Fastlane Magazine - Issue 26

EDITION 26

F E B R U A R Y

2 0 1 9

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL DRAG RACING ASSOCIATION

GREATNESS Larry Ormsby and Eddie Thomas were recently inducted into the ANDRA Hall of Fame

CHAMPIONSHIP RACING TECH MEMBER STAGING RACER ATFACES BENEFITS THE RACES LANES PROFILE TORQUE POINTS PERFECT LIGHT SUMMIT

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LATEST NEWS

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Fastlane offers affordable advertising opportunities for your organisation to tap into our captured, loyal and passionate audience! Quarterly issues keep our racers and fans up-to-date with all the latest news and updates from around Australia!

INSIDE FRONT COVER $1050

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contents CLICK TO VISIT

TECH

TORQUE STAGING LANES

CELEBRATING GREATNESS

REAR AXLE STUDS & LUG NUTS

2018/19 CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS

EMOTION-CHARGED VICTORY

JUNIOR DRAGSTER CHAMPION

SUMMIT QLD CHAMPS

PAUL JENNINGS - RACER PROFILE

INSURANCE FOR MEMBERS

RACE REPORTS

GOLDENSTATES

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: Automotive Event Images, High Octane Photos, Wayne Scraba, Mike Sprylan, the photo libraries of Larry Ormsby, Gerald McDornan and Robert Ratliff.

ANDRA Staff

SOUTH COAST 660

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

TWILIGHT NATIONALS

Contact Details

Phone: 08 8271 5355 Fax: 08 8721 6988 Email: info@andra.com.au Street: 11 McInnes St, Ridleyton SA 5008

ANDRA Board

Murray O’Connor (WA) Nathan Peirano (QLD) - Chairman Grant Wilson (SA) Peter Kapiris (VIC) Wayne Downes(QLD) Grant Hamon (NT)

staginglanes NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR 2019 ANDRA DIVISIONAL ELECTIONS

During 2019, elections are due for ANDRA Division Directors in Northern Australia, Victoria/Tasmania and Western Australia.

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

The following table shows those positions due for election in 2019, highlighted in blue. Any Delegates appointed to the Divisional Council by the Delegates over the past year must stand for election at this time.

SOUTH QUEENSLAND

NORTHERN AUSTRALIA

VICTORIA/TASMANIA

Wayne Downes (DD)

Nathan Peirano (DD)

Paul Rogers Jnr (DD)

Lance Ginbey (Alt DD)

Ross Bryant (Alt DD)

Robert Cassar (Alt DD)

Varton Bedrossian

Peter Peirano

Darren Parker

Sarah Langridge

Aaron Stibbs

Bill Caris

David Roderick

Ross Lemberg

Douglas Anderson

Darren Booth

Glenn Cunningham

Stephen Crook

Robert West

Doug Penna

Lawrence Galliani

Darryl Chamberlain Sean Agius

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

NEW SOUTH WALES

Robert Rath (DD)

DIVISION DIRECTOR

Paul Stephen (DD)

Andrew Braithwaite (Alt DD)

Murray O’Connor (Alt DD)

Jason Stares (Alt DD)

Vladimir Ostashkevich

Geoff Chaisty

Jim Rowley

Andrew Favotti

Nick Gardiner

John Ward

Bob Scerri

Ian Jenkins

Frank Cannistra

Sergei Ostashkevich

Alan Hudson

Sharon Ward

Margaret Oppes

Peter Glover

Aaron Brookes

Harry Harris

Anthony Begley

Martin Stevensen

Elizabeth Johns

John Willard

Andrew Frost Nominations are hereby invited for the various positions, from Full Members of ANDRA. They must be lodged with the ANDRA Office no later than 12 noon (CDST) on Friday the 28th of March, 2019, using the appropriate form.

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

Full details of the election process may be found in the ANDRA Constitution (click here to view)

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LICENCE FEE CHANGES January 2019 saw slight increases to Licence fees for the Unlimited, Super Street and Junior Licences. These changes reflect the first increase since 2014.

B GROUP TWO LICENCE INCREASED FROM $395 TO $399

B GROUP THREE LICENCE INCREASED FROM $315 TO $319

B SUPER STREET LICENCE INCREASED FROM $134 TO $144 B JUNIOR LICENCE INCREASED FROM $70 TO $74 *Junior Licence continues to be sponsored thanks to Summit Racing Equipment

Following member feedback, all Licences holders can now opt to apply/renew Licences for either one year or two years. Licence holders wishing to take up the two-year option will be eligible for a $10 discount.

Medicals are valid for two years from the date of consult. Licences requiring a medical cannot be issued to a date past the Medical expiry. Please note all licence holders over the age of 75 are required to have an annual medical, and are unable to take up the two year option. ANDRA is able to provide these members with a $5 discount on the above prices on an annual basis.

If you have any questions on fee structures or the two-year Licence option, contact the ANDRA office on (08) 8271 5355 or info@andra.com.au.

TENDER VEHICLES Competitors are reminded to ensure they are aware of their requirements when in control of tender vehicles.

Please see section listed below with particular note to speed limits, passengers and wearing of helmets on motorbikes. This can be found on page 259 of the 2018/19 ANDRA Rule Book.

4.19.1 Tender Vehicles Any vehicle apart from the race vehicle required by a competitor in the paddock area shall display the Competition Number of the race vehicle.

Apart from Junior Dragsters for which they are properly licenced, persons in control of any motorised vehicle within the confines of the event property are required to hold a provisional Civil Driver’s Licence as a minimum.

Other than vehicles recognised as track, tender, service, official, or vehicles specifically designed for handicapped and reduced mobility occupants, only production two, three or four wheel motorcycles or scooters capable of civil registration or golf buggies will be permitted in any area of the venue.

Where two wheel motorcycles are used, a helmet meeting AS/NZS 2063 as a minimum must be worn by all riders and passengers where the vehicle exceeds 10 kph.

All vehicles must have a working head and tail light and an audible warning device. The use of “pocket” or “monkey” bikes, non-motorised scooters or other motorized, wheeled devices is prohibited.

Every tender vehicle is required to have a loaded, serviceable fire extinguisher in their possession, carried in the tender vehicle or otherwise available for immediate emergency use. Dry chemical type extinguishers AS/NZS 1841 (1.2kg / 2.5lbs minimum size) are recommended.

4.19.2 Tender Vehicle Passengers All crew members must be seated completely within the vehicle cab or truck bed of tender vehicles. It is prohibited for crew members to stand on bumpers or running boards or ride on tailgates, open or closed.

All cabin doors must be fully closed while the vehicle is in motion. Failure to comply will be considered an unsafe working practice and may result in disqualification.

The onus to ensure that this requirement and all associated responsibilities are met lies with the relevant competitor. Refer General Racing Conditions, Passenger.

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!

For more information about the program and to learn about the latest companies to sign-up, click here or visit www.andra.com.au

GREATNE

ESS

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At the ANDRA Annual General Meeting held in late 2018, two greats of our sport were inducted into the ANDRA Hall of Fame: Eddie ‘Big Daddy’ Thomas and Larry ‘Big O’ Ormsby.

The contributions made by these two men to Australian drag racing are undoubtable, and so it was no surprise to most in our sport when they were each nominated and then inducted to the ANDRA Hall of Fame late last year.

In this article, we take a look at the lives and accomplishments of these two goliaths of our sport while sending our thanks to them and their families for their contribution to our industry.

EDDIE ‘BIG DADDY’ THOMAS

His racing career might have been only short, yet the late Eddie Thomas was without a doubt a ‘big daddy’ of Australian drag racing.

Eddie Thomas started as a drag racing driver relatively late in life in 1964 at 46 years of age in a rail which had originally been built by Greg Goddard. It is said that he could see a future for what was then an infant sport which had its beginnings in a Pakenham farmer’s paddock.

As the fastest man in Australia at the time, Eddie felt he was an ambassador for the sport and as such, he and his crew – including close friend, Crew Chief and business partner, Pat Ratliff – always wore a collar and tie under white overalls.

“I still have my father’s overalls, he and Eddie always wore a white shirt and tie to the races, at both the drag racing and the speedway – they wanted to make a good presentation and help change the appearance of our sport,” Pat’s son, Robbie Ratliff, said.

“My dad and Eddie met by accident and Eddie said ‘why don’t you come and live in the same street’ and they did, with one house in-between. I grew up knowing Eddie from when I was only 18 months old, and I have so many great memories. The two worked together after hours in Eddie’s home workshop, where they produced speed equipment and their first cam-grinder.

“He had a lot of names too – ‘Big Daddy’, ‘Mr T’, or as I called him – Mr Thomas. All the kids in the street called him that, and it wasn’t until the

last ten years or so of his life that he told me to call him Eddie – I still always called him Mr Thomas or Mr T, it was a special thing for all of us kids.”

In mid-1965 as Eddie closed in on the tensecond barrier, it became obvious that a new dragster was needed to keep up with the demands of better slicks and everincreasing horsepower, and so he built one from a set of plans he saw advertised in a US hot rodding magazine and went on to be the first racer in the country to go into the tens, and then the nines and the eights. At the same time, he was also the first man to break through the 150mph barrier.

“I remember when we went out to Calder Park Dragway to test the old car before he built the new one and the four of us were out there just before Christmas in the boiling heat with no shade, and there were Dad and Eddie both in their collars and ties, Eddie driving the dragster,” Robbie said.

“We push started him down the main straight going the wrong way and he was smoking the tyres and going through the ‘esses’ sideways, he never had forgotten his speedway background! I was sitting in the car watching and I wish now that we had

had a camera!”

