EDITION 30
F E B R U A R Y
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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL DRAG RACING ASSOCIATION
DOUBLE TROUBLE South Coast Raceway puts on a show
EDITION HIGHLIGHTS
TECH BUSHFIRE B E N A R A B Y RACER FACES STAGING RELEIF DRAGWAY P R O F I L E S AT THE RACES TORQUE LANES SUMMIT RACING
SUMMITRACING.COM
contents
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TECH
TORQUE STAGING LANES
SOUTH COAST RACEWAY: DOUBLE TROUBLE
EDELBROCK VICTOR MECHANICAL WATER PUMPS
BRENDAN CARR - RACER PROFILE
BROTHER V BROTHER
CQDRA: IN FOR THE LONG HAUL
MURRAY O’CONNOR - DIVISION DIRECTOR PROFILE
BUSHFIRE FUNDRAISING
FACES AT THE RACES
RACE REPORTS
SOUTH COAST NATIONALS
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, Outlaw Images, BrightDesign.com.au, High Octane Photos, Rogue Snapper Photography, Insane Grunt Automotive Photography and the libraries of Benaraby Dragway, Liz Johns and Captain Miskelly.
ANDRA Staff
SOUTH COAST 660
Chief Executive Officer: Brett Stevens Business Manager: Jackie Mills Business Development Manager: Jennifer Lingo (Harrison) Licensing and Membership: Kylie Hazelhurst Media & PR Officer: Amanda Salmon Technical Officer: Scott Halfyard
Contact Details
Phone: 08 8271 5355 Fax: 08 8721 6988 Email: info@andra.com.au Street: 11 McInnes St, Ridleyton SA 5008
DRAG CHALLENGE
ANDRA Board
Murray O’Connor (WA) Nathan Peirano (QLD) - Chairman Grant Wilson (SA) Peter Kapiris (VIC) Ian Brown (VIC) Grant Hamon (NT)
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DIGITAL NHRA MEMBERSHIP Add an NHRA digital membership to your ANDRA renewal for $50/year and as well as all the other benefits, receive discounted pricing of 25 percent off on a 2020 NHRA.TV subscription. Sign up NOW and gain access to all 2020 LIVE national events and original NHRA programming. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the improved features of NHRA.TV.
CATCH EVERY MOMENT OF THE 2020 NHRA SEASON AND SIGN UP FOR NHRA.TV EXPERIENCE NHRA CHAMPIONSHIP DRAG RACING LIKE NEVER BEFORE WITH A SUBSCRIPTION TO NHRA.TV AND GIN ACCESS TO ALL 2020 NATIONAL EVENTS, ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING, AND THE BEST FROM THE NHRA CATALOG.
To enquire, email info@andra.com.au
REMINDER: VEHICLE LOGBOOKS ANDRA members are reminded that ANDRA Logbooks are only valid at ANDRA Sanctioned Events where all associated Risk Management Processes of the Australian National Drag Racing Association Ltd are in place. Any use of an ANDRA Logbook or corresponding Technical Inspection outside of these conditions will render it null and void.
GALLAGHER AND ANDRA EXPAND VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR PROGRAMME Long-time ANDRA insurance broker and supporter Gallagher has announced an increased presence with their ANDRA volunteer of the year programme. Every ANDRA member club/track is now invited to submit a nomination for their chosen volunteer of the year. Gallagher and ANDRA recognise that clubs and volunteer-run racetracks rely on the contributions and endeavours of people that often fly beneath the radar. ANDRA and Gallagher are passionate about ensuring these people are recognised for their support and contributions. As such, every club and volunteer-run track will receive a trophy to be given out to their club member of the year in recognition of their contribution to ANDRA drag racing. Please submit your nomination by the 20th of March 2020; simply head to www.andra.com.au/competitor/andra-forms to download the nomination form and nominate your most deserving volunteer. For more information please email info@andra.com.au Gallagher is the official insurance broker of the Australian National Drag Racing Association and offers competitive, no obligation quotes on everything from race trailers to businesses and race tracks. For more than 90 years, Gallagher’s tailored insurance, risk management and consulting solutions have helped businesses, communities and people face their futures with confidence.
For more information on Gallagher, go to www.ajg.com.au
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NEW JUNIOR RULES NOW IN AFFECT From the 18th October 2019 changes were introduced for all ANDRA Junior Competitors and for all ANDRA venues where Junior racing is conducted.
These changes became mandatory at all ANDRA Venues from the 1st of January 2020. Changes include new licence testing procedures, track orientation for all Junior Competitors, facility infrastructure changes for Junior drag racing and some process changes for Junior Competitors as they exit the racing surface. All Junior Competitors should now have a new Junior Competitor Passbook. If a Junior Competitor has not received the new Competitor Passbook, please contact ANDRA on 08 8271 5355 or info@andra.com.au. ANDRA continues to work with venues, officials and licence holders/ members to ensure that these new processes are as easy to comply with as possible. Members are encouraged to contact ANDRA with any queries. For full information on the changes, please check out the January 7 MotorMail at www.andra.com.au/latest-news/andra-motor-mail
YOUR PERFORMANCE POWERHOUSE IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND Did you know that you can use the Summit Racing app to easily search for auto parts and accessories, shop more than 1.5 million auto and stock replacement parts from your mobile device, view the sale items, connect with the Summit Racing Equipment social media accounts, and read articles from OnAllCylinders. You can also view your orders, request a catalogue, and even watch Summit Racing Equipment YouTube videos. You can even contact ANDRA for your unique 10% off discount code to use while you shop! To download the app, go to: Apple App Store: https://apple.co/2tuPOZf Google Play: http://bit.ly/3953d9x
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staginglanes 2016-2019 SUMMIT WINNER CAPS If you were the winner of a Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series event from 2016 to 2019 and would like extra caps, please email info@andra.com.au. Please let us know the Event and Bracket you won, how many caps you would like and your postal address and we will organise the rest.
*Please note: maximum order of three caps per championship year, limited numbers remain. Postage of $9.90 applies.
ANDRA BOARD UPDATE The Australian National Drag Racing Association Limited held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday the 27th of November at the Mawson Lakes Hotel and Function Centre. As per Item 14.3 and 14.5 of the Constitution for the Australian National Drag Racing Association Limited, a meeting of Division Directors was held prior to the AGM to elect Directors to the ANDRA Board. Murray O’Connor (WA Division Director) was elected for a further three year term, while Ian Brown (Vic/Tas Alternate Director) joins the board for the first time with a one-year term. Ian Brown will be stepping into the Division Director Board role vacated by Wayne Downes (SQ Division Director). Independent Director, Grant Wilson was re-elected for a further two years. Current ANDRA Ltd Board of Directors are: • Nathan Pelrano
•
Murray O’Connor
• Ian Brown
• Grant Hamon
•
Grant Wilson
•
Peter Kapiris
ANDRA thanks Wayne Downes for all his efforts on the ANDRA Board over the last two years.
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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. Participating businesses of the ANDRA Member Benefits Program receive promotion through ANDRA’s database of over 5000 members and race fans, as well as exposure through the ANDRA website, the quarterly
FASTLANE digital magazine which is distributed to more than 36,000 ANDRA and NHRA members, and the regular Motor Mail email newsletter. This is the perfect platform to launch new products, advertise monthly specials and any other sale promotions you may have.
FREE TO JOIN!
To view a listing of all ANDRA Member Benefits Program offers, please go to: www.andra.com.au/directory/memberbenefits-program-directory
If you would like more information on the program or want to complete your free registration, please visit www.andra.com.au/directory/andra-member-benefits-program
GET ON BOARD WITH ANDRA DRAG RACING! As a valued ANDRA business partner, you can receive maximum exposure through the ANDRA Drag Racing brand and its events. Your company will be showcased whenever and wherever possible, for example: racers will carry decals representing your logo, trophies will feature your branding, commentators will make reference to your involvement across events and media reports will highlight your involvement. There is a host of ways you can support ANDRA drag racing, including investment in the following: • Fastlane Magazine Advertising (online)
• Facebook/Twitter Recognition
• Website Recognition
• Rule Book Advertising (hard copy and online)
• Sportsman Series Bracket Sponsorship
• Member Benefits Program (Free to Join)
• Official Supplier Status
• E vent naming rights (at select events, please contact us for more details)
• R unner-Up Trophy Sponsor for Sportsman Series
• M otor Mail feature – Motor Mail is our members only newsletter, contact us to see an example if you don’t have an ANDRA member login
For more information and to discuss opportunities, contact ANDRA’s Business Development Manager Jennifer Lingo (Harrison) on jennifer.harrison@andra.com.au
DOUBLE Hosting a round of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series for more than 150 racers is no small feat – from the incredibly large amount of pre-event administration, track and grounds preparation and marketing and communication efforts to the during event servicing of racer and spectator needs, track prep, racing administration and all the technical and competition elements that come into play, it is a big effort for everyone involved. Now imagine holding two of these national-level events within four weeks’ of each other! That is exactly what the dedicated team at South Coast Raceway pulled off recently, hosting rounds six and seven of the 2019/2020 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series – the 2019 South Coast Nationals (December 14/15) and the 2020 South Coast 660 (January 11/12) – in superb style. “We are always very impressed by the efforts of South Coast Raceway and its dedicated team, but what they pulled off in December and January to round out 2019 and bring in 2020 with a bang for the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series was just great,” ANDRA Chief Executive Officer, Brett Stevens, said. “Holding events such as these requires a lot of dedication and preparation and that is even before the first competitor shows
up at the gates. “Their commitment really shines through in the racer feedback we hear as well – our members are always telling us how much they love racing at Portland and how well treated they feel when they visit, whether they are local or have travelled from afar to take part. “While a small and volunteer-driven team, this dedicated group of people really do all they can to welcome the ANDRA racers and the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series each and every time and we greatly appreciate their ongoing efforts and support.” With great thanks to South Coast Raceway, its staff, its volunteers, its sponsors and all who support it, following is a look back at how these two great events unfolded.
