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March 2013

Issue #1

AussieDRAG RAC

ING Magazine

Contents | March 2013 | Issue #1 Profiles: 15

18 22 26

Vince Raschilla Christine Steffens Chris Buhagiar Somer Family

Events

20 Night of Fire - Perth 28 JP Racing-1/8th mile Rd#1 - Warwick 32 Max Crane Tri Series Rd#2 - Mildura 34 Summer National Boat Drags - National Water Sports Centre-Vic 44 Aeroflow Championships - Portland

Features

36 40

Nitro Funny Cars Fire up at Adelaide Leif Helander

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Regulars

8 10 13 16 24 30 38 43 46 48 49 50 51

Dragway Dates Drag News Kids at the Track Trackside Car Park Bandits Femmes in the Fast Lane Dragway Classifieds Community Page Business Directory Dragway Directory Fast Art 5 Minutes with......Brett Hore Photo of the Month Cover Photos Top: Bright Design Bottom: Gardner Broz

Dragway

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Dragway Magazine

PUBLISHING EDITOR Stephen “Duff” Duffie

PHOTOGRAPHERS Stephen Duffie

| Wizpics Photography |

Mark Cuffe

| DragsSA.com|

Nic & Lucas Gardner | Gardner Broz |

Grant Stephens | Cackling Pipes |

Davey Rintala

| Fastlane Photography |

Michelle Porobic | Bright Design |

Privacy Policy: We value the integrity of your personal information. If you provide personal information through your participation in any issues of Dragway Magazine, this will be used to provide the products or services requested and improve the content of this magazine. © Copyright: Contents of Dragway magazine are subject to copyright. No part of this publication can be used or reproduced without permission from the publisher.

Tanya Catasti

| TGC Photography |

David Hartley | On the River |

HP Heaven Doug Creasey Ray Coleman

Cartoons Little Mick

| Koolsville Studio|

ADVERTISING AND ENQUIRIES

editor@dragwaymagazine.com.au | 0457 811 332 Dragway Magazine is published monthly by Willabellow Publishing.

With every effort made to ensure the accuracy of information in this publication, the Publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or consequent results including loss or damage of relied upon information in this publication. Expressed and/or implied authors and advertisers opinions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher.

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Welcome everyone to the first issue of Dragway Magazine. In November 2012, Rod Bailey invited me to Calder Park to photograph his Nitro Funny Car – ‘Chemical Warfare’. While there I got to talking to a lot of drivers and those involved in drag racing about the possibility of a new drag racing magazine, maybe just an online version, this met with a positive response. From the moment I got home to Sunny North Queensland I lived and breathed starting up Dragway Magazine. Four weeks later Rod took me to Adelaide so I could network the concept of this new publication to the Adelaide racers and to make sure it was something the drag racing industry needed or would support. I left Adelaide 100% positive that it indeed was needed and would be supported. Many things were repeated to me when I networked with racers and enthusiasts. That was to give an unbiased reporting on drag racing and to give equal and even exposure to all levels of drag racing while showcasing the sport and lifestyle. With this in mind, I have made this a motto I will try live by when bringing you the latest info through each page. Whilst it is expected that drag racing will be the main content of this publication, we will also give drag boats and sand drags as much exposure as possible. I would like to personally thank the man who is the main reason behind this magazine happening, Rick Merchant, without the intervention from being introduced by a mutual friend (Thanks Desley), this magazine would not have happened. Thanks for your constant support mate. I would also like to thank the photographers we have all over Australia taking photos for the magazine. These people do it cause they love it, so to be able to give them a media outlet to showcase their work is not only humbling, but very rewarding. This publication will be a working progress to make it more informative, better presented, wider variety of content, and to make it something you will want to get every issue. I welcome any feedback good or bad, so bring on those letters to the editor.

Duff

EVERY CIGARETTE YOU DON’T DON’T SMOKE IS DOING YOU GOOD 6

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Dragway Dates MARCH APRIL MAY |C

2 Saturday

6 Saturday

1/8th Mile Outlaws South Coast Raceway Portland - VIC

2/3

Western Australia Drag Racing Grand Finals Perth Motorplex - WA

Saturday Sunday

KWINANA BEACH

Westernationals Perth Motorplex - WA Day of the Drags (Nostalgic) Sydney Dragway - NSW

KWINANA BEACH

AUSTRALIA

7 Sunday

Nostalgic 1/8th Mile Titles Sunset Strip Mildura - Vic Big Al Stainer Memorial - CADRA Club Champs Rd#1 Alice Springs Inland Dragway - NT

9 Saturday

NSW Dirt Drags (Test & Tune) Wakefield Park, Goulburn - NSW

Club Meeting Rd#3 Warwick Dragway - NSW NSW Championship Series Rd#2 Sydney Dragway - NSW Pro Street Shootout South Coast Raceway Portland - VIC

Max Cranes Tri Series Rd#3 Connawarra - SA

16 Saturday

55/56/57 Chev Nationals/Nostalgia Ballarat Dragway- VIC Club Championship Rd#2 Benaraby Raceway - QLD Nitro Funny Cars Perth Motorplex - WA Dirt Drags Tooradin - VIC Sportsman Event Willowbank Raceway - QLD Burnout Competition Alice Springs Inland Dragway - NT

KWINANA BEACH

14 Sunday

Queensland Auto Spectacular Willowbank Raceway - QLD AUSTRALIA

Saturday Sunday

Season Opener Gunnedah Airstrip - NSW

17 Sunday

Aeroflow/Rocket Industries Street Meet Adelaide International Raceway- SA

23 Saturday

Club Championship Rd #2 Steel City Raceway Whyalla- SA Pro Street Shoot out Willowbank Raceway - QLD NSW Championship Series Rd#1 Sydney Dragway - NSW

23/24 Saturday Sunday

Nitro Champs - Top Fuel Rd#5, Top Doorslammer Rd#5, Top Alcohol Rd#4, Pro Stock Rd#5, Top Bike Rd#4, Pro Stock Motorcycle Rd#4, Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Champions PSydney Dragway- NSW Mopar Muscle Weekend Warwick Dragway - NSW

11 Saturday

Club Championship RD #4 Steel City Raceway Whyalla- SA Cruzin Mag Nostalgia Drags Willowbank Raceway - QLD Wimmera Off Street Drags Warracknabeal Airport - VIC

20 Saturday

Club Champioship RD #3 Benaraby Raceway - Qld Club Championship Rd #3 Steel City Raceway Whyalla - SA Rocket Industies Outlaw Nitro Funny Car Challenge & Big Bucks Shootout Adelaide International Raceway - SA Super Sportsman Event Willowbank Raceway - QLD Wimmera Off Street Drags Warracknabeal Airport - VIC