Come 1966, a US drag racing team visited Australia for Dragfest, a time which many credit as a huge advancement and coming of age for the Australian drag racing industry.

Unlike today, where top Australian drag teams are up to speed with American developments, in the 1960s Australian racers were many years behind.

Despite this, Eddie proved himself to be highly competitive against the US visitors despite running methanol, an achievement which is fondly remembered by many who knew him even today.

With the close of Riverside in late 1966, Eddie went on to have a quiet period until Calder Park opened in 1968, but once he came back to face the new breed of Top

Fuelers – including Graham Withers’ ‘Ampol GT’ and Ash Marshall’s ‘Scorcher’ – he showed that his old style car still had plenty of merit with a best time of 8.55 seconds.

Unfortunately, the car would break its crankshaft on that run and with the building pressures of an expanding business, Eddie decided that it was time for retirement following a remarkable four year career on the track which many say changed Australian drag racing forever.

GREATNESS

LARRY ‘BIG O’ ORMSBY

From on-track success to playing key roles in the development of the sport from behind the scenes, the ‘Big O’ is a legend of Australian drag racing.

Larry Ormsby rose to prominence in the late 1960s with a series of GT and GT HO Falcons in Street, Stock and Pro Stock – with his performances bringing him to the attention of the legendary Al Turner and earning him full Ford Motor Company factory support – before moving on to a series of rear engine dragsters.

9 That business was the famous Eddie Thomas Speed Shop, where Eddie and his business partner Pat had been making plenty of waves since its opening in Caulfield in 1956 by inventing and/or developing speed equipment and safety gear way ahead of its time.

With these developments of gear that was simply not available in the Australian market, Eddie and his business played an extremely important role in the newly developing Australian aftermarket and speed equipment industry. When they installed a Heenan & Froude dyno – the first in Melbourne – it attracted top teams from all disciplines of motor racing.

Just some of the advances Eddie made include building one of the first blown dragsters in Australia, trialling the first parachutes, building his own fuel injection system and his own multi-plate clutch system.

The lifetime member of the Southern Hot Rod Club also ran the very first 426ci Hemi engine ever in Australia and developed his own fire suit – which turned out to be timely as a few months later an exploding clutch in the traps saw him suffer the first serious drag racing fire in the country!

“It is very heart-warming for all of us to see Eddie inducted into the Hall of Fame. He truly deserves it for what he has done and been involved with and what he has achieved,” Robbie said.

“I always say that I was very lucky growing up that I had two mentors, my father and Eddie.”

In all, he won five Australian Nationals in four different classes – Stock (1970), Pro Stock (1971), Competition (1976) and Top Fuel (1979 and 1984) – and he was also crowned as the 1984 Australian Top Fuel Champion.

“Winning a ‘Nationals’ Championship is first and foremost and is the dream of most, if not all, serious drag racers. None are easy, all are difficult and challenging. To hold that Christmas Tree is often the dream come true,” Ormsby reflects.

“One of my most memorable would be the 1979 ADR Grand Finals at Castlereagh. I needed to win the final run and set the low ET and Top Speed to win against the ‘Hussey rail’ and take the Championship by nine points; which we did.

“The most significant was winning the 1984 Nationals at Surfers Paradise against Jim Read. With Colin Russell returning as crew chief along with a team that had never worked on the car, it seemed an impossible ask. If that was not enough, we also damaged a crankshaft on a run late in the afternoon and needed to line bore the engine block and replace the crankshaft!

“Jim Read had one shipped from Sydney for us by his daughter on the last flight to Brisbane. The team worked through the night and the engine burst into life at 6.30am on race day. We then raced through to the finals against Jim Read with the hole shot of my life and with a Nationals Christmas tree in hand, it was Don Quixote stuff!”

fastlane

11 fastlane breakaway from the AHRF prior to resigning in late February of 1973. At the time I was heavily committed to my business and declined the request. Then Dennis Syrmis became Interim Director prior to John Storm’s (of White House Publishing) election in March of 1973. John also sought my help in establishing a ‘standalone’ administration for Drag Racing, to which I agreed.

“It was also clear that many on the Hot Rod side were keen for the AHRF to remain the ‘Overall Governing Body’ as the highest court of appeal controlling each segments’ interests. This was not what we wanted; our plan was for a completely autonomous entity to govern Drag Racing.

“We ambushed the AHRF AGM meeting on Saturday August 19, 1973. We had decided to pull out all stops to break away completely and in a last minute move, we planned to catch our opposition off balance with drag racing delegates, all attired with shirts and ties, arriving as a group at the meeting start time – flagging that we were serious about the business at hand.

Ormsby was also instrumental in drag racing’s split from the AHRF (Australian Hot Rod Federation) and the founding of ANDRA, becoming its first Chairman of Honour.

Over the years he also managed three major racing venues – Calder Park, Adelaide International Raceway and Heathcote Park – and was the General Manager for both RPS Promotions and the ANDRA Winfield Australian Drag Racing Series.

“Simply stated, the joint interests of Drag Racing and Street Rodding were no longer compatible. The major difficulties were that while some rodders were racers, most drag racers were not rodders or interested in the Show/Street community. Changes had been discussed at Club level over a protracted period but without a clear indication of how the stakeholders saw a satisfactory outcome,” Ormsby remembers.

“Wayne Ruckley as Drag Racing Director contacted me seeking support for a

“Earlier in the morning I had set up the meeting room with place cards indicating to delegates where to sit. The Street Rodders’ primary delegate strength was made up of Bob Dykes, Bob Moule and Kevin Mayo and our seating arrangements distanced each in the most inconvenient manner with Dennis Syrmis covering Bob Moule; Trevor Mobbs looking after Kevin Mayo; and Bob Dykes sandwiched between Larry Ormsby and Paul Rogers. After the briefest of meetings lasting just over two hours, we decimated the AHRF having any role in either Show/Street or Drag Racing administration. “(Being Chairman of Honour) was a vibrant period with John Storm as National Director and the new direction for Drag Racing underway. One of my most satisfying contributions was in submitting a proposal for ANDRA to operate the Injured Drivers Fund.”

There is no doubting the fact that Ormsby’s contribution to Australian drag racing has been significant and he is a thoroughly deserving Hall of Fame inductee.

“My initial reaction was one of surprise, and then after a mental review of my time in the sport, it was a feeling of satisfaction to have been recognised by my peers’ at this level,” Ormsby said.

“I’m not sure what may follow the induction, but I am honoured by the selection and thank my nominees.

“I also would like to record a special thank you to all of the team members who over a period of almost 16 years gave freely of their time, talent and determination to give me the best shot at winning through their meticulous preparation of my competition vehicle.

“There are also two individuals who were pivotal in my career highlight wins who should be thanked. First is Colin Russell who was at my first competition event in 1968 and the 1984 Nationals win at Surfers Paradise International Raceway. Second is Mark Watson who was one of Colin’s apprentice students at Batman Automotive School. Colin eventually passed the Crew Chief responsibility for the Top Fuel dragster on to Mark and he was crew chief when we ran 5.903 at 244.55mph.”

The Larry Ormsby Scrapbook – the Ford Years

is available now and documents the early years of Australian drag racing, including the formation of ANDRA, while covering the Big O’s famous Ford factory-backed GT Falcons.

The book is available from www.larryormsby.com/shop at just $75 plus P&H.

tech GO BIG! Nobody gives much thought to rear axle (or wheel) studs and lug nuts. If the parts meet the rules and the wheels don’t fall off when you’re kneedeep into the loud pedal, all is well, so the reasoning goes.

But there are plenty of reasons to give these components some extra thought, not the least of which is safety.

Keep in mind the axle stud is the component that actually transfers the load from the powertrain to the wheel. The wheel and tyre are what transfer that load to the pavement.

The loads at the axle can be much larger than you might think. Check out this basic formula for load (and it is basic with a capital B—it does not take tyre “hook”, track conditions, or overall tyre dimensions into consideration): Engine Torque x Torque Converter Multiplication x Transmission 1st Gear Ratio x Rear Axle Ratio = Load For a typical small block-powered hot rod, the loads at the axles can actually exceed 10,000 foot-pounds of torque. Arguably, there are two axles and ten studs to distribute this load, but that’s still a bunch of load to handle.

torque

Why rear axle studs and lug nuts are more important than you think

When it comes to rear axle studs, bigger is definitely better.

A stock 7/16 inch (or equivalent metric size) GM stud is inadequate for competition use. These press-fit wheel studs have a knurl to secure them to the axle shaft’s wheel flange.

Rear axle studs for racing are threaded all the way to the head, allowing the studs to fully engage the backside of the wheel flange. Axle studs for racing should measure at least 1/2 inch at the drive shoulder.

Really serious, high-horsepower cars that use aftermarket axle shafts should use axle studs made specifically for drag racing.

Called drive studs, their shoulders’ outside diameter is the same as the inside diameter of the lug holes in most aluminium racing wheels. This ensures the stud actually does the driving of the wheel, not the lug nut.

You can get studs with drive shoulders up to 11/16 inch in diameter with an equally huge 5/8-18 inch axle thread (the portion of the stud that screws into the axle). The wheels are secured to the axles with openend flanged lug nuts with aluminium washers.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY WAYNE SCRABA

The most important factor when selecting the proper axle/drive stud is that the driving portion is fully engaged into the wheel.

The smooth “drive” segment dimension of the stud needs to be slightly greater than the combined thickness of the brake adapter/drum and the thickness of the wheel.

Washer thickness should be greater than the stud shoulder extending past the wheel. That means you must measure the thickness of the wheel center, the thickness of the brake hat (or drum), and the thickness of a wheel spacer if one is used to determine the stud length and washer thickness.