TROUBLE E
South Coast Raceway hosted not one, but two Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series events in less than a month recently
A PERFECT END TO 2019
While wet weather caused some concern on the Saturday, nothing could stop the South Coast Raceway team from pushing forward to successfully deliver the 2019 South Coast Nationals across December 14 and 15. More than 165 racers chased glory in Portland at the South Coast Nationals and when all was said and done, it was Zack Knezevic (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Gavin Dohnt (Modified Bike), Tony Barbara (Super Street), Michael Hanrahan (Super Sedan), Bradley Hicks (Modified), Glenn Henley (Top Sportsman), Tony Frost (Competition Bike), Matt Forbes (Super Comp), Christine Steffens (Supercharged Outlaws) and Colin Griffin (Super Gas) who would ultimately hoist Silver ANDRA Christmas Trees at the conclusion of Sunday’s proceedings.
Also celebrated at the presentations were the event runners-up: Dylan Knezevic (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Bryan Finn (Modified Bike), Andrew Shirley (Super Street), Chris Lioulios (Super Sedan), Josh Baker (Modified), Greg Damiani (Top Sportsman), Rob Cassar (Competition Bike), Terry Waterman (Super Comp), Tim Stewart (Supercharged Outlaws) and Michael DeRose (Super Gas). The Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster final was an all-Knezevic affair, with brothers Dylan and Zack Knezevic facing off in the final round. To find out more about this brother v brother battle, check out page 22 of this magazine. When it came to the Super Street ranks, a big day of racing all boiled down to a finale between Taylors Hill (Victoria) racer Tony Barbara and Adelaide’s Andrew Shirley.
Barbara was ecstatic to take out his first ANDRA Christmas Tree with his win over Shirley, which followed earlier race victories from Michael Giannaros (round one), Michael Bridges, Ollie Welden, and Nikolas Karanovic. Shirley meanwhile had emerged as the victor from battles against Eric Goudswaard (round one), Andrew Waight, DecoGlaze Glass Splashbacks Central Victoria Top Qualifier Robyn Phillis and Robbie Forsaith on his way to the final. “(It) was awesome. It was such a good day – the weather was a bit on the cold side but who cares when you get a win!” he declared while thanking ETS Race Fuels and S&S Racing for their support. “The day couldn’t have gone any better, I can’t complain about a single thing. I was happy with everything, the whole organisation of the event, my crew, everything! >
“This is my first ANDRA Christmas tree win – I have won other ANDRA events but never a Christmas Tree, so I am pretty excited.” In SuperComp, it all came down to Matt Forbes and Top Qualifier Terry Waterman with Forbes taking out the silverware in his Chevy Cavalier over Waterman’s Mazda RX2. On their way to the final stand for the bracket, Forbes defeated Marcus Pepe (round one) and Louis Svingos while Waterman took a round one win from Dave Clark to earn a bye run in the semifinals. The Sliver ANDRA Christmas Tree for SuperComp wasn’t all Forbes picked up at the presentations either, with his team also receiving the Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Team Award.
“I am so pumped with this result – I have looked at Super Stock for 20 years, for me it is the pinnacle of sportsman racing and to have a ANDRA Christmas Tree with my name on it in this class is just so special to me,” Forbes said. “I am not one for statistics but I am pretty sure no one has won national-level events in three classes and definitely not in four and that is what we have now done – and we aren’t finished yet!” To read more about Forbes’ thoughts about his South Coast Nationals results, please go to page 19 of this magazine. In Modified Bike, Top Qualifier Gavin Dohnt took his third event victory of the season with a win over Bryan Finn. The Henty (Victoria) competitor’s victory in his 2007 Suzuki B-King over Finn’s Honda followed earlier triumphs over Levi Addison (round one) and Don Baird (round two) ahead of a bye run in the semi-final. Finn meanwhile had defeated Andrew Sellears, Michael Cristoforo and Shane Walker on his way to the final. In Super Sedan, Roxby Downs (SA) racer Chris Lioulios was denied his fourth consecutive South Coast Raceway Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series event victory by Michael Hanrahan when the Haddon (Victoria) racer bested him in
the finale aboard his Holden HQ Monaro Coupe. On his way to the final, Hanrahan successfully faced off against Tony Lamanna (round one), Dave Sultana, Top Qualifier Stephen Crook and Lance Larcombe while Lioulios had taken on Tony Miskelly (round one), Alex Gkroidis, Alex Blias and David Todd. “I didn’t really know Chris’ recent history before the final but even if I had known, I just try and block out who is in the other lane and concentrate on what I am doing,” Hanrahan explained. “I was talking to some of the other guys afterward and they told me that he had won quite a few lately, so it felt pretty good to beat one of the big guys. “It was just one of those meetings where everything sort of works properly for you, I feel very lucky and it is very special to me to get that ANDRA Christmas Tree – it is something I have always wanted to achieve and it is great to have one to put on the mantelpiece. “I really want to thank South Coast Raceway and all of its officials and volunteers for all they did to put together a great event. It is great also to see the support that the town of Portland throws behind the club and its events.
“I also want to thank my crew – my wife Gail, my son Matthew and also Tony, Mick and Carolyn – as well as my parents and everyone at the Ballarat Drag Racing Club for their support over the years. “I just put a new cam shaft in the car and I hadn’t run it at all before the South Coast Nationals so heading there I was just hoping everything would work!” he laughed. “It actually ran faultlessly and I didn’t have to put a spanner on it all weekend, we just put fuel in it and charged the battery and away we went! The only issue was when I forgot to take my finger off the transbrake button in the first qualifier! But aside from that it had good numbers all weekend, running just over the dial in each time.” In the Modified Eliminator bracket, Bradley Hicks took out the event win in his Brogie/ Elsworthy Dragster from Josh Baker to claim the silver ANDRA Christmas Tree for their bracket. The final was so close, neither racer knew who had won until told by officials at the end of the racetrack.
Hicks had earlier taken victories from Derek Wills (round one), Kenny Stewart and Rob McKay – who had defeated Top Qualifier Simon Barlow in round two. Baker had meanwhile taken on Chris Farrell, Ashley Johnson and Wade Kisyma to secure his spot in his first ever final in the bracket after stepping up to the Modified ranks in the Team Baker rear engine dragster earlier this year. “It was very special, and it always will be,” said Hicks, who retired from wheat and sheep farming at the beginning of 2019 after 47 years. “I rate it right up there with my four Steel City Charlie Dennis Memorial Series wins and with my very first bracket win back in 1985. “I have been competing in ANDRA Sportsman Championship rounds for many years, and only once before did I make it to the final, which I lost. “To get to the final and then win was a very pleasing result for me and with the competition being so very tough in all of the ANDRA brackets, it was really rewarding. The number of people who have congratulated me since my win has been rather humbling and very pleasing as well; the drag racing family have a lot of very genuine people in it. “The incredibly close margin in the final made it even more special too. Win or lose I love close racing and for a veteran racer like me, it was great to see a Modified Eliminator rookie (Josh Baker) in the other lane. Josh is a very tough competitor and will be one to watch in future. “South Coast Raceway is a fantastic venue; I love racing there. The whole environment has a great feel to it with the green grass, the layout, the facilities and the track itself – plus the hard working and friendly volunteers who get it all together. Invariably the air is very good also, which makes for near best performance,” he concluded, while thanking Infinity Signs, The Athurton
Hotel, Sprint Auto Parts Kadina and Southern Sport Horses, his crew, Greg and Sean Oberti, Mark Wyatt, his brother Adrian when he is in SA, John Brooks, and Angel Dempsey, Doug Elsworthy, Frank Intini, Rhemac Engineering and Richard from AK Converters. In Top Sportsman, Glenn Henley picked up his second event win of the season by defeating Greg Damiani in the final. The Mount Gambier (SA) racer had earlier taken wins from Kevin McIvor (round one), Rick Smith – who beat Top Qualifier Sam Cardinale in the first round – and Darren Nichele in his Datsun 1200 Ute while Damiani had successfully battled against Chris Theo, Tim Parker and reigning champion Jason Arbery on his way to the final in his HG Monaro. In the Competition Bike ranks, three rounds of round-robin style racing saw the final come down to Top Qualifier and defending national champion Rob Cassar and former champion Tony Frost. When all was said and done, it was Frost who would take the victory aboard his recently revamped Suzuki machine from Cassar’s Kawasaki ZX14. On their way to the final, both racers also reset national records, with Frost resetting the B/CB mile per hour record to 138.75 miles per hour while Cassar reset both ends of the AA/CBN record to 4.568 seconds and 148.44 miles per hour. “Winning the South Coast Nationals was unexpected and great to achieve,” said Frost. “We went there knowing we could run under the Index, but with (current champion) Rob Cassar being there and knowing he was able to run under the national record, and also with Nathan Stone making a return, we weren’t sure what to expect. “Racing Rob in the final was especially tough – being great mates and knowing how fast that bullet can go, we knew we >
had to run a clean and fast race and make him work for it and hope things would go our way, which they did! “The race itself was clean and fast, and while we had an electrical gremlin in a previous elimination race which we put down to our lanyard connections, it didn’t show in the final. “I cut an okay .029 light for an advantage and part of me was waiting to see Rob ride around me, but he only went past after the finish line and I couldn’t believe our luck! “Resetting the MPH record was great as well – it wasn’t something we were chasing but I have to say thanks to Rob for the reminder to claim it. The bike has more left in it as a package too, it is just a matter of fine tuning it with the clutch and so on to get it to its full potential.
