple of racers who were up there in the points right to the end that helped me, which was greatly appreciated. I thank them for their help, and also my great all-girl crew: my wife Kathy, daughter Alanna and good friend Tracey,” Bonato said.
“It was a great feeling to win the championship – right down to the end we all knew that it was anybody’s to win, and that is good in a way I think. I had a bit of luck on my side as well. I am hoping to do the full three rounds again next year and I encourage everyone else to do it as well – it is a bit of an effort to do all three rounds but it is definitely worth it. “My thanks goes to ANDRA and Summit Racing Equipment for getting together and making the Series possible, all of the tracks and also all of the bracket sponsors and especially Grulke Concreting for sponsoring the Super Sedan bracket. Thanks also must go to my supporters Fix It Auto Wreckers and Mal’s Mechanical in Bundaberg.”
KATIE CUNNINGHAM MODIFIED/ TOP SPORTSMAN
“Aside from some issues with our oil pressure dropping and blowing up our engine, it was a good season for us. Luckily we got the issues sorted in time for the last round,” Cunningham said. “It was a good last event and it was a good Series. We had a good run in that last event and it was a really close final as well. That is the best part about drag racing I think: having a close final. “It felt really good to be awarded as the champion. We have been aiming for it since the Series was started last year, so to finally get it was a really big achievement. “I have to say thank you to CFZ Racing and also my family for helping run the event in Palmyra as well as supporting me throughout my 10 years of racing.”
RODNEY HANSEN OUTLAWS
“We had a pretty good day (at the final) all in all – it unfolded well, qualifying went pretty well and we didn’t have any dramas, the car behaved and the track was excellent,” Hansen explained. “The racing went really well and to grab another Tree is always great – it is a pretty good feeling and to be able to do that in your own state and travel for the Queensland series is great. “My crew guys always do a fantastic job, so I have to thank them – Jason Page and Cory Hess – as well as Gilroy’s Automatic and Peter and Helen, Paigepower Race Engines and Hansen’s Automotive. “The Summit Racing Queensland Championship is definitely something I enjoy and I think eighth mile racing is a lot more challenging than quartermile racing – everything happens a lot quicker!” For full results from the Summit Racing Queensland Championships, please click here. Images by Rogue Snapper Photography
36 fastlane
SUNSET STRIP NATS A
STUNNER Following its conclusion on September 22, racers heralded round three of the 18/19 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series, the Sunset Strip Nationals, as a huge success.
Particularly pleased with their weekends in Mildura were the event winners who took home ANDRA Christmas Trees: Adrian McGrotty (Super Gas), Jake Berias (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), David McGinn (Modified Bike), Rodney Kerr (Super Street), Robert Camilleri (Super Sedan), Kenny Stewart (Modified), Justin Russell (Supercharged Outlaws), Jason Arbery (Top Sportsman), Danny Rickard (Competition Bike) and Alex Panagiotidis (Super Comp).
Runners-up were Warren Smith (Super Gas), Chelsea Sammut (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Bryan Finn (Modified Bike), David Brae (Super Street), Peter Tzokas (Super Sedan), Craig Baker (Modified), Tim Stewart (Supercharged Outlaws), Glenn Henley (Top Sportsman), Jase McFarlane (Competition Bike) and Adrian Vella (Super Comp) Records aplenty were set amidst the
SuperComp ranks as the racers battled it out for victory, with winner Alex Panagiotidis (E.GA – 5.514s and 123.59mph), runner-up Adrian Vella (B/APA – 4.667s and 148.52mph) and Craig Geddes (E/D – 5.519s) all resetting national markers. To hear what Panagiotidis had to say about his weekend, click here.