21 Sunday

18 Saturday

Track Championship Rd#2 Hidden Valley Drag Strip- NT Super Sportsman Event Willowbank Raceway - QLD APSA Shootout Sydney Dragway - NSW

19 Sunday

Drag Boat Racing Rd#5 Finals National Water Sports Centre - VIC Street Car Challenge - CADRA Champs Rd#2 Alice Springs Inland Dragway - NT Burnout Comp Adelaide International Raceway - SA Bad Penny Sand Drags Penola - VIC

Drag Boat Racing Rd #2 National Water Sports Centre - VIC

Club Meeting Rd#2 Warwick Dragway - NSW

29/30

13 Saturday

10 Sunday

16/17

AUSTRALIA

4/5 Saturday Sunday

Friday Saturday

Santos Cranes Super 3 Extreme Drags Willowbank Raceway - QLD

30 Saturday 31 Sunday

27 Saturday

Nitro Car Challenge Sunset Strip Mildura - VIC

Track Championship Rd#1 Season Opener Hidden Valley Drag Strip- NT Blown Outlaws/Super Sedans Challenge Sunset Strip Mildura - VIC JP Racing 1/8th Mile Series Rd#2 Ironbark Raceway Roma - QLD

Chrysler Day vs The Rest Benaraby Raceway - QLD

30/31

Saturday Sunday

25 Saturday

Street Car Challenge Sunset Strip Mildura - VIC Club Championship Rd#4 Benaraby Raceway - QLD NSW Championship Series Rd#2 Sydney Dragway - NSW

Day of the Drags (Nostalgic) March 30th & 31st Ironbark Raceway - QLD March 30th & 31st Please check & confirm with race venue before you make any commitment to attend any event. All competitors are welcome to drive / tow Racecars in the Easter Street Parade

Nominations: $100 Per Driver + two pit crew Classes Bike, Junior Dragster, Pre 1980 Bike, Street, Super Sedan, Modified, Forced Inducted Outlaw Saturday: Scruitineering 1pm Test & Tune from 3pm till 9pm Saturday: Scruitineering 7am Qualifying 8am to 12pm Racing from 1pm Weekend Family Pass: $30 (2 Adults & 2 Kids) Adults: $15 Day Pass / $20 2 Day Pass Under 15: FREE

All competitors are welcome to drive / tow Racecars in the Easter Street Parade

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

KWINANA BEACH

AUSTRALIA

March 30th & 31st All competitors are welcome to drive / tow Racecars in the Easter Street Parade Nominations: $100 Per Driver + two pit crew Classes Bike, Junior Dragster, Pre 1980 Bike, Street, Super Sedan, Modified, Forced Inducted Outlaw Saturday: Scruitineering 1pm Test & Tune from 3pm till 9pm Saturday: Scruitineering 7am Qualifying 8am to 12pm Racing from 1pm Weekend Family Pass: $30 (2 Adults & 2 Kids) Adults: $15 Day Pass / $20 2 Day Pass Under 15: FREE

For further information contact Dave Sommerfeld 0406 862 729

www.swdra.hwy54.com.au

“Ironbark Raceway supports safe and legal drag-racing” DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Robin Judd appointed to ANDRA Board

Former Group One drag racer Robin Judd has been appointed to the ANDRA Board, bringing a wealth of business and practical motorsport experience to the organisation. Judd is a corporate advisory director of William Buck Chartered Accountants in Western Australia and a multitime event winner in Top Doorslammer.

ANDRA CEO Malcolm Bulley said the combination of expertise in both business and drag racing would be a valuable asset to ANDRA. “Robin is not only passionate about the sport but he has corporate knowledge that is high demand,” he said. “I’m very

happy Robin is coming on board to fill this vacancy and look forward to his contributions to the ANDRA board.” Judd will fill one of two vacancies, one other casual vacancy exists for an appointed position which ANDRA is actively seeking. A recent vote by ANDRA members passed a change to the constitution allowing appointments to positions where candidates were no longer available. “I am delighted to be able to put my professional skills and business experience to work for a sport which has been a big part of my life for the past 15 years,” said Judd. “ANDRA is continually evolving in the corporate world and faces a

lot of challenges. Hopefully I can assist and add something meaningful.”

Judd retired from racing at the end of the 2011/12 season, though he continued as president of the Australian Top Doorslammer Association Inc (ATDA), a role he intends standing down from.

“I have enjoyed being a part of Top Doorslammer competition, running the ATDA and seeing the bracket flourish,” he said. “It will be difficult to resign as president of the organisation I founded 13 years ago but I need to do so in order to ensure I have no conflict of interest going forward to my new role as an ANDRA director.”

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Graham Elliot announced as new CEO

of Sydney Dragway “With over 18 years leadership and corporate responsibility experience as a chief executive officer, commercial director and managing director, Graham Elliot is the ideal person to steer Sydney Dragway into the future,” said general manager Rick Gauci. “Graham’s experience cuts across media, sports management, communications and investment. We’re thrilled to have someone with this type of background and calibre on board.” With Sydney Dragway being Australia’s largest drag racing facility along with additional

venue features that cater for special events and exhibitions to a diverse range of industries, organisations and the general public, Elliott’s experience, forward thinking and strong leadership skills are ideal in taking the venue to the next level.

“It is a privilege to lead a team of such passionate people and a venue that showcases many of Australia’s most prestigious drag racing events, attracting race teams and audience participation from around the nation and internationally,” said Elliot. “I am looking forward to

promoting the venue and brand through quality and meaningful services to all present and future stakeholders, while further developing a member-centric culture.” Elliott currently holds the position of non-executive director for the Fastrack Drag Racing Experience, contributing to the commercial and corporate direction, as well as race driving for selected events. Fastrack Racing provides high-end racing experiences to the general public at many of Australia’s finest racing complexes.

Cougar Raceway clears another hurdle

Cougar Raceway is edging closer to reality with the Environment, Resources and Development (ERD) Court giving a tick to Santel Racing’s plans for acoustic barriers and the construction of a roadway into the complex. Following on from the hearing on 23 November 2012, the court handed down decisions that proved positive for the planned raceway, which will provide championship level drag racing just an hour out of Adelaide. A re-application was required for an event management traffic plan for the council, however DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

the news was mostly good as yet another hurdle was cleared.

bring this saga to a successful conclusion.

“It would seem that the Council should have required our traffic event management plan for each of 16 events prior to approval, it seems trivial but none the less is a point of planning law and enough to have the application delayed,” he said.

“Both have provided the required reports and are ready for submission to Council so we are ahead of the game there.”