Several manufacturers offer axle studs of various lengths (the length of the stud’s drive shoulder is what varies) and washer thicknesses. For example, the Summit Racing website lists more than 90 different 5/8 inch axle stud combinations, along with hundreds of other types for various drag race applications. Consider these components overkill if you like, but if bent or broken axle studs are plaguing your car, you absolutely need them.

This Moroso 7/1620 wheel stud measures 2 7/8 inches long. It has a 0.560 inch knurled shank and presses into the wheel hub. The stud also has a quick start or “bullet” nose to facilitate lug nut installation. It is intended for use on the front axle of a race car. You should use a larger stud out back if you have aftermarket axles.

Here’s another stud type you might come across. Initially designed for NASCAR competition, it has a “quick start” segment machined on the nose so a stock car-style quick start or acorn type lug nut can be installed quickly without cross threading. This stud is also installed from the backside of the axle, using a lock washer for retention.

This is a 1/2-20 x 3 1/2 inch long axle stud for use on rear axles. It screws into the backside of the axle and is held in place with a lock washer.

The stud head on this stud must be torqued to 65 lbs.-ft. It is a good idea to use a “severe service” thread locking compound like red Loctite on the bolt/flange (not on the actual lug segment of the stud!)

Often referred to as a drive stud, this axle stud has a 5/8-18 inch thread on each end with an 11/16 inch shoulder in between. The shorter threaded segment fits in the axle flange and is secured with a jam nut. The shoulder (see the pointer) is the same OD as the lug hole ID found on most aluminium racing wheels. This ensures that the stud actually does the driving of the wheel, not the lug nut.

Several manufacturers offer a series of lug nuts including the standard flanged model on the left and a series of reduced hex nuts. Made for use with drive studs, these nuts have a 7/8 inch hex head and require special thickness washers.

13 fastlane

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championship points

COMPETITION

PTS

SUPERCHARGED OUTLAWS

PTS

SUPER STREET

PTS

SUPER STOCK

PTS

MODIFIED

PTS

MODIFIED BIKE

PTS

COMPETITION BIKE

PTS

Jake Berias Zara Board Daniel Carranza Aidan Abel Tommy Turic

SUPER GAS

300 300 300 130 130

PTS

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TOP SPORTSMAN

PTS

SUPER SEDAN

Craig Geddes David Roberts Kyle Putland Sam Treasure Mark Newman

Alex Panagiotidis Robert Dekert Jake Chaisty Adrian Vella Mick Simic

Robert Cassar Danny Rickard David Willis Jason McFarlane Tony Frost

Jason Arbery Darren Saliba Ricky Smith Vlado Turic Glenn Henley

220 150 100 90 60

300 265 210 150 100

300 300 300 290 240

Paul Stephen Mark Hunt Jason Keily Mike Evans Justin Russell

Jess Proud Chris Farrell Adam Mundy Kenny Stewart Ashley Johnson

JUNIOR DRAGSTER

Peter Tzokas Martin Mirco Chris Lioulios Alex Gkroidis David Todd

300 300 280 270 120

300 300 290 260 230

380 340 310 240 230

PTS 300 300 260 230 200

Paul Jennings Nikolas Karanovic Rodney Kerr Michael Bridges Tony Barbara

Bryan Finn Jake Hamilton-Moderate David McGinn Edgell Mallis Johnny Ireland

Adrian McGrotty Colin Griffin Jason Wilson Graeme Spencer Charlie Saraceno

CLICK HERE

260 190 180 170 160

290 290 240 240 190

300 280 260 160 160

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

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17 fastlane

perfectlight

He might not have taken out the victory at January’s South Coast 660 – round six of the 18/19 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series - but Super Sedan event runner-up Alex Gkroidis still had plenty to smile about.

ALEX GKROIDIS As well as claiming the runners-up award and valuable championship points at the Portland event, he also clinched his first ever ANDRA Perfect Light award with his 0.000 reaction time set in the third round of eliminations.

“Luck was on my side when I won the first round with a double break-out. After that we got the car dialled-in and I said to myself, I am going all the way. I got to the finals, but unfortunately there is where it all went wrong and I lost, but it was still a good result to be the runner-up as I needed the points for the championship,” Gkroidis explains.

“It was a great weekend of racing all-round and it ran like clockwork.

“For the Perfect Light run I was up against my mate Enio Morrocco who is a very good racer and cuts good lights, so I knew I had to get this one right – I readjusted the delay box and really took my time getting my staging perfect.

“When I let go of the trans brake I was watching the lights and the car started to move so I was a bit worried as the green light wasn’t

on yet. Then I saw the green light come on and I said to myself, yes that must be a good light then!

“When my crew came to pick me up I said that was close, and they said yes very close to a red: 0.000! I was over the moon.”

The 55 year old electrician from Newport in Victoria started racing in the Super Street class from 1981-1985 and then again from 2003 until he progressed to Super Sedan with his current Ford BA in 2012.

“Highlights over the years have included being the runner-up of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Super Sedan Championship in 2018 and also taking the Divisional Championship that same year,” Gkroidis explains.

“I also was the Boxing Day Challenge winner in 2014 at Heathcote Park and runner-up in the 2006/2007 Victorian Super Series in the Real Street bracket.

“I would like to thank my sponsors Mobile Electrical Services, Acrylic Sheet Form and Middy’s; my crew members John, Mick, Stan and Les; and of course my family for all of their loyal support.”

For more on the 2019 South Coast 660, click here.

Photo: Outlaw Images

EMOTION-C VICTORY BRINGS TEAM Just before their 2018 South Coast 660 victory, the world of all on ‘Team Baker’ was turned upside down when Craig Baker’s wife Audrey was diagnosed with breast cancer just weeks before his mother passed away following a long illness.

Now 12 months and another South Coast 660 win later, Baker explains that a much-welcomed full stop has been put on a year to forget for the family.

“It was a tough decision for Team Baker to enter and then go ahead with competing at the South Coast 660 in January of 2018,” Baker explains.

“Only a month earlier, my wife Audrey had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer just before Christmas before undergoing surgery on the 9th of January to have the tumour removed.

19 fastlane

CHARGED M BAKER FULL CIRCLE “The weekend that followed (January 13), I received a call from my sister informing me that my mother had passed away following a long battle with dementia.

“Things really just seemed to be at an all-time low for our family, so we held a family meeting, and we decided that we would stick to the plan.”

And so, Team Baker headed down to Portland for the upcoming Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series round, the 2018 South Coast 660, where great things awaited them.

“We had all agreed that this was just what we needed – to

get away from everything that we were dealing with and be surrounded by our great family and friends of drag racing; to just get out there and do what we loved doing and basically escape to our happy place.

“We went through the motions at each qualifying session on the Saturday and we were able to continue with that consistency into Sunday’s eliminations with each round seeming to be a blur except for the smiles and hugs from the crew after each race win.

“Then, we had managed to make it all the way through to the

final where we were paired with the points leader and soon to be National Champion, Matt Czerny. Just like the four rounds before that, we were able to take the win and secure the Silver ANDRA Christmas Tree in a moment which I will never forget.

With Audrey’s blessing, Baker and his boys Josh and Tim headed to Mildura in September for round three of the 18/19 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series, yet he explains it just wasn’t the same.

“I can tell you that Christmas of 2018 was certainly a lot more jolly than the year before and come New Year’s Eve, we all agreed that 2018 could go and get stuffed – except for the 2018 South Coast 660 weekend of course!”

“At the presentation, I was overcome with emotion as I dedicated the win to my mum, Robyn. I tried to take a moment to compose myself but it really must have been all too much and before I knew it, Matt Czerny was there by my side with a hug and much needed support – he is truly a great guy that I have a lot of respect for as a racer and as a friend.”

“Audrey was still trying to get back to herself and so she didn’t come with us and all weekend something was missing, it just wasn’t quite the same,” he says.

Soon the decision was made to get back to Portland for another go at the South Coast 660.

With the 2018 South Coast 660 now complete in the most successful way possible for Team Baker, it was time for a priority shift for the next few months.

“We knew after that round that racing would have to take a back seat for a little while – it was now my time to support the person who was always there for me but who now was going through her own battle,” Baker said.

“Even though Audrey’s tumour had been removed, there was still chemo and radiotherapy to follow over the next six months and although she made it look easy and was always there with a smile, I can assure you it was far from a walk in the park.”

“It is funny how you get used to the routines and the quirky little things that people do.

We still managed to get to the final, but unfortunately came up short by virtue of a 0.002 red light – in our book that was still a pretty good reason to smile.”

Soon after, the news everyone had been waiting for arrived.

“In the lead up to the 2019 South Coast 660, it was just all about getting back to the place that was so special to us in January of 2018 and to be surrounded once again by all of the love and support that was shown to us the year before,” Baker explains “This time around it was almost like dejavu, with us somehow managing to get the win light round after round. It really was one

“In early December we went back to the surgeon for Audrey’s 12 month check-up since her initial diagnosis and it was great news for everyone – she was given the all clear and the green light to try and get things back to normal,” Baker remembers.

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of those ‘pinch me’ moments as I couldn’t’ believe I was back up on the podium 12 long months after all of the emotion of January 2018.

“To me, it felt like I was putting a full stop on a year which we would all rather forget from a personal point of view.”

Like in 2018, the trophy presentation was an emotional one for all involved with Team Baker.

“It is funny how sometimes you see things in your head before they happen – in the days leading up to the event, I had dreamed of standing on the podium with that Silver Tree in my hand and I already knew what I was going to do with it before they even handed it to me; I was going to give it to this year’s true champion: my beautiful Audrey,” Baker smiles.