On her way to the big trophy, Steffens took on Greg Angus (round one) and Mike Evans while Stewart faced off against Craig Gerdes and Justin Russell to secure his spot in the final. In Super Gas, last year’s title runner-up Colin Griffin took out the big trophy with victory over Top Qualifier Michael DeRose in the final. Griffin and his Toyota Celica had earlier taken wins from last year’s champion Adrian McGrotty (round one) and Renee Cockerill on his way to the final while DeRose had emerged victorious from contests against Anton Krajina and Jason Wilson aboard his Don Ness Oldsmobile Chevy Cutlass.
“We actually have the chassis for sale at the moment too – we aren’t getting out of racing though, just working on something new,” he teased. “South Coast Raceway is one of those tracks I love to race at. The team there always has the facilities clean and tidy and they go out of their way to help the racers out – you couldn’t find a friendlier club and I think a lot of larger venues could take note of what they do there,” he said, while thanking his family and his crew; Rick, Jill and their family; Kim and Simon and the Queensland crew; Clint and Danielle at FORCE WEAR Group; Trevor at Trevor Birrell Racing; and Ballistic Race Parts for their ongoing support. In Supercharged Outlaws, Top Qualifier Christine Steffens continued her dominating form by securing her third win and fourth finals appearance of the season with victory over Tim Stewart and his ‘The Stang’ Mustang Funny Car.
A ROARING START TO 2020
Less than four weeks’ after the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series left Portland just before Christmas, more than 150 competitors were back at South Coast Raceway for the 2020 South Coast 660. After a busy day of qualifying on Saturday, Sunday hosted eliminations for 10 brackets with Jake Berias (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Gavin Dohnt (Modified Bike), Kelvin Brian (Super Street), Graeme Cooper (Super Sedan), Kenny Stewart (Modified), Glenn Henley (Top Sportsman), Levi Addison (Competition Bike), Matt Forbes (Super Comp), Christine Steffens (Supercharged Outlaws) and Colin Griffin (Super Gas) claiming the Silver ANDRA Christmas Trees at the conclusion of the event.
Taking home the runners-up plaques were Allirah Kardum (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), Bryan Finn (Modified Bike), Nikolas Karanovic (Super Street), Enio Marrocco (Super Sedan), Chris Farrell (Modified), Jason Arbery (Top Sportsman), Tony Frost (Competition Bike), Louis Svingos (Super Comp), Tim Stewart (Supercharged Outlaws) and Graeme Spencer (Super Gas). Also celebrated were Top Sportsman competitors Julian Carafa and Roc Puccini, who took home the Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award and a Perfect Light Award respectively (see page 37 of this magazine for more on those accolades). By taking out the victory in Modified Bike, Henly (VIC) racer Gavin Dohnt secured
his fourth event win of the season and continued his Portland winning streak after December’s South Coast Nationals and also the 2019 running of the South Coast 660 event. Also the DecoGlaze Glass Splashbacks Central Victoria Top Qualifier Medallion recipient for his bracket, Dohnt enjoyed a bye run in the opening round before going on to dispatch Derryn McGregor and Shane Walker prior to his final face-off against Bryan Finn. The former champion from Stirling North in South Australia had earned his second consecutive finals match-up against Dohnt by virtue of earlier victories over Paul Cooper (round one) and Levi Addison before he enjoyed a bye in the semi-final.
“The weekend was great. We had been hoping to test on Friday (which was rained out) as there were some things we wanted to try, so we tried all of those things at once in the first qualifier and that didn’t work, but the remaining qualifiers were good,” Dohnt explained. “In the third qualifier the bike went quicker than it has ever gone by half of a tenth, so it went very well and the track was just excellent. “It was really, really good (to get the fourth win). We have done one ‘fivetwenty’ pass at Mildura previously but all of our passes (on Sunday) except for one ‘roll off’ were in the five-twenty range so the bike was running really well and the track was really good considering the weather – from the startline prep to all the way down the track it was just great. “We had a really good weekend - the Modified Bike crew was great and it has just been a fantastic weekend with some fantastic people racing at a great club,” he concluded while thanking Komatsu Forrest Products, LV Dohnt Forrestry, PB Suspension, and his wife Jodie for their support. Another racer securing a fourth victory for the season was Christine Steffens, who secured not only the ANDRA Christmas Tree for Supercharged Outlaws but also the Chris Stewart Memorial Trophy. With this result, Steffens has been to every Supercharged Outlaws final run at this point of the season.
The Supercharged Outlaws racer from Queensland was also the Top Qualifier for her bracket, which allowed her to get her campaign for her fifth finals berth of the 19/20 Series underway in strong form with a bye run in round one. From there she faced off against Kane Finn before taking on Tim Stewart and his ‘The Stang’ 66 Mustang Funny Car in the final. Stewart – who secured back-to-back runners-up plaques – had earlier defeated Jason Keily (round one) before enjoying a bye run in the semi-final.
all one drag racing family.
“It was really a huge month for us – we broke an axle on the trailer coming down for the South Coast Nationals and after we won that meeting, we left the car with Justin Russell of Spud Racing who worked with Tony Frost who owns Warrnambool Pedders to get the axle fixed. We came back down on the Thursday to fit it back in and were very appreciative of their help,” Steffens explained.
A popular victory went to the much-loved Bricklayer EH Holden Station Wagon of Graeme Cooper in Super Sedan, with the Hastings (VIC) racer emerging the winner from a finals battle against Enio Marrocco and his Gemini Coupe.
“It was a really bumpy weekend for us as I just wasn’t finding my groove in the car, but thankfully we were still able to get it done in the final against Tim Stewart.
“This is our fourth win of the season and our fifth final, and I think it all comes down to having a good support crew with my husband Ricky and our crew guys Shaun and Dave – it is a real team effort with a bit of luck thrown in! “My thanks goes to South Coast Raceway, all of the hard working officials and firies, Summit Racing Equipment and Lockyer Engine Reconditioners.”
On his way to the final, Copper had dispatched Peter Tzokas (round one), Tony Tedesco, Steve Hunt and defending champion Martin Mirco while Marrocco had beaten Brett Mathew, Top Qualifier Brendan Carr, Tony Lamana and Des Jeffree.
“Tim is a really tough racer, as is Kane Finn who I raced in the second round for a double break-out. They are all tough racers so we are really very happy to be able to take out a win in such a competitive field.
“This is actually our 40th championship win including Victoria Divisional Championships, Australian Championships, Divisional Rounds and the US Nationals – there are 28 event wins and 12 Divisional Championships,” Cooper explained.
“To secure the Chris Stewart Memorial was very meaningful for us too and while I didn’t know Chris personally, I felt honoured to accept this trophy, as we are
“It feels pretty good! I got stuck on 37 there for a while – it feels very rewarding, we have been doing this for 42 years this year and it has been really, really good. >
“It was a good meeting overall too, not just because we won but because South Coast Raceway always runs a good show down there. “They threw some quality racers at us too – we had former champion Peter Tzokas in the first round, then Tony Tedesco who has been around for a while and Steve Hunt, then the current champion Martin Mirco. In the final I raced Enio Marrocco – we have been racing toe to toe since the nineties and he beat me up the last four times so it was nice to get one back on him! “We just had a really fun weekend like we always do and we managed to take away another win, so that was really nice! “I have to thank APS Service Centre in Frankston – I had a massive car accident on the way home from the Adelaide event where I wrote off my tow vehicle and two others in a freeway accident when I was cut off. They have been absolutely fantastic, lending me a tilt tray to go to the last meeting and helping me with parts to fix my other tow vehicle. Financially it has been a trying couple of months and they have just been fantastic, I wouldn’t be racing at the moment without them. “I also need to thank Paul Rogers Racing Transmissions, Ian McMasters Panels in Hastings, Ice Ignition, Paul Turner, Warner Signs and my beautiful wife Linda and my daughter Telisa. Finally, a special thank you has to go to South Coast Raceway – they are just amazing and put on a beautiful show, it is well worth the trip there as even if you don’t do well, you still feel so welcome.”
Enjoying a break-through win was Levi Addison, who notched up his first ever ANDRA Christmas Tree in the Competition Bike ranks. It was only the second Competition Bike event for the racer from Somerville in Victoria, who undertook double duty in Portland by also competing in the Modified Bike bracket. Addison faced off against former champion and South Coast Nationals winner Tony Frost in the final for the bracket which runs a Chicago Shootout racing format. The Top Qualifier for the bracket was Rob Cassar. “This is really good as it is only our second ever Competition Bike event, so I am pretty happy to get the win! I am just stoked to be honest,” Addison said. “I have raced Tony (Frost) a few times now so I was just concentrating on doing my own thing, he is super fast so I was praying that we just went that bit better!” he laughed. “It was a really good event for us, we got a PB as well as the win and we had no issues. I was also racing in Modified Bike so with doing the two classes it was a bit of a handful but it also meant more ride time which is always better. “I would like to thank my wife, my dad and my whole family for their support; as well as Addison Memorials, The Collective Family, Harley Heaven Melbourne, SRT
Signs, Faster Moto, Bad Company Racing and BMC Australia.” In the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster ranks, it all came down to defending series champion Jake Berias and Allirah Kardum. After a tight race, it was Berias – who also won the 2019 South Coast 660 – who would take the victory. On their way to the final, Berias had taken on Tim Baker (round one), championship leader Tommy Turic and George Limperis while Kardum had faced off successfully against Todd Wagner, Brooke Camilleri and Top Qualifier Sarah Donnelly. Kelvin Brian in Super Street was also grinning widely at the conclusion of the South Coast 660, with the Hamilton (VIC) racer taking his first ever national event win in his candy apple red ‘Super Roo’ Ford XU Ute. Brian defeated a hard-charging Nikolas Karanovic who broke-out by the smallest of margins in an intense final race. Earlier he had emerged victorious from battles against Andrew Gay (round one), Andrew Shirley, Ian Hick and Henry Spiack while Karanovic meanwhile had taken wins from last round victor Tony Barbara and Top Qualifier Peter Jephson in the opening two rounds, before enjoying a round three bye ahead of victory over Scott Cleary to book his place in the final. “It was fantastic to win, at my age to win something like a ANDRA Christmas Tree is really special,” said the 66-year-old who
has been drag racing for just two years. “Everything went right with the car all weekend and I relaxed and just enjoyed each run. South Coast Raceway really is an unbelievable track, the Committee is fantastic and the event ran ‘spot on’. I really enjoyed it. “I definitely plan to do more Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series rounds as I am really enjoying the sport of drag racing. At my age I am really enjoying the friendship of the sport too. I have always loved cars and I am really enjoying drag racing, especially at Portland! “I would like to thank South Coast Raceway, ANDRA and Summit Racing Equipment for all that they do and also HECS Screens and Service in Hamilton for their support.” In the Modified bracket, it was Kenny Stewart who would claim the victory with a win over local hero Chris Farrell in the final. The pair had matching dialins to create an exciting conclusion to the Modified proceedings at the South Coast 660, with the Tarneit (Victoria) racer
beating out Portland’s Farrell in his Fuchs Spitzer. Stewart had earlier taken on Davydd Estcourt, Bradley Hicks and Shane Wynd – who defeated Top Qualifier Simon Barlow in the second round – while Farrell emerged successful from match-ups against Josh Baker, Ashley Johnson and Adam Mundy. Glenn Henley is another racer who is notching up the wins this season, taking out his third event victory of 19/20 and his second in a row with a win over defending champion Jason Arbery in the Top Sportsman class. While both entrants red lighted in the final, it was Henley who was handed the victory in his Datsun Ute by virtue of Arbery being the first to commit the transgression. Henley had earlier taken wins from Tim Parker (round one), Joe Ridenti and Top Qualifier Dean Cleary before enjoying a bye run in the semis while Arbery had taken on and defeated Stuart McBain in the first round ahead of a round two bye and wins over Leon Davies and Sam Cardinale.