Santel Racing’s Terry O’Toole said the final result should be reached in four weeks.

“Council to their credit have sought advice from the legal team so as to avoid any further pitfalls and we at Santel Racing are working with them to

“In anticipation of such an occurrence we have been working with a road building engineer and a professional traffic event management team who manage the Tour Down Under cycling events.

The decision addressed some of the last concerns of the Monarto Zoo and took Cougar Raceway one step closer to a green light. 11

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

KIDS K AT THE TRAC

Wizpics

KIDS K C A R T E H T T A KIDS K AT THE TRAC

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

KIDS K AT THE TRAC

Performan ce: 7.96 sec â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Engine: Na turally aspir @ 171 mph/275 kph ate Custom she et metal inta d 417 Windsor, Dart b lock ke by JB Auto CP Pistons, Olive Rods, motive, Twin , Ford Racing 93 cylind Callies Cran er heads BRE domina Engine buil k shaft, Ignit t by Vince R to r c a r b ie ion: MSD, Fu s, asch Trans: 2 sp el System: M Jesel Rockers, eed power-g illa a gnafuel, VP lid Chassis: Fu Fuels. ll chassis by e by Promatic Transm issions, TCE JL Race cars Diff: 9inch 7500 stall c , fo onverter Colour: Fo ur link rear suspension rd blue prin , strut front t end, , Crew: Adria n Gallo, Adr ian Misiano Sponsors: , Dom Trimb Nulon Oils, oli, Joe Gauc Independent i, Car Parts, C entral Auto S Simon Gauci. ervices, Milw aukee Tools.

VINCE RASCHILLA

1965 Mustang /// Super Sedan SS/A

CENTRAL AUTO SERVICES Parts, Accessories, Tyres & Service Centre PH: 03 9362 1777

Wizpics

Dragway

magazine

Profile

Photo: Cackling Pipes

7.96 sec’s @ 171 mph/275 kph

VINCE RASCHILLA

1965 Mustang /// Super Sedan SS/A

36 year old Victorian motor mechanic Vince Raschilla has always been into cars, growing up Vince used to help his dad work on the family car every chance he had. “Dad always had XA-XB Fords, so I guess that’s why I am a Ford guy” Vince said. In his suburb and local area there were lots of tough cars and as a teenager some of the older guys used to take him and his mate cruising and to the street meets to watch them drag race. Vince used to love watching the cars race and knew one day he

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

would be racing his own.

Vince started racing in the late 90’s racing in the street drags in his VH Commodore (13.5sec/ 253V8) at Calder Park Raceway. Through the times Vince moved onto an XY Ute (12.2sec/351V8). Vince has owned his ’65 Mustang for 18 years and it has gone from a standard restoration to a pro street style street car to the full chassis race car that it is now. “There has not been many opportunities with the lack of drag racing in

Melbourne but I have raced the Mustang at Calder Park and Heathcote Raceway and plan to travel interstate in 2013 racing in super sedan” Vince said.

Vince is heavily supported by his wife and family and his crew, Vince’s 6 year old son Luca is self-appointed crew chief and loves helping dad work on the car.

Vince’s favourite drag racer is John Force and one day he would like to race Pro Stock.

Trackside

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Wizpics

Dragway

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Wizpics

Christine Steffens first raced in ‘88 at Willowbank Raceway in a SLR 5000 Torana. She was able to race in the all-girl class called Powderpuff, while her husband Rick ran the street bracket. At one point she had won eight meetings in a row. “Our Torana broke at the eighth meeting and I could hear the relief all round until my brother-in-law offered me his car and yes I went on to win. Our Torana started its life running 13.20 sec ET over the quarter and when we

retired her she was still a genuine street car but running about 10.95sec over the quarter mile.”

In 1999 they purchased a Super Sedan HZ Monaro which was campaigned by both Christine & Rick. The average ET of the HZ was 9.38seconds. She was running the HZ initially at street meets and then later at regional tracks as Ricky was conquering the track championship. Christine won numerous street meets and was racing both against the guys and the girls. Back in those days Performan ce the guys did not take being beaten by a girl depending o : 5.26sec’s @ 282 mp h all that well. n track and /453 kph / weathe Horsep Body

CROC

: Pontiac r conditions ower - betw . een 6000 to Engine: Ke 7000 ith Black 49 6 c since been r ubic inch en eplaced wit gine topped h w a Ignition: 2 x 44 amp M Brad Anderson billet b ith a 1471 Roots Super SD Promags lo Charger. Th Clutch: AF is has with progra ck. T 5 disc atta mmable ign ches to the Fuel and C ition timing rever lut mana managemen ch management - AF ser with a direct drive T 12 stage fu via a couple gement. t are contro r to a Chrism lled electron e Fuel - Nitro ically by a 2 l management and 5 sta an Diff. -methane, R 4 channel e g age 86 gallo e Crew: Rick c lu tc h lectromotio n pe yS n timer syste Scott O’Beir teffens, Tai-Leigh Steffe r minute fuel pump m. ne, Kevin M ns, Mick Da kers, Steve S ortin, Peta M Sponsors: loan, Dave M or Lockyer Eng ichel, Jason ine Recondit tin, Shaun Kinnane. Pryor, ioners (07 5 466 5305), Christine Ste ffens Accou nting.

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Profile Christine also campaigned a HQ Statesman with a 400 Chevy engine that ran an average ET of 11.70 sec for a number of meetings. At one meeting in the Statesman I won Powderpuff and red lighted my way out of the semi-final in the street bracket. I ran 16 rounds of racing and qualifiers that night. I also had light of the night that night with a perfect .400 reaction time.

In 2000 they purchased a modified dragster. Christine completed the licensing requirements in the Modified dragster at the Tin Tops held at Willowbank in March 2001 and qualified to run in the eliminations with an 8.10 sec ET. She made the final that night but due to oil down from another bracket, that final was never run. She then went on to hold the Warwick regional track record for a period of time and had another runner up with the cars average 1/4 mile ET being 7.90 sec at approx. 170mph.

This cars life was cut short when a gust of wind caught her parachute and literally threw her over the Armco in the breaking area of Willowbank Raceway in July 2001. From July 2001 till March 2008 Christine has been racing their HZ Monaro with a couple of wins and runner-ups from various meetings at Warwick and Willowbank.