“She well and truly deserved it, for everything she had been through over those last 12 months – even though I have only been along for the ride as a passenger, it is an experience I wouldn’t want wished upon my worst enemy.

“When it came to the speech, dreaming of doing it and actually standing up there in front of all those people were two completely different things and once again, it was tough to get the words out.

and from the track, the packing and the unpacking, the repairs during or between events, but none of that ever seems to matter when you are all set up and soaking in every racing weekend.

“It would have been a whole lot tougher though without my friend and all-round good guy, Alan Ward, standing beside me for support. I really have to say a huge thanks to Alan: having lived through a similar experience of his own, he knows firsthand what our year has been like and has always been there for Audrey and myself whenever we needed it.”

“We are always grateful to all of the hard working volunteers and officials at the tracks around the country and especially Portland who are amongst the best out there and it shows in the events they put on.

In speaking to Baker, there is no doubt that the sport of drag racing and the people who play their parts within it are held close to the hearts of his entire family.

“Like most other people involved in the sport of drag racing, we do it as much for the friends we make and the experiences we create along the way as we do for the trophies and the accolades,” he said.

“It is always a hassle and hard work getting organised and also getting everything to

“It is also important to never forget the people and businesses who have been there to support you through the good and the bad times. For us, that is Paul Rogers Jr from Paul Rogers Performance Transmissions, Wayne Cartledge from RaceComp Motorsports, and Paul Agazzi from VP Fuels Australia.”

For more on the 2019 South Coast 660, click here.

Photos: Outlaw Images Portland for the upcoming Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series round, the

YOUR JUNIOR DRAGSTER

JAKEBERIAS

Following a stellar season, 15 year old Jake Berias has been announced as the 18/19 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Junior Dragster Champion.

“Going out in the first round was really hard, it was difficult watching Zara go rounds, but then she finally got knocked out and I won the title, which made me very happy,” Jake said.

The title battle came right down to the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster Grand Final, held across February 15-16 as part of Mildura’s Twilight Nationals.

“As they (the Board family) said and we said, whichever way the championship went we would be happy as we both deserved it and had been 1-2 all year.”

“I am very happy; happy and emotional – winning a championship, it is a big thing!” Jake said, while thanking his sponsors Werribee South Farm Supplies, Harley Heaven Melbourne, D Berias Farms and LT Egg Farm.

While the nerves well and truly kicked in following his first round loss, ahead of the Grand Final weekend the softly spoken student was feeling quietly confident.

The Year 10 student from Werribee (Victoria) clinched the title despite losing out early on in racing at the Grand Final.

While a strong season performance with four event wins ultimately stood him in good stead, it was still a tense wait for the teenager as he had to wait to see how his nearest rivals fared as they continued on.

In the end, he would be confirmed as the champion mid-way through the Grand Final ahead of Championship runner-up, Zara Board (click here to see Zara’s profile).

“Heading into the Grand Final I was probably feeling more confident than nervous because of the wins I have had,” he explained.

“It has been a really good season, I won three events in a row and then came off a loss to Zara at round four to win again; it is a really great feeling.

“I want to thank my family: my mum, dad and sister as well as my grandparents who have come to nearly every event, and also everyone in the drag racing community – they are very positive and great people.”

With this season so freshly complete, Jake and his family are yet to lock in their racing commitments for the 19/20 season but it is safe to assume you will see them around the track throughout the year.

“The thing I really love about racing juniors is actually not the racing side, it is all of the families that are involved,” he said.

“It is a very family-friendly sport and on top of that the racing side is fun; you get to go fast and have fun.

“At this stage we haven’t really thought about next season but we will still run in the Junior, we might not travel as much but we will definitely be coming to meetings at Portland and Mildura, and if I am not racing my dad will be there racing!”

ANDRA congratulates Jake, his family and all involved with this racing on a fantastic year and a well-deserved championship as well as all of the Junior Dragster racers on a great season.

For more information on the Twilight Nationals, which hosted the Junior Dragster Grand Final, click here.

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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.

This edition we shine the light on new member DecoGlaze, who has 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.

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DecoGlaze can custom produce coloured glass to suit your own style and you can even be adventurous and create your own custom colour.

With a coloured glass splashback, any area can be transformed with a large range of exclusive colours including flats, metallics, Tuff Mirror and a paint-match option.

DecoGlaze also offers a designer range which sees a design painted on using stencils, and an innovative Impression series where any high quality image can be printed directly onto the back of the glass using a specially designed Digital UV printer.

DecoGlaze Central Victoria is located at Unit 1 / 4 Villiers Drive, Wendouree, Victoria, 3355. For more information, contact Craig Geddes on 0422 109 595 or craigg@decoglaze.com.au or visit www.decoglaze.com.au

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.

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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

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QLD CHAMPS FULL-STEAM AHEAD The 2019 Summit Racing Queensland Championship will kick-off in less than two months’ time.

The three-round series will get underway at Ironbark Raceway across April 20 and 21, before heading to Benaraby Raceway for round two on August 31. The third and final round will then be held at Palmyra Dragway across October 4 and 5.

Once again, the series is being supported by leading performance powerhouse, Summit Racing Equipment.

“Since the establishment of the Summit Racing Queensland Championship we have been very pleased to be able to play a part in what we believe is a great concept,” Summit Racing Equipment Motorsport and Events Manager, Jim Greenleaf, said.

“This series is an important part of our campaign to support grassroots racing and regional tracks in Australia and we can’t wait to see what the third instalment will have in store.”

The state-based championship develops and promotes drag racing in regional Queensland, and will enjoy its thirdrunning in 2019. The winning competitors will be announced as the ANDRA Queensland Champion for their class with the awarding of a prestigious ANDRA Copper Christmas Tree trophy.

Following two successful years so far, the 2019 series will once again be run as a joint effort between the committees of Palmyra Dragway, Ironbark Raceway and Benaraby Raceway.

“We are very pleased to again have the backing of the performance powerhouse that is Summit Racing Equipment,”

Palmyra Drag Racing Club President, Glen Cunningham, said.

“We have been very proud of how the series has developed in its two short years and the support of Summit Racing Equipment and ANDRA has played a critical part in that development.

“The great enthusiasm of the regional drag racing community of Queensland in embracing our series as it has grown and developed has been fantastic to see also, and I can’t wait to see how the series continues to grow over the coming years.”

For more information on the Summit Racing Queensland Championship, please visit www.facebook.com/andra.QLD.Champs/

For more information on Summit Racing Equipment, visit www.summitracing.com

GOLD TREES

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ALL ROUND!

At the upcoming Westernationals it won’t just be the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series competitors racing for ‘gold.’

ANDRA and the Perth Motorplex recently announced the West Coast Challenge which will take place during the Westernationals and allow Top Doorslammer and Top Fuel Motorcycle competitors to compete for a prestigious ANDRA Gold Christmas Tree trophy.

The Westernationals will be held at the Perth Motorplex across March 2-3 and will also mark the penultimate round of the 18/19 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series. All of the action will be live-streamed across both days.

“We are very excited to announce the West Coast Challenge for these great Group One categories as part of what is already shaping up to be a fantastic event at our facility,” Perth Motorplex Drag Racing Manager, Ray Treasure, said.

“A Gold ANDRA Christmas Tree is a prestigious prize indeed, and all at the Perth Motorplex can’t wait to see the show put on by the Top Doorslammer and Top Fuel Motorcycle competitors at the Westernationals as they look to get their hands on it.”

For Top Doorslammer legend John Zappia, the announcement is welcome news.

“The Westernationals have been going for years and it is always a great event; I hope that as many cars a possible turn up for the West Coast Challenge,” Zappia said.

“ANDRA Gold Christmas Trees are definitely very important and appealing even when you have a lot of them,” Zappia said.

“Some people haven’t got one and so it is really important to them to get one; and I have lots of them but I collect them and I like to get as many as I can, while I can – it is always a great challenge to be able to do that.

“I think it is very important that an ANDRA Gold Christmas Tree is on offer for the winner of one of the most high profile racing brackets of what will be a great event. I am looking forward to getting the Fuchs/Dananni Monaro back together – we have a couple of meetings prior to the Westernationals to get the car running up to speed and hopefully we can set a new track record and get a Gold Christmas Tree too!”

Top Fuel Motorcycle veteran Jay Upton says the value of an ANDRA Gold Christmas Tree is indisputable.

“I think over time we have all grown to respect the ANDRA Gold Christmas Tree trophy more than anything else in drag racing – they are pretty hard to get and they are worth a lot! I always say they are worth about $100k as they take a lot to get,” Upton said.

“They are coveted more than most other things – to this day we proudly have our ANDRA Gold Christmas Trees on display at the office, at the workshop and in the house. We have all sorts of other trophies from all around the world and none of them are out on display, but the Gold Christmas Trees are.

“I really think it is the pinnacle, they are very well respected and so it is very

important for us to race for one at the Westernationals with the West Coast Challenge – I know plenty of people that only run at events where they can get a Gold Tree, it is certainly very important and a real drawcard for lots of racers.”

ANDRA General Manager Brett Stevens said he was looking forward to some fierce competition at the March event.

“Across both the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series and West Coast Challenge fields there is going to be plenty to fight for at the Westernationals, and we have no doubt that all racers will be giving everything they’ve got at this great event in pursuit of victory,” Stevens said.

“An ANDRA Gold Christmas tree is the ultimate trophy in Australian drag racing so you can expect that our racers won’t be leaving anything on the table across March 2 and 3. For both those watching trackside and those watching online thanks to the free live-stream, we expect plenty of thrills across both days.”