Competition Bike was another category with its share of records, with event winner and TileCo-TheShowerPeople and KC Tools Top Qualifier Medallion recipient Danny Rickard (V/CB – 5.615s and 123.41mph) and Rob Cassar (AA/CBN – 139.15mph) both resetting national records. The Competition Bike bracket ran a round robin format at the Mildura event for the first time, with Rickard taking on and defeating Jase McFarlane in the final to take out the event victory. Also on two-wheels, David McGinn impressed
in Modified Bike, taking victory from twotime champion Bryan Finn after having earlier dispatched Derryn McGregor (semifinal), Edgel Mallis and Nicholas Thompson. Meanwhile, Finn had faced off and won against Shane Walker (semi-final), Mario Baker and Dan Dycer. “The bike didn’t seem to be running that well so I was trying to adjust the clutch between runs. We had a bit of help along the way with a couple of guys breaking out and so on. On each run it seemed I was able to get in front of them and make it over the line, and I was just backing it off and saving my dial-in,” McGinn said. “In the final I was up against the flying Finn and everyone reminded me he was a back to back champion so I was thinking ‘oh crikey’, but my reaction times had been ‘point zeros’ all day and in the final it was pretty much a
repeat of all the other races really, it all went my way! “The last time I was at Mildura was about 38 years ago and I lost all my grape picking wages on the greyhounds, so this was a much better experience!” In the Top Sportsman ranks, defending champion Jason Arbery took home his second round win for the season by defeating Glenn Henley in the final. He had earlier taken victory from Bruce Henley (semi-final), Vlado Turic and Darren Saliba while Glenn Henley had faced off against Greg Damiani, Stuart McBain and top qualifier, Amanda Martin. In the Modified category, it all came down to Kenny Stewart and Craig Baker in the final, with Stewart ultimately taking out the victory after having earlier beaten Gavin Chisnell (semi-final), Ashley Johnson, Sergio Bonetti and Frank Quaini. Baker meanwhile had enjoyed a bye run to the final after having earlier beaten Chris Farrell, Danny Wilson and Jess Turner. The Modified class was also another bracket which played host to a record-setting performance, with Rob McKay resetting the national BB/MD speed record to 139.78mph on his way to a first round lose. One racer who certainly stood out from the crowd in Mildura was Robert Camilleri, who won the Super Sedan battle after top qualifying. On his way to the final against runner-up Peter Tzokas, Camilleri took on and defeated Rob Evans (semi), Paul Roberts and Ned Karanovic. Tzokas meanwhile had beaten Dave Todd, Brett Mathew, Enio Marrocco and Stephen Crook. “What a great weekend, it was superbly run and everything was 100 percent. I can’t thank the officials and the crew at Mildura enough, it has just been the best weekend,” Camilleri said after the trophy presentations. “Every time we go there it is better and better, they look after us better than any other race track I have been to in the country I think, they treat us ‘first class’. “We were actually running in Top Sportsman
and then we pulled back for this meeting and it paid off. We thought the Top Qualifier result was possible but we didn’t expect the win – we are wrapped with the result and we absolutely had a ball not only with myself racing but also my daughters Brooke and Holly,” he said, while thanking his wife Anne and his girls for their support as well as his crew Jordan Tatchell, Jamie Tatchell, Claudia Tatchell, Brock Langley, Liam and Ricky Smith and Wayne Scheames. Justin Russell was another grinning wildly at the close of proceedings, taking out the Supercharged Outlaws win over Tim Stewart after earlier taking victory from Paul Stephen (semi) and Shaun Kerkman (first round) while enjoying a bye run in between. Earlier, Stewart had his own bye run into the finals after having successfully faced off against Jason Keily and Andrew Chessells. “I have had a great weekend – Collingwood winning on Friday was awesome and then to take out Outlaws is just fantastic, I am on cloud nine,” enthused Russell. “In the first qualifier we had an issue with the starter motor – the ring gear and the starter gear locked together and I did my burnout with the starter motor still going but didn’t know it due to the noise of the engine. Then all the power went out after I backed up to the line, I thought someone had hit my power button on the back of the car! “It came back on as we pushed back to the pits so we thought we had a loose wire and pulled the car apart only to find nothing. “We then tried to start it and when it wouldn’t start, found the ring gear locked into the flex plate. In went a spare starter motor and we just made it out for the second qualifier where we ran a 4.32s which were happy with – we knew we had a good package and that we were in with a chance – in the first round something went wrong with Shaun Kerkman’s car so I won that and then came around for a bye run, then we faced Paul Stephen in the final. “I am always a bit wary with Paul and he didn’t disappoint – he definitely turned it