In March 2008 she started driving their Supercharged Outlaws Rear Engine Dragster. In a repeat of history, Christine completed the licensing requirements, and qualified to compete at the 2008 Tin Top Titles in their new Supercharged Rear Engine Dragster. Although this time it was the semi-finals that she bowed out in. In January 2009 they picked up their own Nitro Funny Car but as she was racing the Outlaw Dragster the Funny Car went into the shed for a complete strip and rebuild. “In 2009 we won the Supercharged Outlaw

Australian Championship and backed this up with a second championship win in 2010, so it was 2011 before I started licensing in the Funny Car. In January 2012 I finally completed the licensing requirements to allow me to race another competitor but due to forces outside our control this was not to happen until November 2012 at Calder Park in Melbourne when I finally fronted up against Darren DiPhillipo for my first ever side by side pass.” Christine has been involved in drag racing for over 20 years. Having been involved in the group three brackets (which are our grass roots sportsman bracket racers) driving Super Street, Super Sedan, Modified and Supercharged Outlaw and Nitro Fuel vehicles has allowed her to race cars from 13sec ¼ mile ET to 5 sec ¼ mile ET. “The Funny Car while it has no requirement to worry about dial ins or break outs has allowed me to go faster than I have ever been. It is a great sport and I would love to look forward to many more years behind the wheel.”

Dragway

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5.26 sec’s @ 282 mph/453 kph

Wizpics

CHRISTINE STEFFENS Pontiac /// Nitro Funny Car - The Croc

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Wizpics 19

Night of Fire makes for Hot Action! - Perth Motorplex

Words & Photos By Lucas Gardner/Gardner Broz The USA Jet Dragsters made their first 2013 debut at the latest Perth round, The Night of Fire. The predicted weather of 40 degrees wasn’t looked happily upon during the week before. But on the day, the weather missed the mark and a heat of only 34 degrees was reached, making for a slightly cooler day, but still making a scorching hot 50 degree track. Our kerosene burning feature consisted of a “best out of 3” race format with Curt White taking out all three of the races as Chuck Haynes was still learning the in and outs of his brand new car. Although, with Curt’s good luck of winning came some bad luck in the failure of Curt’s first parachute, sending him rocketing into the sand traps at somewhere close to 250mph, coming to a stop at the 2nd safety net. After the event, The crowd of the Motorplex was dazzled by a

Fireworks display to finish the night. -Top Comp was scorched by Al McClure winning the A Final, running a 6.57 @ 213mph over the “Italian Stallion” Daniel Gregorini, whose run was short sighted by engine trouble. -It was an Altered vs Altered final for Modifed as Trent Morrison took his 2nd meeting win in a row over Sam Treasure. -The Junior Dragster final was close to heads up racing with George Blacklock versus Jake Djuric with George taking the win running an 8.05. -Super Comp was a hot topic this meeting, We saw Andrew Katavatis match-up against Kyle Putland, Both these boys were the goss this meeting, having Andrew nearing in on his first 6 and whether Kyle’s clutch issues would be solved. And although Andrew took out the win running a 7.16 it was smiles all round in the opposite lane after

Kyle ran a 6.86. At this point the question is not “Will Kyle get the record?” it’s looking towards “How much is he going to beat the previous record by?” - Supercharged Outlaws was a take 2 of the previous event’s A Final with Craig Alison matching up against Don Friend. Almost as if they were taking winning in turns, Craig Alison was the victor running a 7.30. -The Super Street final saw Richard Stevens up against Bernie Ellerby with Richard leaving the line a little before the Green and handing the win straight to Ellerby who went on the run a 11.21. -In Mod Bike, David Waters takes the win over Paul McNamara. -Super Sedan’s final was a match-up between Kevin Hort and Troy Gasperi with Troy taking the win over Kevin, Running an 8.63. Dragway

magazine

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Now, Lucas’s Save of The Day had a winner in flying colours, But there is a few others worth a mention. The first one would have to go to Lindsay Wood who was aggressively thrown off his Modified Bike right after the burnout. Now that looked like it hurt, but Lindsay got straight back up and laughed it off with no major damage, kudos to him. Second one, the proud return of the Big Red Truck, Clive Hudson. I could always remember sitting up in the stands a few years back watching Clive doing his signature huge burnouts and having a smile leak onto my face. So it was good to see him back, hopefully the burnouts will return to their former glory. And now, Lucas’s Save of The Day goes to Sean McDonald after running a PB of 6.96, His parachutes picked up the rear end of the dragster and almost rolling but Sean saved his bacon with some quick thinking, The video and on-board footage really has to be seen to believed. All highlights can be seen on The Gardner Broz’s Youtube Channel.

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Boat Name :T Boat: Kurti rippa Photos: Mic sK helle Porobic -Bright Desig Performan raft Hydroplane n ce: 7.55 sec @ 157 mph fastest sp /252 kmh eed Horsepow Engine: Blo : 173 mph /278 kmh er Approx wn alcohol : 1500hp big block Ch race heads fu evy drag en ll CNC, Yella gine Te gear drive, B ME Alloy Ro rra platinum stud mou 540ci, Chev tall deck blo d n ck, Dart 360 IV Magneto , Birdcatche s, Arias Pistons, 4.5â&#x20AC;? str t roller rockers, Comp roll r in ok supercharg er running 1 jector assembly with K e Valasco crank shaft, M er cam, Milodon 3.9 blower b s a transmiss elt, Casale V tyle metering valve, 87 llory Super Mag ion: 2 speed 1 drive with W L Lenco trans Prop: 2 Bla hirl away an ittlefield teflon mission de 11 x 16â&#x20AC;? d air shifter prop. Crew: Tim Buhagiar, K eith Sponsors: Casey Exhau Hinton, Drew Beckwit h st & Service Centre, Pho and Trop Pascarl. enix Lubric ants

3/4 Enterprise Ave, Berwick Vic 3806 chris@caseyexhaust.com.au www.caseyexhaust.com.au

(03) 9707 5500

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Profile 38 yr old mechanic Chris Buhagiar from Narre Warren South, Victoria, currently races boat number 224 named “Trippa” in the Top Limited 8 Sec bracket. The first boat Chris raced in 1998 was a Stephens Tunnel Runner with a stock 400 small block Chev that did 74mph.

Chris states, “It was more of a ski boat than a race boat, but we still won a heap of races. I had a heap of fun with this boat as I raced against purpose built drag boats when my boat had a

backseat, ski pole, carpet, and no over transom pipes.” The Trippa Drag Boat Team formed in 2004 where Chris raced a Stephens 18ft vee bottom, powered by a tunnel rammed bigblock Chev. Chris raced in Super Stock which at the time had a breakout speed of 95 mph. “It was an ace boat, we had lots of fun and won a heap of trophies.” Once addicted to drag boat racing, a faster boat was needed. Chris imported the blown alcohol hydro called “Under Pressure” from the US in 2007.