For more information, visit www.andra. com.au or www.motorplex.com.au Images: John Zappia image by Outlaw Images. Jay Upton image above by High Octane Photos.

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racerprofile PAUL JENNINGS Age 44 years old

Hometown Adelaide, SA Occupation Mechanical Engineer Started Racing 2011 Classes competed Super Street and Street Car Best ET and Speed 6.95s and 96mph Sponsors Norwood Automatics, Adelaide Car Transport, Smart Road Auto Wreckers, Smart Road Towing, J&J Products, Work and Play Trailers Favourite Race Vehicle My wagon Favourite TV Show Memphis Street Outlaws Favourite Food Pizza Favourite race track South Coast Raceway

You recently took out your first ANDRA Christmas Tree with victory in the Super Street bracket at the South Coast 660 – what did it mean for you to take out the victory?

After going .004 red in the final in November I thought it was never going to happen. This sport is very humbling…I still can’t believe I won, but it is a day I’ll never forget.

If you had to pick the top three highlights of your drag racing career to date, what would they be and why?

The South Coast 660 win is at the top of my highlights. A close second would be winning the Charlie Dennis Memorial in 2015 where I shared the honour with my brother Michael.

Third would be winning the Big Bucks Shootout in my ‘59 Fairlane in 2012.

How did you get into the sport of drag racing and what keeps you coming back?

I have been behind the scenes crewing since 1994 with my brother Michael who is still racing. I don’t know why I keep racing, I think I like work and hate money! The people I race with keep me coming back – you are never going to meet nicer people.

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

I can’t put a spotlight on one person, but my brother Michael is a huge influence and supporter and without him I would not be here racing. In saying that my parents Jim and Wendy travel everywhere we race, rain or shine, and Steve Hunt is always good to have on your side also.

What do you like about the Super Street category and why do you think others should get involved?

I like the fact that it is street car based with no electronics and very close racing. People should get involved because you can race your street car and be competitive without having to have a purpose built race car. The competition is fierce on the track just like any other bracket, but off the track everyone is willing to help.

Photos: Outlaw Images

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ZARA BOARD

racer profile Age 13

Hometown Perth, WA Occupation Student Started racing 2016 Best ET and speed 7.91s Favourite race vehicle Modified Altereds

The Twilight Nationals featured the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster Grand Final and you walked away as the national championship runner-up – how did that feel?

It felt really good with all of the hard work and travelling that we have done. To miss a round and still come runner-up has also been pretty spectacular. It has been amazing being able to travel and win some rounds and just have a overall good time racing.

Jake Berias is the Australian Champion and you two were battling it out at the top of the points tally all season-long. What was it like seeing him announced as the winner?

Honestly, I didn’t want to take the championship – it would have been nice obviously but Jake deserved that first place and if I had come first I think that would have been a bittersweet moment to take it away from him. So I set out to keep my runner-up position. It has been a real good time across the season, we met in the semis three times in a row.

It was always fun to fight tooth and nail with him.

After being named as the runner-up during the final rounds of racing in Mildura, you went out for a Grudge Match which saw you set a new Personal Best as well, please tell us about that.

After we were out of the racing we decided to have a grudge run against Joshua Maggs and I ended up running a 7.91s pass which was a personal best and pretty cool just to top off the night.

Sponsors B.L & S.C Lake Brick Cartage (Scruffy), 89 Garage Door Specialists, Redi Finance, ACS Computers, MPRINT Industries, Pedders Cockburn and Cajed Racewear.

Favourite TV show Tanked Favourite food Kilpatrick Oysters Favourite race track Perth

What is it that you love about Junior Dragster racing?

To me ‘Juniors’ is just a family – you can always rely on others to help you and you know you are going to just have a good time with them with not much in-fighting either as you get sometimes in sports; it is pretty amazing.

It has been quite a season for you – who do you want to thank?

I want to thank all of my sponsors (Editor’s note: listed above), Summit Racing Equipment for their sponsorship of the Junior Dragster Championship and all of the ANDRA Series sponsors. I also would like to thank the Maggs family for bringing my car around the country; the Osborne family for having me over for the week in Melbourne; my Mum and Dad especially for all of their hard work; Scruffy for coming along with us around the country; and the drag racing community as a whole for all of their support – I hope we can all have a good season next year in Perth and get the Juniors back into racing and having a good time. I also want to thank Anita, because she always seems to have a little bit of a touch into it and gives us a bit of good luck, and we all know drag racing is as much about skills as it is about luck!

Photos by Outlaw Images

Behind the Wheel with Jr. Dragster Racer Chelsea Sammut.

“I can’t legally drive on the road, but I can get strapped into a Junior Dragster and race down a track. I love getting to meet people from all across Australia who love drag racing like I do.”

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GOLDENSTATES DELIVERS AMAZING ONE-DAY ACTION

One-day race events are always action-packed from start to finish and the 2018 Goldenstates at the Perth Motorplex was no exception.

When all was said and done on December 1, it was Trent Anthony (Modified Bike), Chris De Bruin (Super Street), Neil Scott (Super Sedan), Angelo Locantro (Modified), Alan Mahnkoph (Supercharged Outlaws), Chris Roe (Top Sportsman), Justin Townson (Competition Bike), Jake Chaisty (Super Stock) and Kyle Putland (Competition) who would hoist Silver ANDRA Christmas Trees at the end of the night.

Taking home the runners-up honours were Gavin Dohnt (Modified Bike), Lee Watson (Super Street), Matt Gullotto (Super Sedan), Mark Grieve (Modified), Jodie Mellitt (Supercharged Outlaws), Amanda Martin (Top Sportsman), Ross Smith (Competition Bike), Ralph Lewis (Super Stock) and Sam Treasure (Competition).

Watson, Mahnkoph, Martin and Treasure had their hands full at the presentations too, also taking out the Top Qualifier Medallions for their brackets thanks to TileCo-TheShowerPeople and KC Tools

alongside Graeme Goldsworthy (Modified Bike), Mick Fenton (Super Sedan), Sam Gullotto (Modified), Phill Paton (Competition Bike), and Todd Stacy (Super Stock).

In Modified Bike, Trent Anthony took the win over Gavin Dohnt after having earlier emerged victorious from battles with Chris Moore, Bruce Jones, and Chris Allen (round one) while he enjoyed a bye run in the second round. Dohnt meanwhile had faced off against Paul De Klerk, Chris Fryer and Rob Good.

“We ended up pulling the bike down and replacing the clutch and any damaged parts and got it all running again. Then, when we pulled the bike out of the trailer, we ran a PB straight up in our first qualifier of 8.494s!

“From there the bike was running well, our times were all pretty much similar and we just didn’t really miss a beat and kept knocking people out to get through to the finals. There wasn’t really many hiccups throughout the day, everything went well.

With Anthony having run into trouble with his Suzuki GSXR just days before the event, the victory was a great reward after a frantic few days of repairs.

“I have to thank Auto One in Clarkson and also send big shout outs to my family, my wife Jessica and daughter Ivy Rose, my dad Greg and my mechanic Murray.”

“At the Test ‘N’ Tune (the Wednesday before the event) we lost a bolt off of the clutch basket which went through the clutch area and did quite a bit of damage so we didn’t actually think we were going to make it to the Goldenstates,” Anthony explained.

Chris De Bruin took out the Super Street honours over Top Qualifier Lee Watson after having earlier defeated Joel Trotman, John Szabo, Paul McNamara and Denise Downe (round one) while Watson took on Ashleigh Wroe, Darren Bakranich and

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Richard Stevens (round one) while also enjoying a bye in round two.

Neil Scott took the win in Super Sedan from Matt Gullotto after enjoying a bye to the final and having earlier dispatched Wayne Praetz, Steven Miilias and Nick Benedetto (round one). Gullotto meanwhile had taken race wins from Top Qualifier Mick Fenton, Yvette Gregg, Nick Panagopoulos and Kyle Higgins (round one).

“We had a pretty good day and everything went as planned,” Scott explained.

“We had new tyres on for this meeting as we had a problem with them last meeting. Everything seemed to work as it should and the track was good as is always expected at the Motorplex.

“I would like to thank my wife Tania, Luigi’s Head Shop, S&G Gearbox and Justin from Bye as well as Summit Racing Equipment for their sponsorship of the series and for making parts available through the Summit Racing Pro Shop.”

In the Modified Bracket, Angelo Locantro was able to take out the big trophy from runner-up Mark Grieve after having earlier tasted victory over Top Qualifier Sam Gullotto and Brad Baker (round one) while Grieve enjoyed a bye run to the final after taking a win from Rhys Naylor. Locantro was another who was faced with major work in the days leading up to the event and was pleased with the pay-off of what was a back-to-back event victory.

“It was a pretty smooth event for us considering we were forced to rebuild the motor this week, everything went pretty well,” Locantro said while thanking Kwinana Performance and Aztrac Mechanical for their support as well as his family and crew.

“We hadn’t planned to rebuild it, we damaged it at the last event (Perth Motorplex season opener) and so we had to fix it if we were going to run at the Goldenstates.

“We always plan for a win but there was some pretty decent competition out

there, so we were just concentrating on our own race and it all paid off in the end. The event overall was good and everything ran on time. To go through and pull off a win which is back to back after winning the Motorplex season opener was really good.”

Alan Mahnkoph had a very successful day at the race track, claiming both the Top Qualifier and event victory honours in his ‘Force Fed’ ute. His TQ status saw him enjoy a bye in the first round before taking on Jodie Mellitt in the final. Mellitt meanwhile had faced Darryl Mullins in her opening round.