Technical infringements also decided the Super Comp final, with Matt Forbes accepting the light before deciding to not complete the run while his opponent Louis Svingos red lighted. Forbes, from Canadian in Victoria, therefore took out the victory in his Chevrolet Cavalier over Adelaide’s Svingos and his VF Valiant despite not having travelled down the race track. This finals match-up which yielded backto-back event victories for Forbes was setup courtesy of victories over Shane Baxter and Graeme Simms for Forbes and Top Qualifier Craig Geddes for Svingos, who benefited from a round two bye ahead of the final. The Super Gas bracket was another to host a back-to-back victor, with South Coast Nationals winner Colin Griffin again walking away victorious with a successful race over Graeme Spencer. The Craigieburn (Victoria) resident had earlier defeated Renee Cockerill and Michael De Rose aboard his Toyota Celica while Spencer had taken wins from Anton Krajina and Top Qualifier Jason Wilson in his 63 Corvette.
South Coast Nationals photos courtesy of Automotive Event Images South Coast 660 photos courtesy of Outlaw Images
For full results from both the South Coast Nationals and the South Coast 660, please CLICK HERE The next round of the 2019/2020 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series will be held at the Perth Motorplex, with the 49th Westernationals to be hosted by the venue across February 29 to March 1, 2020. The event will feature not only all the racing for the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series, but also Top Fuel, the West Coast Top Doorslammer Challenge and the West Coast Nitro Bike Challenge. For event information, visit www.motorplex.com.au or www.andra.com.au
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tech
torque
Water Works: Inside Edelbrock Victor Mechanical Water Pumps STORY AND PHOTOS BY WAYNE SCRABA
For the average racer, a belt-driven mechanical water pump is the norm. On the surface, all water pumps look the same. But as with most performance parts, all mechanical pumps are not created equal. Take Edelbrock’s Victor Series water pumps. They look like most any cast aluminium pump, but they are all business on the inside. Edelbrock’s first consideration was creating internal pump water passages to have a unidirectional shape and equalised flow. The outlet holes of the pump were enlarged to increase flow, and the internal passages were formed with gentle, rounded radii to reduce flow losses around the bolt bosses in the outlet passages. In other words, Edelbrock ‘ported’ the Victor pump so it can flow more coolant at a higher velocity, but at a lower RPM.
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Edelbrock designed a large CNC-machined cast iron impeller that is stronger and more dimensionally accurate than stamped steel impellers. Better still, the impeller design flows as much as 20 percent more coolant at a much higher pressure. This produces less cavitation at high RPM and equalises coolant flow throughout the engine.
Ed Pink first measured the flow characteristics from both sides of the engine by dividing the engine’s cooling system into two separate parts. Flow meters measured coolant flow from both cylinder banks; pressure transducers located in the coolant lines near the flow meters monitored side-to-side block and heated coolant flow pressure.
Short-style Victor Series pumps have a flat rear backing plate with less clearance between it and the back of the impeller. This reduces water shear, resulting in less frictional horsepower loss within the pump. The short-style pumps use an O-ring backing plate seal for increased durability, plus a machined billet steel fan mounting hub.
The Victor Series pump created almost 3 PSI more pressure than the nearest rival with total flow exceeding 11.5 GPM more than the other aftermarket pump and 3.1 GPM more flow than the factory Chevrolet hi-po pump. Side-to-side flow balance testing showed that the Victor Series water pump was within 1/10th of a gallon on each side of the engine. The resulting reduction in sideto-side cylinder head temperature means a racer running a Victor pump can tune the engine “closer to the edge” for more power.
Edelbrock uses 3/4 inch diameter ball/roller bearings on many Victor water pumps. This large bearing diameter means the pump shaft can withstand higher torsional loads at high RPM. To prevent cam walk – and the fluctuations in engine timing that go with it – some Victor Series water pumps incorporate an adjustable cam stop. Once the stop is adjusted against the timing cover, cam thrust movement is minimised. So how do all of these good features affect performance? Years ago, Ed Pink Racing Engines put a Victor Series pump to the test against a heavy-duty OEM aluminium racing pump and another aftermarket pump. Using a 355 cubic inch Chevy NASCAR powerplant, test criteria included cylinder block water pressure, total pump flow, and side-to-side water pump flow balance.
The increased coolant flow, equalised pressure, and superior side-to-side balance means a Victor Series water pump doesn’t need to turn as quickly to flow serious coolant. The increased coolant pressure inside the block and heads ensures maximum heat transfer, particularly in the critical area surrounding the spark plug bosses. This reduces the chance of detonation and worse yet, cylinder head cracking. The bottom line here is, using the right mechanical water pump can deliver improved power and engine reliability. That makes an Edelbrock Victor Series pump worth careful consideration for your race engine.
Edelbrock’s Victor Series aluminium water pump for small block Chevy doesn’t look much different than any other water pump. The casting is nice and the snout is obviously precision-machined. But it’s inside the pump where the differences can be found.
The mounting hub is machined from billet steel and drilled to accept either of the common Chevy fan bolt patterns. Behind the hub is a large 3/4” diameter ballroller bearing assembly.
Edelbrock’s engineers determined that the internal pump water passages had to be a unidirectional shape with equal volume. Working within existing mounting bolt spacing, the outlet holes of the pump were enlarged to increase flow. Internal passages were formed with gentle, rounded radii to reduce flow around the bolt bosses in the outlet passages. In short, they “ported” the water pump.
Flip the pump over and you’ll find a heavy-duty, cadmium-plated steel backing plate and an O-ring seal are included for increased durability. Other water pump configurations use a conventional stamped cover with a standard gasket for sealing.
The Victor water pump is designed to accept a stock heater hose along with a bypass hose. There are also bosses to accept various OEM accessories.
Another consideration is pump rotation. You can get a standard rotation (clockwise) pump like this one or a reverse rotation (counter-clockwise) pump for use with serpentine belt accessory drives.
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. 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
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2019/20 CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS
COMPETITION
PTS
SUPER SEDAN
PTS
SUPER STOCK
PTS
SUPER STREET
PTS
COMPETITION BIKE
PTS
MODIFIED BIKE
PTS
TOP SPORTSMAN
PTS 300 300 300 270 230
Tommy Turic Brodie Zappia Sarah Donnelly Jake Berias Aidan Abel
SUPERCHARGED OUTLAWS
PTS
SUPER GAS
MODIFIED
PTS
Craig Geddes Terry Waterman Shane Baxter Wayne Keys Steve Martin
Matthew Forbes Graeme Simms Louis Svingos Errol Quartermaine Adrian Vella
Tony Frost Robert Cassar Levi Addison Phill Paton Wayne Patterson
Vlado Turic Jason Arbery Glenn Henley Greg Damiani Leon Davies
Christine Steffens Justin Russell Tim Stewart Jon Ferguson Mark Hunt
Adam Mundy Chris Farrell Bradley Hicks Joshua Baker Kenny Stewart
165 110 105 100 80
280 200 180 120 80
205 170 150 125 100
300 300 200 180 130
220 200 180 160 160
Chris Lioulios Martin Mirco Joe Carbone Peter Tzokas Brett Mathew
Michael Giannaros Nikolas Karanovic Rodney Kerr Paul Garbellini Michael Jennings
Gavin Dohnt Levi Addison Bryan Finn Derryn McGregor Shane Walker
JUNIOR DRAGSTER
Colin Griffin Michael DeRose Renee Cockerill Jason Wilson Graeme Spencer
300 300 220 190 180
290 290 220 190 180
300 250 220 160 160
PTS 300 270 260 240 190
PTS 300 200 180 180 180
CLICK HERE OR GO TO ANDRA.COM.AU FOR FULL CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS
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E H T O T N U R C I P E
H S I P N U I FSHAPING
Photos courtesy of High Octane Photos, Outlaw Images and BrightDesign.com.au
Just three rounds remain in the 2019/2020 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Championship chase: the Westernationals at the Perth Motorplex (February 29/March 1), the Sunset Strip’s Twilight Nationals in Mildura (March 13-14) and the ANDRA Grand Final at Adelaide International Raceway (March 28-29). With seven rounds already complete, the 2019/2020 season has provided plenty of amazing race battles, event victories and exciting triumphs so far at events held at Alice Springs Inland Dragway, the Hidden Valley Drag Strip, the Sunset Strip, the Perth Motorplex and South Coast Raceway “What a great season we have had so far with stand-out events including the Desert Nationals, NT Nationals, the Sunset Strip Nationals, the Goldenstates – including the return of the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragsters to Perth – and the back-to-back events at South Coast Raceway,” ANDRA Chief Executive Officer, Brett Stevens, said. “As we do every season, our racers have delivered special victories alongside gut-wrenching losses and we have welcomed both new and returning faces while witnessing impressive performances by racers at all levels from all over the country. “All along the way we have visited some fantastic venues and benefited from the efforts of these tracks’ passionate staff and volunteers to bring events together. “It hasn’t all been rosy of course, and in particular the return of championship-level drag racing to Adelaide
International Raceway hit a significant bump when technical issues forced the abandonment of the Rowe Memorial in November. “However, I am pleased to report that the planning and preparation for the ANDRA Grand Final in Adelaide is full steam ahead with particular efforts made to address the concerns raised by racers and spectators in November. As such, we are expecting a great event for all involved in late March – and with the concrete walls now complete, the event promoter has confirmed the event will race over the quarter-mile as planned. “I wish to take this opportunity to thank all of our ANDRA members, volunteers, spectators, supporting partners and sponsors; as well as the tracks, their staff and officials and sponsors; and everyone else involved in making the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series what it is for their efforts and their continuing support. “Here is to what is shaping up to be a great conclusion to our 2019/2020 season!” To see how your favourite racers are faring in the points standings ahead of the Westernationals, please go to page 19 of this magazine.