Chris Buhagiar

Trippa /// Top Limited Drag Boat Racer

7.55 sec’s @ 157 mph/252 kmh

The hydro raced in Pro Eliminator class in the US, which has the same ¼ mile index as our Top Limited class here in Australia (8 sec’s). Chris is still racing the Hydro renamed “TRIPPA” of course, and looks forward to getting on the liquid ¼ mile as much as possible. When asked about his hobbies, Chris rattled off a few of his favourites including motorbikes, water skiing, golf DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

and camping. Chris is also an AFL Carlton fan (Carn’ the Blues – Ed), he also has a favourite sporting hero in Greg Norman, and jokes, “I hope he likes drag boats!” If Chris could invite anyone to dinner, he would invite a very wealthy person, interested in sponsoring the “Trippa” drag boat team, “that would certainly help running one of these baby’s”.

Some of Chris’s career highlights are winning the Bill Davis trophy, another was helping the Victorian Drag Boat Club with setting up a real liquid ¼ mile timing system.

Car Park Bandits

Adelaide

Willowbank

Adelaide

Calder

Adelaide

Willowbank

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To access cancer support and information call our Helpline 24

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PORTABLE SOLAR KIT

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NAISH HOGAN

HARRY, STEVEN & COREY SOMER

HARRY SOM E VP COMMO R: DORE // SU P Engine: Ch ev 374, 650 ER SEDAN Horsepowe r. Best ET: 1 48mph. STEVEN SO MER: HOLDEN CA MIRA // SU P Engine: Ch ev 400, 890 ER SEDAN Horsepowe r. Best ET: 1 62mph COREY SOM ER: JUNIOR DR AGSTER Engine: 5h p Briggs and Stratton, Be st ET: 12.7s ec @ 1/8th Mile 26

Pit crews become family and the Somers Boys would like to thank: Harry Team: John Langley, Shane Turley, Mick Batley, Ross Jones and Molly. Steven Team: Tegan Somer, Kev Winkleman, Mike Durso, Matt Alberdi, Carl Winkleman, and Paul Duffin. Corey Team: His Mum and Grant Walters. DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Family Profile

Harry Somer started racing in the early 70’s at the Savana drag strip in Townsville/ North Queensland. His first race car was a HR Ute called ‘Outlaw’. A mechanic by trade, Harry lived and breathed to drive fast cars. His passion for racing, cars and engines was in his blood as was passed down through to his first son Steven. Back then Harry used to give Steven an engine to strip down in their garage and then they would both reassemble the engine together. Hence Steven also grew up loving racing cars and building engines leading to him being a mechanic….just like Dad.

After Savana Raceway closed down in the 70’s, a drag strip opened at the Bohle and Harry converted his street car (A HG Holden Ute) and called it ‘Tequilla’. He ran that until he put the running gear into a HK Sedan which was old (Second Invention) which had a big name in the 70’s and still races to this day after passing through several owners’ hands. Then a full chassis Torana came along, with help from Steven they raced it for a

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Wizpics

year. They then sold that and raced a drag bike, then went back to cars. Steven’s desire to own his own race car grew and he bought his first car, a Holden Torana. Harry and Steven worked on it together and at the first meet. Harry did some laps just to ensure everything was ok and safe. When Steven’s turn finally came, he cut a better light than his dad. “I think he knew he was in for a bit of competition.” By the middle of the season Steven had won in Townsville and then got runner up in Mackay. Townsville Dragway named him Rookie of the year. Steven has won race meetings including Sunstate Titles and the Ron David Memorial meeting, but none of that really matters when we look back in the shed at home having fun. All the ribbing we give each other at the track gets forgotten and we start supporting each other for the next big race event. It’s a nice feeling knowing your dad and little brother are at the track also racing, a real family feeling.” Steven reminisced. Then there is Harry’s younger son Corey.

At the age of 11 years he has started racing in a junior dragster which he enjoys very much. The kids have fun in between races, they all help each other prepare for the meetings and discuss their dial in times. When things don’t quiet go to plan, the boys say “Oh well, next time hey dad.” Steven now races a full chassis Holden Camira. “Seeing your son achieving makes a father very proud. He had some bad luck to start with

rolling over from a blown engine (which definitely gets a fathers’ heart beating) to a winning car all up the coast of Queensland and is still going strong.” Harry proudly stated.

Harry has had several race cars over the time, but the best car would have to be the VP Commodore he has now. “I have a lot of fun racing it having won in Townsville twice. Steven and I love to come up against each other. Win or lose, I’m still a very proud dad of both my boys.”

Dragway

magazine

2013 JP Racing 1/8th Mile Series: Round #1 - WARWICK DRAGWAY Calendar Words and Pics by Doug Creasey

Fourth year of the JP Racing Eighth Mile series and the first round kicked off with a good entry list, 84 to run, superb fine cool weather and the track was at its best. All four rounds are to take place on first class tracks after upgrades to Roma and Benaraby will ensure racers have confidence in the surface and came develop their cars to the max. Unfortunately pushing your car to the max can come to grief at times and Beaudesert’s Matt Enright had a nasty

FEBRUARY 9 SATURDAY

JP RACING EIGHTH MILE SERIES Round 1 incorporating

2013

e z Track Championship

MARCH 23 & 24

SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRACKET MEETING

2013

e z Track Championship

ROUND 1

ROUND 2

roll at the top end in his A/MD, Matts OK, car isn’t. 2013 MAY 4 & 5

APRIL 13

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

SATURDAY

MOPAR MUSCLE WEEKEND

BRACKET MEETING

e z Track Championship

MAY 26 SUNDAY

PERFORMANCE TESTING CLUB DAY (Pre-Winternationals)

ROUND 3

It’s important to understand the concept 2013 of the Eighth Mile series and the way it has built a vehicle for grass roots racers to compete and 2013 achieve success. The concept carries with it a ‘badge’ of distinction for 2013the round winners and terrific bragging rights to series winners. It involves all tracks in SE Qld and they were all strongly represented at Warwick. SEPTEMBER 14

AUGUST 31

SATURDAY

6 BANGER NATS DAY 1 &

e z Track Championship

CLUB TEST DAY

SEPTEMBER 1

ROUND 4

SUNDAY

SEPTEMBER 15

WORKING BEE

SUNDAY

OCTOBER 5 & 6

6 BANGER NATS DAY 2

OCTOBER 19 & 20

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

VW NATIONALS 2013

WARWICK DRAGFEST

e z Track Championship ROUND 5

NOVEMBER 23

SATURDAY

WHOOP ASS CUP &

e z Track Championship

FOR FURTHER DETAILS VISIT

warwickdragway.com.au

ROUND 6

NOVEMBER 24

SUNDAY

To be Advised

* Dates are as confirmed as at 8th December 2012

Modified – Jordan Radford RD Williams Excavator Parts

Ian Ham may be having a ball in his dragster and with straight wins going through to the final against Jordan Radford there had to be a degree of confidence. Problem was Radford’s super altered was coming off some hot lights (0.001) and was coming at an extra 10mph. Double breakout, Radford takes the candy by 0.002. Nothing is ever easy in Modified.