“We just went through and did our normal thing that we normally do and chipped away, adjusting the tune-up in the car and honing in on our dial-in,” Mahnkoph explained while thanking Alan Erickson Builder, Boddington Mechanical and his crew for their support.

“At the last few meetings we have been chipping away and getting the car more consistent and it is all turning around

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for us. As far as the Goldenstates, the day was pretty uneventful: the car went from A to B and did what it was supposed to do and we just kept tuning it.

“The track was really good and the Motorplex is always run really well – Ray Treasure does everything he can to bend over backwards to meet the racers’ needs and make the event come in on time.”

In the Top Sportsman ranks, Amanda Martin continued the strong results in her new Chev Cobalt by top qualifying and going all the way to the final, but it was Chris Roe who would take the event victory in his Mustang. Before taking on Martin in the final, Roe had earlier defeated Vlado Turic and Johnny Brecich (round one) while Martin had taken on Paul Downe and Lorenzo Gullotto (round one).

“It was a very smooth day: the car was super

consistent, I ticked all the boxes, and my crew did an awesome job as usual,” Roe explained.

“We didn’t do anything to the car apart from the basic fuel and tyres throughout the day, and before the event we didn’t really touch it – we have been leaving the car alone and that is why it has been really consistent, we have tried the game of changing stuff between events before and found that was a really good way to not win!” he laughed.

“I haven’t been racing seriously all that long, only around three years after some time racing on and off, so I am thrilled to bits to now have an ANDRA Christmas Tree to my name.

“I have to thank my crew Erica, Jordyn and my mate ‘Gibbo’ for all they do for me, and also Ray Treasure – the main man at the Perth Motorplex – and all of his crew for all that they do. I really want to thank

everyone that is involved in making these events possible, from the track and the volunteers to the sponsors and the ANDRA officials, to anyone else who is part of making it into the awesome day that it is at what in my opinion is one of the best tracks in the country.

“I would also like to thank Emerald Ink for getting behind Top Sportsman in Western Australia as well as Lethal Industries, Allfast Torque Converters, Speed Torque and Connelly Images for their support.”

In the Competition bracket, Putland took on and defeated top qualifier Sam Treasure in the final after having earlier raced against Brett Glover. Treasure meanwhile had dispatched Alistair McClure in the opening round.

In the Competition Bike ranks, Justin Townson took the victory over Ross Smith after a frenetic day of racing using the three-

33 fastlane round shootout format.

When it came to the Super Stock racing, it was Jake Chaisty who would take the victory over Ralph Lewis after earlier racing Errol Quartermaine and Alex Panagiotidis. Lewis meanwhile enjoyed a bye to his final after having earlier defeated Top Qualifier Todd Stacy in the opening round.

Also impressing at the Goldenstates event was round two of the Perth Motorplex’s Summer Slam and also Nitro Bike racing as well as exhibition runs from Outlaw Nitro Funny Car racers Andrew Katavatis and Matt Abel.

In the Summer Slam, Steve Aldridge Top Qualified before Mark Chapman defeated Daniel Gregorini in the B Final and Ryan Moresby defeated Marty Dack in the A Final. In the Nitro Bike proceedings, Jay Upton top qualified before

taking the runner-up spot to Wayne McGuinness in the final.

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

For full results from the Goldenstates, please click here.

FastlaneAdvert.pdf 1 13/02/2019 1:01:42 PM

Images by Mike Sprlyan and High Octane Photos (Nitro Bike Image)

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SOUTH COAST RACEWAY DELIVERS EMOTIONAL VICTORIES YET AGAIN

Under beautiful blue skies at South Coast Raceway in midJanuary, the 2019 South Coast 660 and round six of the 18/19 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series once again delivered popular and emotional victories after two great days of on-track action.

The January 12/13 event hosted more than 150 racers who delivered race fans with plenty of exciting racing from start to finish, but it would be Colin Griffin (Super Gas), Jake Berias (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Paul Jennings (Super Street), Greg Oberti (Modified Bike), Chris Lioulios (Super Sedan), Craig Baker (Modified), Glenn Henley (Top Sportsman), Paul Stephen (Supercharged Outlaws) Rob Cassar (Competition Bike) and Craig Geddes (SuperComp) who ultimately took out victory in their respective classes.

Runners-up were Jason Wilson (Super Gas), Brodie Zappia (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Tony Barbara

(Super Street), Jake Hamilton-Moderate (Modified Bike), Alex Gkroidis (Super Sedan), Chris Farrell (Modified), Rick Smith (Top Sportsman), Jason Keily (Supercharged Outlaws) Danny Rickard (Competition Bike) and Mick Simic (SuperComp).

Also on offer were two perpetual trophies which were introduced at last year’s South Coast 660 – the Chris Stewart Memorial Trophy in Supercharged Outlaws and the Phil Parker Memorial Trophy for Modified Bike – with Paul Stephen and Greg Oberti obviously very pleased to take out the special accolades.

Thanks to his Supercharged Outlaws victory, Raby (NSW) racer Paul Stephen not only took home the Chris Stewart Memorial Trophy and an ANDRA Christmas Tree, but will also have his name inscribed on a special Chris Stewart memorial shield housed at South Coast Raceway’s HQ. In addition, he also received the Top Qualifier’s Medallion thanks to TileCo-TheShowerPeople and KC Tools as well as a Summit Racing Equipment pack after topping qualifying on day one of the event.

Stephen completed a solo pass to clinch the victory after last year’s winner Jason Keily was left stranded behind the start line when his car failed to start. Stephen had earlier dispatched Mark Hunt in the semis after enjoying a bye in the opening round, while Keily had taken a win from Mike Evans in round one ahead of a semi-final bye.

“The Chris Stewart Memorial Trophy is pretty special to me. I am proud to have that one in the trophy cabinet for sure; he was a good man, a genuine bloke, and it was a sad day, that is for sure,” said Stephen.

“Overall, the weekend was great, I couldn’t fault the car – it ran like it was on rails, we top qualified and went through the rounds and it was just spot on with not one drama all weekend, it was one of those great weekends.

“My thanks goes to the staff and everyone down there, this is fantastic: it has been a long time between drinks but I have my second tree now; the other one now has a partner!” concluded Stephen, while thanking supporters Atlantic Oils, Smart Fuels, Craig’s Automatics and Macarthur Garages, as well as Flat Out Services for his chassis.

35 fastlane

To take the Modified Bike victory, Oberti faced off against Jake Hamilton-Moderate in the final after having earlier defeated David McGinn (semi-final), Mario Baker (round two) and Levi Addison (round one) while enjoying a bye run in round three. HamiltonModerate meanwhile had booked his spot in the final with a bye in the semi-final following victory over Johnny Ireland, Edge Mallis and Bryan Finn. Last year’s winner, Gordon Crawford, was the Top Qualifier for the bracket.

“I am stoked to win this event, I have been down here a few years, I haven’t always raced but I have always crewed for Bradley Hicks and I am just over the moon,” Oberti said of the win which not only saw him claim the Phil Parker Memorial Trophy, but also his first ever ANDRA Christmas Tree.

“I can’t really describe how I am feeling at the moment (to win the event and the Phil Parker Memorial Trophy), this is an awesome feeling.

“I have to thank my beautiful wife Sonya for supporting me in everything that I do, as well as all of the track crew, staff and volunteers for putting on a great event; and also the competitors,” said the Salisbury Downs (SA) racer.

Another first time winner was found in the

champion (2017, 2013) fought back tears onstage as he reflected on his victory in 2018 which came as his wife Audrey battled breast cancer while celebrating the fact that the 2019 event victory finds her having won that battle.

Super Street bracket, with Paul Jennings breaking through for his first ANDRA Christmas Tree in his 1965 Nova with victory over Tony Barbara following races against Rodney Kerr, Greg Holland, Garry Hutchins and Michael Bridges. Barbara benefited from a bye run in the semis, having earlier defeated Nikolas Karanovic, Des Jeffree and Craig Ferguson. Also recognised at the Sunday afternoon presentations was Malcolm Todd, who clinched the top spot in qualifying earlier in the weekend.

To read what Jennings has to say about his victory, click here.

Emotions were also running high for Modified racer Craig Baker, who defended his 2018 South Coast 660 event victory with another win. The two-time Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series national

Baker took the trophy – which he presented to his wife – thanks to victory over Chris Farrell, who red-lighted in the final. The Gowanbrae (Victoria) racer had previously faced off against Jess Voigt (semi), Stewart Johnson and Bradley Hicks while Farrell booked his place in the final after a win over Top Qualifier Adam Mundy (semi) followed triumphs over David Willis and Davydd Estcourt.

For a special interview with Baker, click here.

Glenn Henley was another racer who enjoyed a solo pass to his ANDRA Christmas Tree after runner-up Rick Smith was unable to front for the Top Sportsman final due to a broken rocker. Henley had earlier found wins over Chris Theo (semi), Julian Carafa and Daniel Jones while Smith had defeated Top Qualifier Darren Saliba (semi), Stuart

36 fastlane

McBain and Benny Phillips to secure his ticket to the final.

Rob Camilleri took out the top qualifying honours for the category.

Super Sedan racer Chris Lioulios was another with a lot to celebrate. By winning his bracket, the Roxby Downs (SA) racer not only went ‘back-to-back’ at the event after winning 2018’s South Coast 660, but also made it ‘three from three’ at Portland as he also claimed the win at the 2018 South Coast Nationals in November.

“I am definitely very happy, it has been a great weekend even though we had some problems with the car with the trans brake – I ended up having to foot brake the car old-style which made the win even more rewarding,” Lioulios said.