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THE 49TH ANNUAL WESTERNATIONALS WHERE:
Perth Motorplex, Perth (WA)
WHEN:
February 29 – March 1
EVENT INFO:
www.motorplex.com.au
The 49th annual Westernationals will not only host round eight of the 2019/2020 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series but also the return of Top Fuel racing to the iconic facility while Top Doorslammers and Top Fuel Motorcycles will also vie for an ANDRA Christmas Tree. This is one of the biggest events in WA drag racing and will take place over the WA Labour Day Long Weekend in March. Qualifying will be held over Saturday ahead of the eliminations racing on Sunday. The two Top Fuellers of Peter Xiberras and Phil Lamattina will match race three times each day.
THE TWILIGHT NATIONALS
WHERE:
The Sunset Strip, Mildura (VIC)
WHEN:
March 13 – March 14
EVENT INFO:
www.sunsetstrip.org.au
The Twilight Nationals event was introduced for the first time in 2019 and quickly gained popularity amongst both racers and spectators. In 2020, the Mildura event has moved in the schedule to become the penultimate event of the 2019/2020 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series. Racing after dark is the name of the game at this two-day event, with Friday’s schedule running from 4.00pm to midnight while Saturday’s eliminations racing will take place from 3.00pm until around 10.30pm.
THE ANDRA GRAND FINALS
WHERE:
Adelaide International Raceway (SA)
WHEN:
March 28 – March 29
EVENT INFO:
www.adelaidedrags.com.au
The ANDRA Grand Finals will be contested over the quarter-mile race distance at Adelaide International Raceway following the completion of new concrete walls for the South Australian facility. A number of other upgrades are also being put in place by venue owners in time for the Grand Final, including a mound remodel, additional toilets, new nets and new timing wiring. The two day event will be held across a Saturday and Sunday, with Saturday hosting qualifying ahead of Sunday eliminations racing in what will be the final stand for the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series for the 2019/2020 season.
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Photos courtesy of Automotive Event Images
V
R E H T O R B R E H
T O BR
The Knezevic brothers put on a classy show in the final of the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster bracket at December’s South Coast Nationals.
The Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster final at what was round six of the 2019/2020 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series was an all-Knezevic affair, with Narre Warren South (Victoria) brothers Dylan and Zack Knezevic facing off in the final round. While the sons of Super Sedan racer Danko Knezevic, who was also racing at the event, had a big prize to fight over, the pair put on a classy show full of respect and sibling affection to the delight of
those watching on at Portland’s South Coast Raceway. Ultimately it was Zack who took out the victory over Dylan, however he says that his younger brother – who earlier dispatched DecoGlaze Glass Splashbacks Victoria Top Qualifier Medallion recipient Daniel Carranza in the third round – will be reminding him of how he got his victory for a long time. “It felt insane to get to the final and to verse my brother – especially at a national event and in my first finals,” 16-year-old Zack exclaimed. “It was a good race and he beat me! He beat me on the line, I only won because he broke-out. He thrashed me, so I am very lucky. I am never going to hear the end of it,” he laughed.
“I want to thank Addicted Performance, my dad, my mum, my uncle, my brothers, my cousin and my girlfriend for all of their support.” While he didn’t take the victory, Dylan was still very excited with the result. “It was pretty exciting to get to the final – I wasn’t that nervous, it felt good and I am proud of Zack. It has been a good day!” said the 13 year old. “This is my first national series event and my first final and I have been racing for about six months. I want to thank my dad and my brothers, my uncle, my cousin and my mum.” For more on how the South Coast Nationals unfolded, please go to page 8 of this magazine.
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NEW 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 LRS RACING – THE SHOCK SHOP, 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.
LRS Racing – The Shock Shop: 10 percent off its services
The North Carolina (USA) based business is run by Clifford Lovendahl – who is also a crew member for the world’s quickest and fastest woman on two wheels, Australia’s Niki Zak – and his father David Lovendahl. The company has been in the shock absorber business for more than 40 years and offers a number of services including revalving for any front strut or rear shock and assistance with upgrading your current suspension to new JRI, Bilstein or Penske suspension. Lovendahl says he can also offer a digital grip meter that has 100 memory settings for USD800 instead of the Conventional
grip meter that goes for USD1,600-1,700. This meter has reportedly been tested in the NHRA and has proven consistent with the leading grip meters. “From dirt track racing to NASCAR to drag racing we have been involved and we have the experience to cover your shock absorber needs,” Lovendahl said. “From revalving to assistance with technical tools we can help. We have also recently been making chemicals for tyres to increase the grip and the tyre life, as you don’t have to do the monster burnouts which use up a lot of the tyre and put a lot of strain and wear and tear on the drive train.” It is no surprise that LRS Racing – The Shock Shop has signed up to the ANDRA Member Benefits Program, with Lovendahl having a number of ties to the Australian industry. “The main reason I was interested in joining this program was to broaden
my outreach to racers in the Australian region,” Lovendahl said. “I have worked with Niki since 2017 including doing three-angle slow motion analysis videos and we also have numerous customers who run our shock absorber package, including NHRA Pro Stock driver Shane Tucker and his Aussie posse. “I will be coming over to Australia in June and I am looking forward to meeting more Aussie racers there and it will be great to put faces to names. “I am really looking forward to being able to help Australian racers with their racing programs through the ANDRA member benefits program.” LRS Racing – The Shock Shop is located at 20 Hillcrest Dr Harrisburg, North Carolina USA 28075. For more information, contact Clifford Lovendahl on (303) 5054193 or lovendahlracingsolutions@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/theshockshop
A WHOLE HOST OF BENEFITS AWAIT
LRS Racing – The Shock Shop joins a growing list of companies who are ready and waiting to help ANDRA members, including: • Q TR MILE CHILD
• D ECOGLAZE GLASS SPLASHBACKS CENTRAL VICTORIA • B URNS STAINLESS
FREE TO JOIN!
• W A SUSPENSIONS
• D EVELO-PRO (D-PRO
• R ICK’S MOBILE SLOT CARS
• C OOLSHIRT SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA • T HE CAMPAIGN COMPANY
• C & R MOTORSPORT DEVELOPMENTS
• P RECISION TURBO & ENGINE
• A NDYK DESIGN
• V ISNER ENGINE DEVELOPMENT
• S HANNONS INSURANCE
• P ERFORMANCE TOWING WA
• H USSEY PERFORMANCE, LLC
• FAST & LOUD INDUSTRIES
• S TREET MACHINE
• A RC - APPLIED RACING COMPONENTS
• T HE MOVING MAN
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. 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 which is distributed to more than 36,000 ANDRA and NHRA members, and the regular 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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AUSTRALIA DAY FOR CANBERRA DRAG
Drag racer and Royal Australian Navy Captain Tony Miskelly was announced on Australia Day as the recipient of a Conspicuous Service Cross. The Conspicuous Service Cross was introduced in 1989 by the Australian Department of Defence to recognise outstanding devotion to duty, or outstanding achievement in the application of exceptional skills, judgement or dedication, in non-warlike situations. The bestowing of the prestigious Cross, which will be officially presented in a future Government Investitures ceremony, comes in recognition of Captain Miskelly’s “outstanding devotion to duty during the introduction into service of the HMAS Hobart.” The official Australia Day Honours announcement from the Department of Defence stated “Captain Miskelly has demonstrated technical mastery of the highest order and has consistently performed exceptionally, ashore and at
sea in several challenging postings. His unparalleled technical knowledge and drive for collective excellence resulted in the flawless execution of the Royal Australian Navy’s inaugural Aegis Compact System Ship Qualification Trials. His performance has been exemplary and a critical enabler in establishing Australia’s Aegis capability.” The 54 year old has been a part of the Royal Australian Navy for 35 years, and today is a Weapons Electrical Engineering Officer (WEEO) who holds the rank of Captain.
“To be recognised as part of the Australia Day honours is a very humbling experience and particularly so for being identified for recognition from within a very high performing team,” Captain Miskelly said. “The award was for the period I was involved in the introduction into service of the guided missile destroyer, the HMAS Hobart, which was the first of three destroyers built in Osborne, South Australia. My involvement commenced in January 2013 when the first keel blocks were being constructed and I did not post off until January 2019.