Super Street - Guy Henry

John William Auto Sales Always the biggest field and Guy Henry came out as today’s winner over 22 others that included a strong showing from Robert Winterburn. All tracks were well presented and at this start of series only 9 points separate the top ten cars.

Junior Dragster – Ethan Oberg Diamond T Products

Very strong field of Juniors and the two Oberg brothers were in the final; Ethan dialed in at 12.23 and Caleb at 6.15, Ethan drilled it with a 0.019 light so Caleb needed a very good run to close the gap after a 0.068 light. It wasn’t to be and Ethan’s 0.047 over held on against the +0.022 from Caleb.

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Old School - Mark Peterson F G Loy and Sons Earthmoving

Mark Peterson was today’s winner in Old School and the Chevy station wagon was class all the way. The car has had a lot of performance enhancing work done by series sponsor John Payne and with low 8s against a field that included the movers like Randall Mohr and John Loy consistency took the day. Loy and Mohr lined up for my pick of the match up for the day in round two. Monster burnouts, big block blown power at the hit, Loy’s Torana grabbed air and pounded out a 5.37 on his 5.35 with a 0.064 light. The FJ funny car went 0.098 with a 5.30 D.I. and then proceeded to see multiple angles of the track, the Torana, as it blasted into the distance as he shook into some sideways action that wasn’t in the script.

Super Sedan – Anthony Whyatt Ice Slushee

Anthony Whyatt has been on a roll of late and it’s bad news for all competitors that he doesn’t look like giving up yet. After finishing last year with the win he backed it up for round one in a field that included last year’s series winner Tom Parry from Benaraby, Willowbank’s Gary Clarke and Roma’s Laurie Fitzgerald. Laurie is the Old School reigning champ but has switched to a split window Corvette for some Super Sedan action.

Modified Bike - Mark Woods Queensland Nameplate Group

Mark Woods is another racer running hot at the moment and the Warwick resident didn’t let the locals down with a clean sweep from the professionally presented Harley Destroyer. A best of 6.115 he was on tune all day. Runner up Matt Lay also had a clean sweep through to the final and at a second slower lost at the lights to the Harley.

Perfect presentation, consistent 8.0s and three round wins couldn’t get Tony Stratham into the Super Street Final but watch out. DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

2012 Old School winner Laurie Fitzgerald has moved to Super Sedan with this stunning Stingray and a best on the day of 5.62.

NEXT ROUND: JP Series Round #2 - Roma Dragway 27th April

Femmes in the fast lane Photos: Cackling Pipes

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

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Max Crane Tri Series: Round #2 - Mildura Photos: Mark Cuffe / DragsSA.com

MODIFIED - Winner: Josh Voigt

ET Speed 5.599 117.25

SUPER SEDAN - Winner: ET Speed Danny Bucella 6.388 97.28

MODIFIED - Runner Up: Alex Vanleuvan

ET Spe 5.041 133

SUPER SEDAN - Runner Up: ET S Charlie Pitt 6.270 MODIFIED BIKE - Winner: Derryn McGregor ET Speed 8.666 90.87

SUPER STREET - Winner: ET Speed Adrian Wood 7.553 79.23 JUNIOR DRAGSTER - Winner: Tom Burns ET Speed 10.859 58.32

D ragway DRAGWAY MAGAZINE magazine

eed 3.01

SUPER STREET - Runner Up: ET Paul Langley 7.599

Speed 90.13

MODIFIED BIKE - Runner Up: Bryan Finn ET Speed 7.716 92.20

JUNIOR DRAGSTER - Runner Up: ET Emily Shiell 8.702

Speed 110

Speed 66.54

Geoff Peters (Sierra) & Neville Herreen (Torana) twisting on their way to another mid 7sec pass in Super Street

Drivers briefing DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Summer National Boat Drags - Victoria Photos: Michelle Porobic-Bright Design

Photo: Ray Coleman

Top Limited 8sec ‘TRIPPA’ - CHRIS BUHAGIAR Personal Water Craft MARK SIMPKIN Stock Eliminator 13sec ‘CRANKY’ - MICHAEL SCHENDZIELOR Super Comp 10sec ‘FLAMED & FLAT’ - GARY JAMES Super Stock 11sec ‘EASY MOTION’ - MARCUS GILBERT Mod Stock 12sec ‘RJJ MACHINE’ - RICHARD JONES

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

ET Speed 8.963 103.448 12.31

78.671

14.300 73.831 N/A 11.467 91.931 12.867 83.488

Photo: Ray Coleman

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Dragway

35 magazine

NITRO FUNNY CARS F Anthony Begley

Christine Steffens

Wizpics

Chris Stipanovich

Mark Cuffe / DragsSA.com

At the time of this event, I was not the editor of this magazine as there was no magazine, just a man with a dream and passion, driven by a huge amount of enthusiasm. I do not have a huge drag racing back ground, but have visited many drag racing events in my years living in North Queensland as a professional photographer supplying images for my local sport magazine.

Rod Bailey (Red Shirt) preparing ‘Chemical Warfare’ while the nitro funny car pit-crews unite for some traditional roasting ‘n’ ribbing and comradeship.

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

FIRE UP AT ADELAIDE

Leif Helander

Mark Cuffe / DragsSA.com

So it was a fantastic experience to be invited to be part of the pit crew for Nitro Funny Car team ‘Chemical Warfare’ again. (First time was Calder Park four weeks earlier). Whilst I don’t have a great deal of mechanical experience to assist with the duties of the running of the car throughout the day, it was still very humbling to be flown down with the team, stay with the team, eat with the team, help set up and pack away camp, and be treated as part of the team throughout the weekend, and welcomed as a friend and fellow pit crew member by other nitro funny car teams. I think my initiation into the team was at Calder Park when I had to share a room with farting, burping, snoring mechanics. It DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Wizpics

was at that moment I felt like I was part of the team. To give you an idea of how a pit crew for a nitro funny car team operates, after a 5sec pass down the strip, the 7500hp motor and drive train is pulled apart and checked and then put back together again, usually races are 3 hours apart to give teams enough time. In Adelaide the ‘Starkotter’ had not got the engine together in time so I quickly scooted over to the promoter to advise that the Nitro Funny car team would need more time if all four cars were to run. They were given an extra 25 minutes which just gave ‘Starkotter’ enough time to get ready. With the photo I took at the very top of this page, all three teams were ready and waiting and ‘Starkotter’ rolled

in just in time, 20 seconds for a four car/team photo for history sakes and straight out to the track. If you do get the chance to see Nitro funny cars run, go down to the pits straight after they run and watch a team of mechanic’s all work together to take the engine and drive train apart and then put it all back together again. I would like to thank Rod Bailey, owner of ‘Chemical Warfare’ & ‘Starkotter’ for flying me to Calder Park, and then Adelaide for this wonderful experience, and by the time you’re reading this, he will probably have me over at the Perth Motorplex (hint hint)on the 16th for some more nitro sucking, flame throwing, ground shaking funny car action. (Ed)