On his way to the victory over Alex Gkroidis in the final, Lioulios took on Martin Mirco (semi-final), Ned Karanovic, Graeme Cooper and Peter Furlanetto while Gkroidis took on Stephen Griffin (semi), Enio Marrocco, Phillip Busbridge and Joe Carbone – setting a ‘Perfect Light’ along the way in his round three battle with Marrocco (click here to see more on Gkroidis’ Perfect Light performance). Earlier in the weekend, as was the case at the South Coast Nationals,

“Quite a few people jumped in to help and I have to thank them, including Steve Hunt who put in so much for us, as well as my whole crew, my mate Benny Phillips and my wife Natalie; we couldn’t be happier with the result.

“I am hoping to be at Mildura, but Natalie is due to have our first child at any time – I was waiting for the phone call!” he laughed.

“I would like to be there and I have entered, but we will have to see how it pans out.”

In the Super Gas ranks it all came down to

Colin Griffin and Jason Wilson in the final, with Griffin taking victory in his Toyota Celica. The Mount Ridley (Victoria) racer had

earlier faced off against Michael DeRose (semi) and Graeme Spencer while Wilson took on Top Qualifier Charlie Saraceno in his semi-final after defeating Anthony Panetta in his opening round.

“The first couple of events this season were a little hard for me as we wrapped our heads around the fuel change for the bracket, but at the South Coast 660 I think I finally got on top of it!” Griffin explained.

“The car came around and started performing like it should and I was pretty happy with how it all went. It was running well all weekend and didn’t give me any trouble – it sure was a big relief to win as it has been a bit of a dry spell for a little while.

37 fastlane “Every win is special, because in drag racing, you lose way more than you win!” he laughed.

When it came to the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster proceedings, a hard-fought day of racing saw current championship points leader Jake Berias pick up his fourth ANDRA Christmas Tree for the season with victory over West Australia’s Brodie Zappia.

The Werribee (Victoria) racer had earlier

faced 2018 South Coast Nationals winner Zara Board in the semi-final after enjoying a bye in round three and victories over Allirah Kardum and Joshua Maggs.

Zappia meanwhile secured his first finals appearance since 2017 and his first in his new dragster with a bye in the semis following victories over Daniel Carranza, Nathaniel Kuchel and Adrian Saliba. Earlier in the weekend, South Coast Nationals Top Qualifier Amber Young again topped the qualifying sheets to secure the Top Qualifier’s Medallion and prize pack.

For the Competition Bike competitors, the new three-round format delivered plenty of racing action with Top Qualifier and South Coast Nationals runner-up Rob Cassar going one better this time around to take out the event victory over runner-up Danny

Rickard.

Like Cassar, Craig Geddes converted a Top Qualifying result into an event victory, taking the SuperComp win over Mick Simic in the final a day after being declared the Sunoco 260GT Plus Top Qualifier. Earlier in the day, he had faced off against Alex Panagiotidis (semi) and Steve Norman (round one) with a bye in round two, while Simic enjoyed a bye into the final following wins over Mark Newman and Jake Chaisty.

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 660, please click here.

Photos: Automotive Event Images

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TWILIGHT NATIONALS DELIVERS PLENTY OF SMILES

There were smiles all round at Mildura’s Twilight Nationals with the first Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Australian Champion for the 18/19 season crowned and plenty of great racing action across all of the brackets.

In the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster bracket, Jake Berias was celebrated as the Australian Champion ahead of Runner-Up Zara Board after a fantastic season which included four event wins.

To hear what the 15-year-old Year 10 student from Werribee (Victoria) had to say about it all, please go to our special feature interview with Jake (click here) While Jake and Zara took out the championship honours, it was Amber Young who would claim the Twilight Nationals event trophy after taking out her first ever event win over runner-up Jordan Spencer, who was completing his last ever race in the Junior Dragster bracket. Also awarded at the

presentations for the Junior Dragster was Baillie Ponton, who claimed her first ever Top Qualifier Medallion – thanks to TileCoTheShowerPeople and KC Tools – and a Summit Racing Equipment pack.

Joining Jake, Zara and Amber in hoisting ANDRA Christmas Tree trophies at the end of the Twilight Nationals were event winners Colin Griffin (Super Gas), Shane Walker (Modified Bike), Brian Symes (Super Street), Martin Mirco (Super Sedan), Wade Kisyma (Modified), Wayne Talbot (Supercharged Outlaws), Andrew Thompson (Top Sportsman), David Willis (Competition Bike) and Robert Dekert (SuperComp). Runnersup were Adrian McGrotty (Super Gas), Edge Mallis (Modified Bike), Andrew Shirley (Super Street), Jeff Maslin (Super Sedan), Peter O’Connell (Modified), Mike Evans (Supercharged Outlaws), Darren Saliba (Top Sportsman), Danny Rickard (Competition Bike) and Jake Chaisty (SuperComp). The champions for these brackets will be decided at the ANDRA Grand Final event at the Perth Motorplex, to be held across April 6-7.

Like Jake, Brian Symes was emotional about his victory over Andrew Shirley in

the Super Street bracket which followed earlier races against Peter Jephson (semi), Greg Holland (round three) and Ken Borg (round one) as well as a bye-run in the second round. Shirley meanwhile booked his spot in the final with wins over Mark Sienczewski, Nathaniel Goudswaard and Matthew Smart ahead of a bye in the semis. Earlier in the day, Robyn Phillis claimed the Top Qualifier honours.

“I still can’t take the smile off my face, it is very surreal to win something I have dreamed about since I was a kid. My dad got me into drag racing when I was young and ever since then this has been a dream; to actually do it is amazing,” grinned Symes after accepting his trophy.

“We had a few dramas – when we were driving up to Mildura from Melbourne I actually noticed I had a leak in my rear brakes. Thankfully I was able to get those fixed by a local mechanic, SRP Performance, who were able to help me out on Friday. On Saturday I was on my lights all day and the car ran well.

“I want to thank the staff at the Mildura track for all the work they put in, and also ANDRA and Summit Racing Equipment for putting on the event. This is just an

39 fastlane

amazing victory for me and something I don’t think I will ever get over.”

Another unexpected victory went to Wayne Talbot, who despite coming to the event with the intention to test, clean-swept the Supercharged Outlaw proceedings by clinching the Top Qualifying honours and the event victory over Mike Evans. Talbot had earlier faced off against Mark Hunt (semi) after a bye in the opening round while Evans took on Jason Keily and Simon Richards.

“We came up to Mildura to test the car and I guess we were just lucky that we had a run against someone that had a misfortune on the startline so we had a lucky break, and then from there we had a race against our good friend Mike,” Talbot explained.

“He asked us what our strategy was and we didn’t lie – we said we were coming out and going to play the game; if he was out front we would run out the back door and if not, we would play the game and get off it and go down that road.

“I have to thank my brother Jayden Talbot as well as Ian Richards for busting his butt changing clutches every single run. I also want to thank Dave Thornton for being Dave Thornton and Talbot Vegetable Growers - my father had to stay back home when he really should have been here enjoying the win.”

In the SuperComp bracket, Rob Dekert

secured his first ever ANDRA Christmas Tree by triumphing over Jake Chaisty, in the final. To book their tickets to the last stand for the bracket at the event, Dekert had earlier overcome reigning champion Craig Geddes as well as David Clark (round one) while Chaisty had dispatched David Roberts after a bye-run in his opening round. Earlier in the weekend, Terry Waterman had claimed the Sunoco 260GT Plus Top Qualifier honours.

“I have won a few ANDRA Christmas Trees over the years but then I stopped for seven years and had a break. This is my second season back and the first win with the new car,” Dekert explained.

“I was very happy with the result and what all of the boys had accomplished.

It was an up and down weekend for us and in two of the qualifiers we pretty much ended up in the other lane upon pulling fourth gear, but it got better for the eliminations which is the main thing and we got there in the end!

“It was real close racing all the way through, and in the final Jake Chaisty was more under his index than me but I got a better light at the tree.

“I have to thank my wife Deanne, my daughter Aleesha and son Braydon, as well as all of my crew Merv, Matt, Paul Plucka, Hayley and Steve for all of their help and support; and of course the track staff including Kingsley Kuchel and all

40 fastlane

of his volunteers as well as ANDRA for a great event.”

Another popular victory was that of Wade Kisyma in the Modified bracket, with the Pascoe Vale resident taking on Peter O’Connell in the final after taking wins over Ash Johnson, Kenny Stewart and Fiona Crisp. O’Connell meanwhile had ensured his place in the final with wins from Jess Proud (nee Voigt), Chris Farrell and Matt Ponton.

Andrew Thompson picked up his second ANDRA Christmas Tree of the season, taking victory in the Top Sportsman category this evening from Top Qualifier Darren Saliba after earlier emerging victorious from battles against Daniel Jones and Vlado Turic (round one). Saliba meanwhile had taken a round two win

“I have to thank all of the officials and the volunteers who stood out in the sun – what they do allows us to do what we do. I also would like to thank my wife and the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association for putting on a great event, as well as all of the other competitors.”

Martin Mirco took out the victory in Super Sedan from Jeff Maslin. Mirco had earlier taken on Steve Hunt (round one), Rob Evans and Mark Neumann before enjoying a bye-run in the semis. Maslin meanwhile had taken on last-event winner Chris Lioulios in the semis after having earlier dispatched defending champion Peter Tzokas, Robert Kardum and Mark Hubner.