on coming into my lane and taking out all the blocks, I didn’t see him but apparently it was close! “Tim Stewart couldn’t face me in the final after popping the blower in his bye run, so we accepted the tree. It has been an awesome event, Kingsley and Lauren Kuchel did a fantastic job, ANDRA were fantastic and Tim Reidy did a great job. We had a dream run, great weather and top crew. We couldn’t be doing this either without our new major sponsor, Affordable Shelving from Melbourne, he has come on board to help us chase the number one again!” In the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster bracket, Jake Berias made it three wins from three rounds by taking victory from runner-up Chelsea Sammut after earlier taking victory from top qualifier Zara Board, Tommy Turic, Sarah Osborne and Sarah Donnelly. Sammut meanwhile had faced off against Daniel ‘BatDan’ Carranza, Jordan Spencer, Ayden Lanciana and Brooke Camilleri to book her place in the final. In Super Gas, Adrian McGrotty took victory from top qualifier Warren Smith after earlier finding victory from battles with Graeme Spencer and Charlie Saraceno. Smith had beaten Warren Bull and Jason Wilson to secure his place in the final battle. In the Super Street ranks, it all came down to Rodney Kerr and David Brae. Kerr had taken on Paul Jennings, Tony Barbara, Anthony Burke and Des Jeffree on his way to the final while Brae faced off against K Borg, top qualifier Robyn Phillis, Cara Bertoli and Michael Giannaros. ANDRA thanks the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association as well as all of the volunteers and sponsors for an outstanding race track and a well-run event. For full results from the Sunset Strip Nationals, please click here. Images by Automotive Event Images
38 fastlane
SOUTH COAST NATS DELIVERS EMOTION-PACKED RESULTS When Zara Board took victory in the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster bracket at South Coast Raceway’s South Coast Nationals, there was not a dry eye in the house.
The hugely popular victory for 13-year-old Zara provided a perfect highlight to what was an action-packed weekend of racing at the Portland venue. To read more about Zara’s victory, click here. Joining Zara in the winners’ circle in Portland for what was round four of the 18/19 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series were Adrian McGrotty (Super Gas), Jake Hamilton (Modified Bike), Michael Bridges (Super Street), Chris Lioulios (Super Sedan), Kenny Stewart (Modified), Jason Keily (Supercharged Outlaws), Andrew Thompson (Top Sportsman), David Willis (Competition Bike) and Alex Panagiotidis (SuperComp). Runners-up were Jason Wilson (Super Gas), Tommy Turic (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), David McGinn (Modified Bike), Paul Jennings (Super Street), George Tipoukidis (Super Sedan), Jess Voigt (Modified), Mark Hunt (Supercharged Outlaws), Jason Arbery (Top Sportsman), Rob Cassar (Competition Bike) and Rob Dekert (SuperComp).
Like it was for Zara, it was a break-through victory for Michael Bridges in the Super Street bracket. On his way to facing Paul Jennings in the final, he had faced off against Matthew Smart in the semi-final after enjoying a bye to that match-up and having earlier defeated Des Jeffree (round two) and TileToTheShowerPeople and KC Tools Top Qualifier Medallion recipient Leigh Batchelor. Jennings meanwhile had taken on and defeated Simon Lazzaro (semi-final), Craig Ferguson, Scott Cleary and Nikolas Karanovic. “This is monkey off my back for sure, it is awesome. We have been trying to do this for around five years,” Bridges said, while thanking his crew, Smart Auto Wreckers and Towing and DragsSA.com for their support. “The day went fairly smoothly for us and it was a well-run event. We will be back in January for the South Coast 660 of course to give going back to back (in Portland) a go!”