“In my role as WEEO for HMAS Hobart, I lead a team of electronics technicians who were responsible for the Aegis Weapon System including missile fire control, SPY1(D)V phased array radar, communications systems, Vertical Launch System, the Mk45 Main Gun and all associated explosive ordnance.
“The opportunity to deploy HMAS Hobart DDG39 to the west coast of the USA to undertake combat system trials and demonstrate Australia’s newest warship capabilities, including multiple missile firings, was definitely a career highlight. “I have been involved with the Royal Australian Navy for more than three decades and not only has it provided amazing opportunities like with HMAS Hobart, it also gave me the opportunity to gain a trade and get educated. I am a Radio Fitter Mechanic and I also hold a Bachelors Degree of Engineering and two Masters Degrees (Engineering and Management). If anyone is looking for a job which will enable them to have multiple careers and opportunities for self-improvement, the Navy can offer that to you,” he said.
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Y HONOURS G RACER Photos supplied from Captain Miskelly’s personal library and also (action image) BrightDesign.com.au
Canberra’s Captain Miskelly is not only an accomplished Navy man, but also quite handy on the drag strip.
Pinks All Out at Virginia Motorsports Park where he made the final 32 cars which was quite an experience.
“I started off-street drag racing at Sydney Dragway with my road registered fourdoor Rambler Hornet in 2009 - it ran a 360 LA motor with a 727 Torqueflight transmission and went down the quarter mile with an ET around 13.5 seconds,” he explained.
“When I returned to Australia in 2012 I brought my AMC Hornet back with me and began racing with ANDRA in South Australia in 2013, competing in events at Adelaide International Raceway, Whyalla, Mildura, Portland and Calder Park.
“I was lucky enough to gain an exchange posting with the United States Navy in 2010 and 2011. While living in Virginia Beach (Virginia), I purchased my current 1973 AMC Hornet Coupe – it was only a roller at the time and I spent six months getting it to a completed state to race.
“I was happy to be able to bring the car back with me to Australia as this make wasn’t released in Australia as only the four-door Hornets were.
“I used my race car project to travel around the USA. The motor was purchased in Indiana, the transmission in New York State and the trailer in Tennessee and once the car was finished I was able to race in Virginia and North Carolina for 18 months.
“It is a three-quarter chassis with many panels replaced with fibreglass, it has a funny car roll cage with X bars fitted, and is fitted with a 447ci small block Chev and Powerglide. I also run an old school Enderle mechanical fuel injection system (with methanol) and the engine generates around 800 horsepower. I am yet to gain a ANDRA Christmas Tree but so far my Personal Best is 8.79 seconds on the quarter mile.
“I also had the opportunity to crew for one of my American mates in the TV series
“As an engineer, I really enjoy the technical aspects of Drag Racing. I scale my own
car and set up weight distribution. Also, I respect the opportunities for people trying to get into drag racing on limited budgets and believe the ability to race in Super Street and Super Sedan should continue. “The most important part of drag racing for me at the end of the day has been the friendships I have made, in particular within the South Australian drag racing community. “I also want to say a special thank you to Matt Morton and Ric Machetta – both are fellow serving members of the Royal Australian Navy who are also motorsports enthusiasts and have crewed for me between 2014 to 2019. Their assistance during race meets and resolving car problems has been fantastic, I am looking forward to the next time we can compete together and hopefully obtain that first national event win!” Everyone at ANDRA congratulates Captain Miskelly on his Conspicuous Service Cross and thanks him for his service to Australia as part of the Royal Australian Navy.
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LONG HAUL IN FOR THE
Photos courtesy of Benaraby Dragway, Insane Grunt Automotive Photography and Rogue Snapper Photography
The Central Queensland Drag Racing Association (CQDRA), the operator of Benaraby Dragway, has signed a 10 year sanctioning agreement with the Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA). “We are very excited to announce this new 10-year deal with the longest standing drag racing body in Australia and to play a role in supporting the growth of our beloved sport of drag racing,” CQDRA President, Mike Gawley, said. “ANDRA has supported Benaraby Dragway since our inception and the entire racer base at Benaraby are already long-term ANDRA licence holders or obtain Day Licences at each event, so this decision gives our current racers stability in knowing that their licences will continue to be valid, and that the people and procedures they have come to know will be unchanged for years to come. “ANDRA also has and will continue to support our venue with technical assistance, competitive licencing, excellent insurance and great sponsorship opportunities. The communication with ANDRA has also always been strong and positive and all of these elements give us the confidence to commit to them for the long haul.” “We are delighted with this new agreement which allows ANDRA and
CQDRA to confirm our long term commitment to each other,” ANDRA Chief Executive Officer, Brett Stevens, said. “We are grateful to have the support of the Club and are excited to be able to ensure our valued and loyal Queensland members have a great facility to race at.” Benaraby Dragway is getting 2020 off to a busy start, with a number of exciting events already announced and more to come – including a potential round of the national Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series later in the year. “There is a lot going on this year already! From our Club Championship rounds (round one will be held on February 22nd) to our annual All Bike event to our Come and Try Days, it is going to be a very busy year for us,” Gawley said. “Something we are particularly passionate about is the Come and Try concept. These days are going to be a staple product for Benaraby in 2020. Being less about making money and more about growing the sport, these days invite the general public right out to the starting line and
into the driver’s seat; and because it is not a competitive environment, seasoned racers can give their time freely to new individuals in a relaxed, controlled and safe environment. “We take them through all the personal safety gear required, vehicle specs, licensing, scrutineering, staging, safe launches, vehicle control and emergency procedures. They also get a detailed explanation of how to dial in their ET, how to read their time slips, and what adjustments to make for gradual improvements. “It was never practical for us to offer this service during a race meet or even an Off-Street meet, and so we were seeing many people staying just outside the realm of drag racing despite having a great interest. From this concept the club members get great satisfaction from sharing their knowledge with new racers, the new racers of course get the thrill of a lifetime, and we can play our part in growing our sport while providing a safe place to race and encouraging people to keep their racing off the streets. It really is a Win-Win for all.
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L
y
“This years’ Come and Try days are mostly scheduled for the Saturdays before our Off-Street meets which means that any prospective racer can show up during a daylight Come and Try day, learn the basics very carefully, and return with confidence the following Friday night for our Off-Street meet and get in on the full experience. Those who take to it naturally will have the opportunity to join our annual championship points series. From these people, we expect that some of next year’s regular racers will emerge and continue to share the experience with us. “While the Come and Try Days will be a core focus for us in 2020, there is also lots else on offer of course. “Our annual All Bike event is always off the charts and this year will see a partnership with a local Harley performance vendor make what is already a great event phenomenal, allowing us to invite quicker competitors from across the nation to compete for larger prize money as they look to become the quickest street registered Harleys on the continent. “We have also been recently approached by a major 4x4 parts manufacturer who would like to pursue racing avenues for their customers and enthusiasts alike. We will attempt to cater to their needs with direct assistance from ANDRA in an effort to provide a safe arena for their drag racing dreams. “Big diesels with big turbos are making big power in these 4x4s and these people need a controlled environment to put the power to the ground. Benaraby Dragway will help them meet these needs, and these people will help grow the
Australian sport of drag racing in Central Queensland.” After hosting the Summit Racing Queensland Championship in previous years, Gawley says the Club is particularly excited about the prospect of a nationallevel Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series round at the venue in the future. “We are certainly looking forward to hosting a round of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series!” he said. “We enjoyed hosting the Summit Racing Queensland Championship over the last few years and the competition there was great while the support from Summit Racing Equipment and ANDRA was unmatched by any. “We will be proud to be the host here for ANDRA as they support us for this round. This will be a true highlight event for Benaraby Dragway and require good support from our allies at ANDRA. They have proven time and again that they are here to help us enjoy the sport we all love, and this year will be no exception.” The club has also taken the initiative of adding some new classes to its club championship line-up. “We have two new bike classes - the Super Twins Bike and the Streetfighter Bike class,” Gawley said. “We expect to see a number of racers who have been contesting our hugely successful Jr Drag Bikes class over the last three years graduate to these new classes this year and indeed that is why we developed the mid-level Streetfighter
Bike class, to give them a stepping stone up rather than forcing them straight into the fast-paced Modified Bike ranks. “It will also be perfect for all of our Street bike racers that come from near and far to our Friday Night Off-Street meets who are looking to step up but aren’t ready for the Modified Bike field. We believe the introduction of these two new classes will really tighten up the Modified Bike competition while the Streetfighter class will create a new group of racers who have a new championship goal to chase. “Meanwhile the Super Twins Bike class will feature American V-Twins battling for the best ET with increased mods, power adders, slicks, and stringent safety measures – all approved by ANDRA technical. The early feedback for these new classes is already exceptionally positive and we can’t wait to see how the championship battles unfold across 2020! “At the end of the day, our club is made up of a great pool of individuals and we all have one thing in common – a love of drag racing. While promoting drag racing, we also want to promote positive attitudes, good sportsmanship, family fun and the support of our own here in Australia. “Even our local government is trying to help us to make positive changes to our venue which will help us to support local businesses and the local economy while providing a much better and safer atmosphere for community entertainment. We are very excited about what is to come!” For more information about Benaraby Dragway, visit www.benarabydragway.com
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BANDING TOGET
BUSHFI
With devastating bushfires touching the lives of so many across Australia, many ANDRA members have dug deep to support disaster relief programs across the country and to lend a hand to their fellow Australians where they can. A fantastic example of this charitable spirit can be found by looking at the efforts around the Perth Motorplex’s Summer Slam and Funny Car Match Race in early January. On Saturday the 4th of January, an approximately 8,000 strong crowd dug deep attended the event which featured 10 Top Doorslammers, seven Nitro Bikes and two local Nitro Funny Cars and was swiftly put together by the Perth Motorplex team after the Aeroflow Funny Car convoy was unable to get to Perth Motorplex for the event due to bushfire road closures. The Perth Motorplex welcomed two fire trucks and volunteer firefighters from the
Mandogolup Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade to raise funds for the families of volunteer New South Wales firefighters Samuel McPaul, Geoffrey Keaton and Andrew O’Dwyer, who were tragically killed while on duty in December 2019. The appeal touched the hearts of event patrons and the Mandogolup Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade managed to raise $10,176.45. The money will be divided equally and deposited into the NSW Rural Fire Service accounts set up for the families of the firefighters who have lost their lives. VenuesWest will also donate $8,000, representing $1 from every ticket sold by Perth Motorplex, to Bushfire Volunteers, the peak body for Western Australia’s 20,000+ registered members of the State’s more than 550 Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades. The registered charity provides and manages hardship payments directly to the families of volunteers who suffer injury and other loss at the hands of fire and works to ensure the women and men
of Western Australia’s largest emergency service are properly resourced, supported and represented. “Perth Motorplex and VenuesWest are very grateful for the generosity of our patrons and the motorsport community which has enabled us to support Bushfire Volunteers and their important work with Western Australian volunteers,” VenuesWest Chief Executive Officer, David Etherton, said. “We would like to express our sincerest thanks to everyone that got involved in the appeal and to the emergency services men and women who are working day and night to protect lives and homes in our State and around the country.” A further $1,935.60 was raised for Bushfire Volunteers by members of the WA Drag Racing Association and Perth Motorplex promotional staff shaking tins at the venue. “We are incredibly grateful for this donation from VenuesWest, Perth Motorplex and importantly, the event
For more information or if you would like to donate to the causes referred to above, please visit www.bushfire.org.au
THER FOR
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IRE RELIEF Images courtesy of Liz Johns and High Octane Photos
attendees,” Bushfire Volunteers Executive Officer, Darren Brown, said. “As the peak body for Western Australia’s 20,000+ registered Bush Fire Brigade volunteers, the association will use this very welcome funding boost to contribute toward the work we do to represent, support and promote our members and the invaluable work they donate to keep our community safe. “The Bushfire Volunteers association is working hard to increase the breadth and number of services we provide to our volunteers and state government and this donation will assist in delivering that important goal more quickly.” Craig Treeby, Captain, Mandogalup Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade added: “our tin rattle…at the Perth Motorplex for the families of fallen firefighters in New South Wales was a phenomenal success. On behalf of the Mandogalup Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade we give many thanks to the generous patrons and the staff at Perth Motorplex.”