Dragway Classifieds: Motor Vehicles MACKAY RACING SUPERCHARGED OUTLAWS ALTERED 4 SALE Perth Motorplex 2011 - 2012 Winning SCO Championship Car Turn Key Operation or will separate. 125 inch chrome molly Plugger Chassis. 509 cubic inch blown BBC. Dart Big M block c/w data logger. 14/71 High helix blower KOBELCO rotors Pro mag 20. 9” - Strange rear end full floaters. Dart 360 solid heads Jesel rockers - Custom crow cam shaft. 2 speed power glide built with all best billet parts by Chris Dimoff . Deadenbear SFI approved case. Car has run 6.45 @ 210 mph will run 6.60 @ 200 mph all day. All Spares full turnkey operation. 20 foot full powered sea container - rollout roof moulded annex complete Genuine SALE!!! - Car – Spares – Transport Container – Turn Key Operation - $70,000k Contact Mark - 0408 949 661 – or Steve 0401 380 375 steve64@iinet.net.au

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Motor Vehicles 2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE LT 4x4. Excellent Condition, Awesome Tow Vehicle and Family Wagon, this vehicle has everything. 5.3 Ltr Fuel Injected V8 (225kw). 4 spd Auto Transmission with Overdrive (and Tow/Haul Mode). Seats 5 comfortably in a beautiful all leather interior. Heated front seats (toasty warm in winter). Dual Zone Air Conditioning. Remote Central Locking. Side Steps. Alloy Wheels with as new Cooper AT3 Tyres 3500Kg Towing Capacity. Electric Brake/Towing Controller. Rear Air Shocks. Factory Roof Racks. 98 Litre Fuel Tank. 196,000Klms Registered tilL August 2013. Genuine Reason for sale. You will not find a better value for money 4x4 V8 Wagon. $32,000 Negotiable (Call me, you might be surprised what you can get her for!!). Call Jak on 08 8121 7795

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KB STAGE 10 526 Engine. New Bryant Crankshaft, New BME RRods, New JE Pistons, New Pins, Rings & Bearings, Isky Cam, Jesel Lifters, Dan Olson Sump, P&P Oil Pump, New Crank Hub, Lower Pulley, Fuel Pump Extension, RCD Belt Drive Assembly, Veney Heads, 2.6 Inlet, 2.1 Exhaust, All Ti Valves (Near New), Dual Pac Springs, Stage 5 Rocker Gear, Smith Bros Push Rods, Moroso Rocker Covers with Breathers, Veney Inlet Mag Manifold with Burst Panels, 44AMP Mag with Large Cap & Leads, Just add Fuel Pump & Blower. This Motor Is Awesome! $32,000 Phone: 0418 955 892

Email classified ads content to

advertise@dragwaymagazine.com.au

$20 per 50 words and $20 per photo

Parts PUSHRODS. MOPAR, FORD AND CHEV. 5/16, 3/8 + 7/16”. 4130 Chrome Moly, thick wall, custom lengths. Ball and ball, or ball and cup. Sets of 16: 5/16” = $260: 3/8” = $300; 7/16” = $500. Jet Engineering: 0412 223 885, Fax (03) 5981 9190, Email: jeteng@alphalink.com.au Australian agent for Smith Bros Pushrods, USA. DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

They didn’t call him ‘Wild Bill’ for no reason

“It was a long time ago when I first laid my eyes on a dragcar in a shopping centre in Townsville thanks to my big brother. The car I speak of was the legendary L.A. Dart wheel-stander from the U.S.A. And to a six year old kid it was all my hot wheels cars rolled into one with its cherry red and white stripes blown 426 hemi in the boot, and hole in the floor so the driver could see

where he was going… Insane. His name was as good as his car, “WILD BILL SHREWSBERRY”, I was hooked. Savana raceway in Townsville was the place.” Rick Merchant - Brisbane

Drag racers don’t get nicknames with the word “wild” in them for driving conservatively on the dragstrip, and in three decades of quarter-mile madness, most

of it on two wheels, “Wild Bill” Shrewsberry certainly lived up to his monkeyshines moniker.

Shrewsberry is well-known and fondly remembered by Southern California race fans as the driver of the candy-striped L.A. Dart wheelstander that wowed and wheelied its way into our hearts in the 1960s and ‘70s. (Extract from NHRA Website)

We would like to start up a forum so you can have your say. This entry was submitted by Rick Merchant. “Drag Racing should have the rights to the word NITRO! The word Nitro gets misused too much. Nitro wrestling, Nitro skate boarding, and the list goes on and on and not a drum of nitro to be seen anywhere.”

Dragway Classifieds order form. advertise@dragwaymagazine.com.au Name: ............................................................................. Email............................................................................ Address: (include in advert? - Yes / No)................................................................................................................ ................................................. Postcode: .................................Phone: (

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Cheques made out to Dragway Magazine. Invoice will be sent out.

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Leif smokes up Adelaide Swede Leif Helander had always wanted to visit ‘Down Under’, so when he heard that Rod Bailey was looking for someone to race his spare Nitro Funny Car, he packed up his clogs and departed the chilly -20 degrees weather of Stockholm and 30 hours later was in Adelaide for the Nitro Funny Car meet organized by Rino D’Alfonso of Racing Onn Promotions.

eif was the first of the ‘Starkotter’ racing team to arrive in Adelaide, So Rod arranged for good friend and Adelaide local Funny Car driver Rick Monserrat and wife Michelle to pick Leif up from the airport and take care of him.

answering questions and promoting the event. “That night we all went out for dinner which was great to meet other racers and to meet Duff, the editor of Dragway Magazine who Rod had flown to Adelaide so he could sink his teeth into another Nitro Funny car meet taking photos and networking his concept of starting this publication.”