“It was very hot out there so we weren’t sure how the car would run, but then in the first round it ran the same as it had the day before at the same time and I managed to get passed Fiona Crisp, and then in the second round Kenny Stewart redlit against me so that was a bit of a bonus,” Kisyma said.

“In the third round I had Ash Johnson and I got through that one by being better on the lights. I was on the brakes on that run though so I wasn’t sure what to run in the final, and it was a really quick turnaround so I had to rush a bit. It was neck and neck out there and I got him right on the finish line, running a 5.961 on a 5.96 dialin!

good!” Griffin said while accepting his trophy.

from Jason Arbery after enjoying a byerun in round one.

“This feels awesome – this is my second win and it feels even better than the first. I have to thank my dad who worked his butt off all weekend as well as Sean Agius, he isn’t a full-time guy on our crew but he helped us all weekend. I also want to say thanks to Nick Xerakias of ERC Racing Fuels.”

Colin Griffin was another chalking up a

In Competition Bike, the three-round shoot-out format once again delivered plenty of exciting racing, with the battle for the event victory ultimately coming down to David Willis and Top Qualifier Danny Rickard, with Willis claiming the ANDRA Christmas Tree this time around.

and Warren Bull (round one). McGrotty,

In the Modified Bike rankings, it was Shane Walker who would take out the big trophy over runner-up Edge Mallis after walking away with wins over Mario Baker, Gavin Dohnt and Derryn McGregor across the day. On his way to the final, Mallis took on Top Qualifier Nat McKay in the opening round before going on to face Nick Thompson before a bye-run in the semis.

after having taken out the event win at

ANDRA thanks the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association and all of its volunteers and sponsors for an outstanding race track and a well-run event.

off against the category’s Top Qualifier

For results sheets from the Twilight Nationals, click here.

second victory for the 18/19 season, going back-to-back with victory in Super Gas the recent South Coast 660. Griffin faced

Adrian jakeMcGrotty in the final after

having earlier raced against Jason Wilson

running a borrowed engine, enjoyed a bye run to his finals appearance after

successfully facing off against Charlie Saraceno in the first round.

“I like getting these, they are pretty

Photos by Outlaw Images

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42 fastlane

THE VERY BEST PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE

FOR ANDRA MEMBERS No one plans for an accident, but it is always in your best interests to ensure you have appropriate coverage.

Through membership of ANDRA, members, permanent licence holders, clubs and tracks have exclusive access to a range of quality insurance covers.

PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE As a service to its members, ANDRA has arranged through its appointed insurance broker, two levels of Personal Accident cover for members competing in ANDRA Events.

B Category One

Cover at the Category One level is mandatory for all Drivers/Riders/ Crew at drag racing events run at the National Championship, Regional Championship, Sportsman Championship, National (Open) and Pro-Am levels, where cover extends to those participants listed on the official Entry Form, up to the maximum number of passes issued by the track for that class or bracket.

At events where Category One cover is mandatory, a fee of $15.40 per entry will be charged as part of the Entry Fee. Any driver or rider other than the one shown on the Entry Form must notify the ANDRA Stewards/Track Officials and pay an additional $15.40 prior to participation to ensure cover.

ANDRA Category One Accident cover is extended to volunteer officials through the issue of an ANDRA Event Permit. Apart from those events at which it is compulsory, Category One ANDRA Personal Accident cover is only available to permanent ANDRA licence holders.

B Category Two

At other ANDRA events (Bracket and Test & Tune), cover at the Category Two level is automatically provided to current ANDRA members and permanent licence holders. Permanent licence holders wishing to upgrade to the Category One level at these events may do so by notifying the ANDRA Steward/ Track Official and paying the $15.40 fee, prior to racing or qualifying.

DIVISIONAL DAY LICENCE HOLDERS:

A Divisional Day Licence (DDL) is required by any person who is not a member of ANDRA and who does not need a permanent ANDRA Drag Racing Licence for cars 12.00 seconds (1/4 mile)/ (7.70 1/8 mile) and slower (or 11.00 for cars originally fitted with

airbags and 4-wheel disc brakes, 10.00 for 2008 or later model cars), or motorcycles 10.00 seconds (1/4 mile)/(6.40 1/8 mile) or slower or 9.50 on a unmodified production motorcycle or slower.

Whilst holders of a Divisional Day Licence are covered for the duration of an event by the comprehensive Products and Public Liability Insurance Policy; Personal Accident Insurance is not automatically provided. Personal Accident cover at the Category Two level may however by accessed on payment of a $5 fee.

CATEGORY SUMMARY B Category One

• Available to all permanent ANDRA licence holders at Summit Sportsman Racing Equipment Championship Events and at all other events staged at a Pro Am event level or above* • Coverage is extended to include Pit Crew and Crew Members at these events • Officials and Voluntary Workers covered by Category One Insurance at all events

B Category Two

• Provided automatically to holders of permanent ANDRA licences or permanent ANDRA membership • Coverage is not provided at this level to pit crew and crew members • Option is available to upgrade to Category One cover (permanent ANDRA licence holder/ member only) prior to commencement of the event on payment of the $15.40.

Typically, these events would include street meeting and test and tune events*. *Competitors should contact the venue or ANDRA if you are unsure of an upcoming event level or the coverage available.

DAY LICENCE HOLDERS:

• Personal accident coverage not included in Divisional Day licence.

43 fastlane • Option available for upgrade to Personal Accident cover at the Category Two level for the period of the event, on payment of the $5.00 fee (inc GST) to venue prior the commencement of the event.

• Upgrades to Category One or Category Two insurance to be discussed with Venue prior to commencement of event.

BENEFITS

Non-Medicare Medical Expenses (including Out of Pocket and emergency transport) • 100% of eligible expenses, as defined, after reimbursement from a recognised private health fund to a maximum of $10,000 any one period of insurance. An excess of $50 applies per claim.

OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES

• Up to $250 for any one insured person • Please note, all invoices for Out of Pocket expenses and Emergency Transport costs must be paid in full by the claimant.

A copy of the invoice and receipt are to be submitted with the Claim Form to ANDRA.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH • $75,000 (Category One)

• $30,000 (Category Two - Driver/Rider Only)

• $20,000 Persons under 18 years and over 75 years

FUNERAL BENEFIT

• Up to $10,000 for any one person.

STUDENT TUTORIAL

• Maximum weekly benefit of $500 per week; limited to 52 weeks.

• Excess period of seven days applies

• (Not payable if claiming under Temporary Total Disablement)

DOMESTIC HELP

• Reimburse the cost of hiring domestic help from a recognised and licensed domestic help agency provided that: - -

TEMPORARY TOTAL DISABLEMENT

• 100% of weekly earnings or $1,000 per week whichever is the lesser; limited to 104 weeks (Category One) • 100% of weekly earnings or $250 per week whichever lesser; limited to 52 weeks (Category Two -Drivers/Riders Only) • Excess period of seven days applies to both categories.

• $250 per week (Non-Earning); limited to 52 weeks (Category Two - Drivers/riders only) • Excess period of seven days applies to both categories.

PERMANENT TOTAL DISABLEMENT

• $75,000 (Category One)

• $30,000 (Category Two - Driver/Rider Only)

LOSS OF LIMB/S, EYE/S • Up to $75,000 (Category One)

• Up to $30,000 (Category Two -Driver/Rider Only)

Up to 80 percent of actual and reasonable expenses up to a maximum benefit of $1,000 per week. Benefit Period limited to 26 weeks and a 7 Day Deferral period

HOME AND OR MOTOR VEHICLE MODIFICATION BENEFIT

• Up to $20,000 for any one insured person (Payable for home and vehicle modification expenses). Provided that: -

DISABLEMENT – NON-INCOME EARNERS

• $250 per week (Non-Earning); limited to 52 weeks (Category One)

The domestic help is certified by a Medical Practitioner as being necessary and hiring of family members of the insured persons family or other relatives are not included;

All modifications are certified necessary by the INSURED PERSON’S treating doctor or rehabilitation provider.

NOTE: Death and Capital Benefits listed may be increased through extra cost options available through ANDRA.

Professional Players/Competitors: It is hereby noted and agreed that the excess period under the Weekly BENEFITS - INJURY Section will be increased to 28 says for any claims received under this BENEFIT. Except as otherwise provided in this endorsement, the Insuring Clause and all other POLICY terms and conditions shall have full force and effect.

CONDITIONS •

No person other than registered Officials/ Competitors/Crew shall be eligible to make application.

• Only accidents occurring during official ANDRA Drag Racing events, or related activities in the case of Officials, can be considered.

• Payments shall be made at the discretion of the Insurer, and all paperwork must be in order, as with any compensation claim.

• Applications for compensation shall be on the official form provided by ANDRA, accompanied by a copy of the relevant ANDRA Incident Report.

• The Insurer will not pay accounts but will reimburse genuine out of pocket expenses

to the level stated under Benefits. Attach all accounts when paid, with a summary sheet clearly showing details.

• Completed forms must reach ANDRA within twenty-one (21) days of the incident.

• First Certificate must show anticipated period of Temporary Disablement, if any.

• Written confirmation must be provided to show the Claimant is employed.

• If self-employed, a Statutory Declaration, duly signed, must be provided with the claim.

This is a summary of the insurance only and is not the policy document. Please contact ANDRA for further information.

PLEASE NOTE:

In the Event of an Accident or Injury

If an ANDRA Steward is not present at the scene of your accident or injury, the incident should be reported to the Meeting Director before leaving the track.

A claim Form should be requested from ANDRA on (08) 82715355 or info@andra.com.au immediately after the event

faces r at the

races

45 fastlane

Photos by Automotive Event Images

SAT 2 & SUN 3

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