the
powerof humanity
As part of its wish to assist the fundraising efforts, ANDRA has registered with the Australian Red Cross as a fundraising partner. The Red Cross supports people through disaster recovery by being there to provide practical and emotional support and information. Across January and February 2020, $5.00 from every ANDRA licence registration or renewal is being donated to the Australian Red Cross’ Disaster relief and recovery appeal. Initial payments have already been made and further fundraising payments will be made at regular intervals. Anyone wishing to donate further funds may also do so via the ANDRA fundraising page at https://fundraise.redcross.org.au/fundraisers/andra All donations over $2 are tax deductible and you'll receive a receipt via email. Please join us in supporting the Red Cross in their vital work during this very difficult time for so many across our great country.
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2019/20
championship calendar
ROUND 1 AUGUST 3-4, 2019 Alice Springs Inland Dragway – Desert Nationals
ROUND 2 AUGUST 9-10, 2019 Hidden Valley Drag Strip – NT Nationals
ROUND 3 SEPTEMBER 21-22, 2019 Mildura’s Sunset Strip – The Sunset Strip Nationals
ROUND 4 NOVEMBER 9, 2019 Perth Motorplex – The Goldenstates
ROUND 5 NOVEMBER 23, 2019
Adelaide International Raceway – DecoGlaze Glass Splashbacks Rowe Memorial
ROUND 6 DECEMBER 14-15, 2019 Portland’s South Coast Raceway – South Coast Nationals
ROUND 7 JANUARY 11-12, 2020 Portland’s South Coast Raceway – South Coast 660
ROUND 8 FEBRUARY 29 – MARCH 1, 2020 Perth Motorplex – The Westernationals
ROUND 9 MARCH 13-14, 2020 Mildura’s Sunset Strip – Twilight Nationals
ROUND 10 MARCH 28-29, 2020 Adelaide International Raceway – Grand Final
*Please note this calendar is subject to change.
.000 light
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perfect
ROC PUCCINI
Outlaw Images
After almost two years out of the seat, Top Sportsman racer Roc Puccini impressed with a perfect light at the 2020 South Coast 660 with a brand new combination in his 2006 ‘Dirty Rat’ GTO Pontiac.
It was also a special weekend for the Hopevalley (SA) racer for another reason, as it was his first event as part of a twocar team alongside his son Cosi Puccini, who has only recently started racing in Super Sedan. “I knew I had hit the light well, as you sort of tend to get a feel for it over the years when you have caught the light properly, but I never expected it to be a perfect light as (before the South Coast 660) I hadn’t been in the seat since April 2018,” Puccini explained. “That pass was my first eliminations pass since I raced at Whyalla back in 2018 – we had had problems and so I rebuilt the whole car, so it was definitely a surprise. I knew I had hit it well, but I never expected a triple zero! “It was the second time in my racing career that I have achieved a triple zero in eliminations, I have done a few in qualifying but I had also run one at the Winternationals back in 2008 in the quarter-finals. “As it was the first meeting with the new combo and to get past the first round is
always good, we were feeling pretty good, but after cutting such a good light in the first round I was a bit late on the light in the second round worrying about going red as we have all done at some point or another! I went from hero to zero real quick,” he laughed. “It was also the first time that my son and I were racing at the same meeting – we had just finished his car in time for the South Coast Nationals and then this was the first time running as a two-car team so it was a busy but really great weekend for us. “I can’t say enough about the boys and girls at South Coast Raceway either. They do a brilliant job and I have actually left my car there and my son’s car there ready for the next two events they have coming up. “I have been going to Portland for something like ten years, it was a shame to miss out last year with the car off the road and now my whole family plans their working holidays around Portland’s calendar as they all love going there. We head there as a whole family and it is just a great place to be. Out of all the
1/8th mile tracks that I have been to in Australia, in my opinion it is the best one. “The grounds are always nice and green, they always do everything that they can, and I haven’t had a grudge run in 15-20 years of competition racing and at the South Coast 660, my son and I managed to have two! They are so efficient in how they run things there. “Aside from South Coast Raceway, I would also like to thank PG Automotive for building an awesome engine for me and for all their work over the last 14 years we have worked together; my son and the rest of the family; and all of the associate sponsors I have had over the years – without them you can’t get around the country! “This is a great sport and I really do love it which is why I have been doing it for so long and I have no intentions of stopping anytime soon – a few years ago my son hoped to step into my car and I said ‘I am not done yet!” he laughed. For more on the 2020 South Coast 660, please go to page 8 of this magazine.
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32 Outlaw Images
BRENDAN CARR
racerprofile Age 36 years old Hometown Bushfield Occupation Owner/Manager of Carr Concrete Constructions Pty Ltd Started racing 2019 Classes competed Super Sedan & Top Gas Best ET and speed 5.42 seconds over 1/8 mile Sponsors Carr Concrete Constructions, Peter Baulch Bridgestone Tyres & Premium Paintworks Favourite TV show Fast & Loud Favourite food Pizza Favourite racetrack South Coast Raceway, Portland
What did it mean for you to take out the DecoGlaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Medallion at the recent South Coast 660? I was completely blown away by taking out top qualifier. Being new to the sport and meeting so many great competitors, I was shocked to take it out but very excited. After top qualifying with a personal best effort, how did the rest of the South Coast 660 event unfold for you?
Turning up on the Sunday and finding out I had a bye for my first run took the pressure off and our whole team was excited. After launching hard at the startline and lifting the front wheels up, I had a pretty good run. Unfortunately a mechanical fault on the start line in the second run put me out of the competition. I was able to race in a grudge run later in the day though where I did a PB which was good. What is it that you love about drag racing and what brought you to the sport? I love the adrenaline of racing and the social aspect of meeting new people and building my confidence.
What are your plans and overall goals for the rest of your 2019/2020 season? My main plan is to try and get more seat time, get consistent times and to try and keep the front wheels down!!! Is there anyone you would like to shine the spotlight on for their support of your racing? I’d like to thank my four mates who are my pit crew and have been by my side at every event and helping out to get the car right, their support means a lot. Also I want to say thank you to my family who support me and allow me to travel around to events.
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34 SPEED Photography
ALLIRAH KARDUM
racerprofile Age 12 years old Hometown Melbourne Occupation Student Started racing 2017 Best ET and speed 8.55s Sponsors RK Carpentry and Speed Pro-Dandy Exhaust Favourite race vehicle: A/JD Spitzer Favourite TV show Street Outlaws Favourite food Asian and Greek Favourite racetrack South Coast Raceway in Portland and also Sydney Dragway
How are you finding racing in the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster Championship so far? I am really enjoying racing championship so far, it is great.
in
the
What have been your favourite moments in your junior dragster racing career since you started? Winning my last race in the C/JD at the 2018 Junior Nationals at Mildura would have to be my absolute favourite moment so far. What has been your favourite track/s to race at and why? I really enjoy racing at Portland and Mildura because of the great people at those race tracks and when I raced at Sydney Dragway I really enjoyed the crowd that was there also. What is it that you love about Junior Dragster racing? I love the SPEED! And also the opportunity to meet up with all of the great people at all of the events we go to.