In the Top Sportsman ranks, Andrew Thompson took on and defeated defending champion Jason Arbery, stopping him from taking six straight wins in the process. The Port Lincoln (SA) racer had earlier defeated Glenn Henley (semi-final), Matt Forbes and Vlado Turic while Arbery had taken victories from Chris Theo (semi) and Top Qualifier Darren Saliba (round one) while enjoying a bye to his semi. “It was awesome to get our first win and to do so against Jason Arbery who has obviously been to so many finals lately,” Thompson said, while thanking his sponsors Slape Crash Repairs, Custom Kitchen Company, Rick Daniels Recycling and EP Windscreens as well as his crew. “We have been the runner-up quite a few times so it is a bit of a monkey off the back, it feels really good, especially when you travel so far. “We had transmission problems most of the weekend and we had to dial it back to try and run to the qualifying number, but we were
lucky enough that we got through and beat some really good guys in the field.” For Adrian McGrotty in Super Gas it was a case of back to back victories after the Mill Park (VIC) racer also took victory at September’s Sunset Strip Nationals. McGrotty and Jason Wilson faced off in the final after having earlier dispatched Graeme Spencer and Darryl Stephen; and Warren Bull and Charlie Saraceno respectively. Another back-to-back winner was Alex Panagiotidis, who took out SuperComp ahead of Rob Dekert after having earlier emerged victorious from battles against David Roberts (round two) and Mick Simis while enjoying a bye to the final. Dekert meanwhile had faced off against Mark Newman (round one), Steven Athans and Adrian Vella to book his ticket to the final. Yet another racer taking consecutive victories in the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series was Modified racer Kenny Stewart. The Tarneit (VIC) racer took on Jess Voigt in the final after having earlier faced Top Qualifier Adam Munday, Les Mills and Rob McKay while Voigt enjoyed a bye to the final after having defeated Derek Wills, Matt Ponton and Bradley Hicks across the day. In Super Sedan, Chris Lioulios took victory over former champion George Tipoukidis after having earlier faced Michael Milasiewicz, Rob Evans, Stephen Griffin and Alex Gkroidis across the day while ‘Tipo’ had enjoyed a bye
to the final after having raced Top Qualifier Rob Camilleri and Enio Marrocco. The Roxby Downs (SA) racer took out the Super Sedan victory during the series’ last visit to Portland and was pleased to go backto-back at the venue. “It felt good. I really enjoy coming here, I enjoy the race track, it is great, and the friends that I have got here,” Lioulios said while thanking his crew Jim and Alannah, Mick Yafo, and his wife Natalie for their support. “It was a pretty hard weekend, the car was a bit up and down during qualifying and every race was a hard race. It wasn’t an easy one all the way through so to come away with a win was pretty good. “We are hoping to come back to Portland for South Coast 660 in January but my wife is pregnant and due around then, so we have our fingers crossed!” In the Supercharged Outlaws rankings it was Jason Keily who would take the win after having faced off against Mike Evans and
Top Qualifier Justin Russell to go to the final against Mark Hunt. Hunt meanwhile had emerged victorious from battles against Paul Stephen and Doina Day. David Willis took victory over Rob Cassar in Competition Bike, while in the Modified Bike bracket it all came down to Jake Hamilton and last-round winner David McGinn in the final. Hamilton had earlier faced off against Dan Dycer, Nat McKay and Derryn McGregor while McGinn had raced against Mario Baker, Nick Thompson and Michael Cristoforo. ANDRA thanks South Coast Raceway and all of its volunteers and sponsors for an outstanding race track and a well-run event. For full results from the South Coast Nationals, please click here. Round five of the 18/19 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series, the Goldenstates, will be held at the Perth Motorplex on December 1. For more information on that event, please visit www. andra.com.au or www.motorplex.com.au
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