What do your school friends think about your chosen sport? My friends at school can’t believe that I race and at the same time, they also wish that they could be doing it, they get jealous LOL! Why do you think other families should consider going Junior Dragster racing? I think the sport attracts great people and it is also a fantastic family sport. Is there anyone you want to thank for the role they play in your racing? I want to thank my pop, because he is my rock, and also my nan because she is my world. I wouldn’t have this great life of racing if it weren’t for them – Pop has been racing for years as well and when we race together it is even better because we do it as a family and that means the world to me. And Nan is the crew chief for both of us! I really want to thank them for giving me this opportunity to express myself.
Behind the Wheel with Jr. Dragster Racer Cooper Plummer. “Everything is awesome about Jr. Drag racing. I like getting to learn the class, and meeting lots of people. Half my mates don’t believe I drive until they see my license!”
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who is your DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR? INTRODUCING:
After 25 years as an active member of the Western Australian Divisional Council, Murray O’Connor has accepted the position of Division Director. Born in 1965 in Fremantle, O’Connor has lived in WA for his entire life and has been involved with the sport of drag racing since the age of 21. “I owned a XY GT when I was 21 and as you do, I wanted to see what it would run so a couple of mates and I took our cars to a Ravenswood Street Meet and I was hooked,” he explained. “I guess after racing the GT a few times I soon realised that a purpose built car made more sense, so I started constructing my first full chassis XM Coupe Race car.
Murray O’Connor Division Director Western Australia
Email: westernaustralia@andra.com.au Western Australia Council Members: Geoff Chaisty Nick Gardiner Ian Jenkins Alan Hudson Peter Glover Anthony Begley Elizabeth Johns Andrew Frost Phil Paton
“I debuted that car in 1991 with an injected Cleveland power plant but I only ran the car a few times before the need for speed meant a chassis rework and a blown Cleveland power plant. “I ran this car with various engine combos from 1994 until around 2000, resetting records in BB/G, BB/AP and CC/G in the process. “I then built a second generation XM Coupe with a Hemi power plant which debuted in 2001. With this car I reset the AA/G record. “Construction of my third XM started in 2005 and I debuted it in 2009, resetting the AA/AP mark before being moved up to Top Doorslammer. “In Doorslammer trim we managed mid five-eighties which put us less than a tenth away from John Zappia’s pace at the time. “Having constructed (with some very good help) all of my own race cars and building and tuning all of my engines, I am very proud of what I have achieved during my racing career so far.
“Some of my favourite memories would include running my first five second pass in a home built car; top qualifying in 2014 at the Perth Motorplex Pro Showdown against the best racers in the country; and having reset records in every class I have run in except T/D.” “As well as the achievements ontrack, I have also really enjoyed all of the great friendships and camaraderie that exists in our great sport. “I have had the pleasure of dealing with some extremely talented people over the years and I am thankful for that. “In particular I feel like I should mention the late, great, George Bailey whose help and words of wisdom have been with me for my whole drag racing career.” While O’Connor is currently having a break from racing, don’t be surprised if you see him on-track again soon. “Whilst having a rest from racing, I have been enjoying some extra time cruising around in my ‘67 Fairlane and my XP Fairmont,” he said. “Having said that, I am certainly getting very keen to get out there again and do some laps!”
- BEST PRESENTED AWARD WINNERS -
PUTTING THEIR BEST
FOOT FORWARD
At the 2019 South Coast Nationals and the 2020 South Coast 660, two very deserving teams were recognised with the Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award.
The winner of the Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award at each Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series event
is chosen based on the presentation of the team’s whole package – the car, dragster or bike and its crew. ANDRA would like to congratulate the teams of Matt Forbes and Julian Carafa on receiving these special accolades in Portland.
MATT FORBES
JULIAN CARAFA
“To claim the Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award was a really nice honour – we have worked very hard on this car and pride ourselves on our presentation, so to be recognised for that is a great thing,” Forbes said.
While the racing side of the South Coast 660 might not have gone quite to plan for Victoria’s Julian Carafa with a first round loss, the racer was still pleased to be recognised with the prestigious Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award at the 2020 South Coast 660.
Chev Cavalier – Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award Winner, 2019 South Coast Nationals
The Victorian racer complemented his Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award at the South Coast Nationals with a Silver ANDRA Christmas Tree for SuperComp. “We were absolutely over the moon with the South Coast Nationals win – we are reasonably fresh into Super Stock, coming from Modified, Super Gas and Top Sportsman. That was only our third event in group two including Mildura and Adelaide. We have really good people that support us and have excellent equipment so we’re all just thrilled. “I’d like to thank my team and our major sponsors – Craig Geddes and Rob Martin of DecoGlaze Glass Splashbacks Victoria and Paul Rogers Performance Transmission as well as Summit Racing Equipment, ANDRA and the South Coast Raceway staff and officials. “We are currently running the C/APA class but we are putting the finishing touches on a new combination to move into the new E/APA class introduced by ANDRA for the 2020 season. We want to support the new classes and to encourage more competitors to do so.” Automotive Event Images
Headed up by respected racer and 2018 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Modified Champion, Matt Czerny, Vinyl Wraps and Graphics is behind some of the best presented sportsman and professional teams across the country. Not only does it specialise in making racers look their best on and off the track,
Willys Chev – Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award Winner, 2020 South Coast 660
“We were very honoured to receive the Vinyl Wraps and Graphics Best Presented Award and surprised also, being that we have a black Saturn car,” he said. “Our team always wears their team shirts and we are always proud to promote our sponsors. To be recognised for the effort we put in within our team and with our car was really great. “We love going to Portland as the South Coast Raceway track is always on-point and the club is very welcoming. “I have been racing for seven years now, before that I was busy racing motocross with my two sons, traveling around Australia and Europe, but now we really enjoy drag racing. “I wold like to thank my crew – Mel, Charlie, Loretta, Julius and Stefan – and also Ross, Kenny, Alex and Mick for their help. I would also like to make a special mention to Wayne Fogarty and Pat Colleti and of course Frank from Dandy Engines.”
Outlaw Images
the Melbourne-based business also specialises in commercial vehicle signage, fleet signage and commercial wall signage. For more information, visit www.vinylwraps.com.au or www.facebook.com/vinylwrapsandgraphics
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DRAG CHALLENGE
HEADS
TURNS
ONCE AGAIN!
In late 2019, the ANDRAsanctioned Street Machine Drag Challenge impressed with a fantastic week of racing in November which took in Melbourne’s Calder Park Raceway, Mildura’s Sunset Strip and Portland’s South Coast Raceway. Australia’s answer to Hot Rod’s very successful Drag Week tasks competitors with driving to three different tracks in five days, with no support vehicles or tow cars as they attempt to complete the mandatory road driving and run at least one pass at each track. This means a minimum of five passes in five days and more than 1500kms of driving; however history shows that most
competitors make more than 20 passes during the week and travel even more kilometres as they seek out fuel, food and accommodation. And don’t forget - if a car has to be towed or can’t complete the street miles under its own steam, it is out of the running. Street Machine Drag Challenge first began in 2014, with just 18 competitors putting their hands up to take on the gruelling task and it has grown in leaps and bounds every year since. The 2019 event saw approximately 245 entrants across eight exciting classes of racing. When all was said and done for the 2019 Challenge, it was Harry Haig and his twinturbo big-block HQ which was lauded as Australia’s quickest street car. Amidst wild weather and some intense competition, the racer from Shepparton weathered all challenges after years of
heartache in his twin-turbo big-block HQ which he calls ‘Pops’ a year on for missing out on the Drag Challenge Overall win by a narrow margin in 2018. “After this event kicked our arse for so long, I still can’t believe it,” said a beaming Harry in the pits ahead of the official presentation. “Until Scotty and Telfo (Scott Taylor and Simon Telford of Street Machine) give me the trophy and make it official, it doesn’t feel real. Even as I came back in and it started raining I was waiting for someone to say we’re going out again.” Harry also took the Turbosmart Outlaw Blown class win, beating home Brendan Cherry’s big-block, big-tyre VL Calais. The Big Dawg Motorsports head honcho was never headed in his class, and took the Overall lead after cracking a killer 4.90 pass on Day Three at Mildura.
39 fastlane Photos courtesy of Michelle Porobic, BrightDesign.com.au
“I never thought I would be hanging with the big guys from Melbourne and their fancy cars built in pro shops – Pops was built in a hay shed in Shepparton!” Haigh said.
Third place Overall went to Daniel Szabolics’s epic HQ Monaro, which also took out the Haltech Radial Blown class ahead of Kai McPhee’s turbo VC Commodore.
Brendan Cherry, another DC original, fought hard all week, running impressive numbers on the eighth-miles of Mildura and Portland to stay in the hunt.
“It feels good to have got that win, and while we hoped to take the Overall win, the weather just didn’t allow it for us,” says Daniel, who reset the DC ET and trap speed records on Day One with an epic 7.35s at 197mph.
“We are rapt; we are over the moon,” Brendan said of his second-place spot in both Turbosmart Outlaw Blown and Overall. “I didn’t see that one coming. The car has a fresh AliPwr engine, so we came in just hoping to PB on Day One.”
The seven-second club saw a huge boost in numbers, with red hats given out to Daniel Szabolics, Luke Foley, Brandon Zito, Daniel Drury, Brendan Cherry, Matt Lampard and Kai McPhee.
IN THE CLASS BATTLES, THE VICTORIES WENT TO:
• C arnage Outlaw Aspirated – Mark Busscher • T urbosmart Outlaw Blown – Harry Haig • H altech Radial Blown – Daniel Szabolics • P acemaker Radial Aspirated – Alon Vella • T uff Mounts 235 Blown – Todd Foley • Tuff Mounts 235 Aspirated – Nathan Ghosn • X R6 Turbo Developments Six-Cylinder – George Lyras • K &N Dial Your Own – Paul Turner
For more information about the Street Machine Drag Challenge, please visit www.whichcar.com.au/streetmachine/events/drag-challenge
Fastlane Magazine thanks Street Machine for their assistance in the preparation of this article
faces r
at the
races
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Photos courtesy of Automotive Event Images
49
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