On Friday as the rest of the team arrived they started to get Leif’s car ready but there was a problem with the oil pressure so Leif left the crew to do their job getting it fixed and went and got a much needed good nights sleep ready for a day of racing ahead. “The car had to be ready for my test drive on Saturday. We drove to the track and when I tried to sit in it I found it was too tight so we had to remove some padding. After that it was okay. It was now ready for the test run.”

“I tried a couple of burnouts and it felt okay, I staged and launch but lost traction and I smoke it up at 300ft. The first run at night As the rest of the team for we tried to take away some of ‘Starkotter’ and Rods other the horse power to avoid losing car ‘Chemical Warfare’ arrived traction again, but it was not which Rick was busy picking enough and we smoke the tyres Begs & Leif up and dropping off, Leif did at the same spot. The next run is a publicity stunt in the Mall in against Anthony ‘Begs’ Begley in the city centre with another Rodney’s number #1 car ‘Chemical Warfare’, I get Nitro Funny Car Driver Christine Steffens and further down the track but still go up in smoke her crocodile Nitro Funny car spending the day and go close to the centre line and the wall.” Both of Rod Baileys’ Nitro Funny Cars racing side by side for the first time ever. “Chemical Warfare on the left driven by Anthony Begley, and ‘Starkotter’ on the right driven by Leif Helander.

Photos: Stephen Duffie-Wizpics

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

69 year old Leif beside the ‘Starkotter’ for the first time with the body on the chassis.

“The last run at 11pm is against Christine Steffens, after my burnout I reverse back to staging area, as usual the team lift the body to check everything but unfortunately find a fuel leak so they shut me down and the day was over. I drove the car for less than one minute after travelling from the other side

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Leif and some of the ‘Starkotter‘ pit crew.

of the Earth and now I must go home again.”

“On Sunday I spent time with Rodney, his wife, some of the team and Begs and his family. Monday I visited a wildlife park and feed a kangaroo and koala before having lunch with Anthony and his family. That afternoon Rick and Michelle take me to the airport and I started my trip home. Over 40 hours later via Singapore, Denmark, Stockholm and then into Sundsvall I am picked up by my loving wife.”

“It was cold at -15 degrees Celsius and there was a lot of snow. It took me the rest of the week to get over the jet lag which I had not got over from my flight to Australia a week before but it was good to be back home again.”

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Community Page

Frank Intini competing for a cause

The resurgence of Adelaide International Raceway has brought many South Australian drag racers back into the sport, the latest being Top Alcohol dragster driver Frank Intini. Intini will be campaigning his dragster at the Aeroflow Summer Speedfest in February bringing along a special cause for the ride.

The Duchenne Foundation (www.duchennefoundation. org.au) will take pride of place on the side of Intini’s 350kmh race car, spreading the message about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which affects many young people Australia wide.

“My son was diagnosed two and a half years ago, it’s a cause close to my heart and it’s a disease that mainly affects young boys but in rare cases girls as well,” he said. “Kids rarely live past 22 to 25 years old and there is no cure. “This weekend it will be all about raising awareness of the disease as it can be a constant battle for people with disabilities to get the resources they need. We are accepting donations as well to fund more research into the disease.” DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Story: Luke Nieuwhof (ANDRA) / Photo: David Murray-TAD Photos

The dragster will have the faces of nine young boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy carried with Intini as he strives to make his comeback a successful one.

Intini last contested the ANDRA Top Alcohol Championship in November 2006 in Perth. With the travel costs hitting the budget-minded team, his appearances since have been limited to some regional venues and of course the newly reopened Adelaide International Raceway. “To be able to make our Top Alcohol return in Adelaide is a dream come true,” he said. “Like everybody we missed out on racing in our home town for many years; I had only just bought the dragster when the venue closed.”

Though Intini’s choice of a small block motor sees his outfit have a slight horsepower disparity to the teams he likes to call the “big boys”, he believes that could be an advantage on the

unique all-bitumen, 1000 feet long Adelaide track.

“A lot of people do struggle to get down that track if they haven’t been there before but we can throw everything we’ve got at it,” he said. “Those guys with the bigger engines need to tune back the power to get through tricky sections and if the weather continues to be hot they might struggle.

“We will be there waiting to pounce if any of those guys mess up. We might not make the big torque but trust me, our motor is healthy for its size.”

Intini will be joined in Adelaide by a tough field including national champion Gary Phillips, former national champions Steve Reed and Wayne Newby, reigning event winner John Cannuli, Aeroflow driver Rick Gauci, Victorian Wayne Price and fellow South Australian stars Gary Busch and Yak Probst.

Aeroflow Championships - Portland Photos: Mark Cuffe / DragsSA.com

Super Sedan: Winner - Brett Matthew

Supercharged Outlaws: Winner - Luke Marsden

Noel Inman

Super Gas: Winner - Kym Oberauer

Super Comp: Winner - Craig Geddes

Competition Bike: Winner - Jason Salmon

Modified: Winner - Kenny Stewart

Modified Bike: Winner - Tony Frost

Supercharged Outlaws: Runner Up - Doina Day

Super Comp: Runner Up - DarrenDRAGWAY ParkerMAGAZINE

Super Street: Winner - Scott Cleary

Super Gas: Runner Up - Matt Forbes

Daryl Walford Cowinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Nostalgia Funny Super Street: Runner UpCars - David Bunnik

Super Sedan: Runner Up - Roc Puccini

Modified: Runner Up - Leanne Bragg

Modified Bike: Runner Up - Matthew Allen

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Junior Dragster: Winner - Erin Koukidis

Competition Bike: Runner Up - Paul Harrison

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DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Fast Art

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

5 Minutes with..... Brett Hore / Australian Drag Racing Promotions Brett, along with his wife Nicole, own and operate Victotorian based business - Australian Drag Racing Promotions - who promote drag racing events and intend on bringing drag racing back into the lives of Australian’s, one event at a time starting with Victoria

Describe yourself in 3 words: Passionate, Community, Loyal Do you have any hidden talents: I cook the best steaks. Name one thing you miss about being a kid: Lack of fear. Favourite Sporting memory: Ali lighting the Olympic Torch You wouldn’t be caught dead, doing what? Singing out loud Favorite Team: Collingwood (thanks to my wife)

If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be: To fly Name one thing that not many people know about you: My wife & I have 3 Chiuaua’s Favourite opponent: Daniel ‘Boon’ Reed. Last person you would want to see in the final: See above If you were granted a wish from a genie what would you want: To have more time with my family What would you spend your last 5 bucks on: An app What did you have, now don’t have, but wish you still did have: My family apartment in the City across from the MCG. Favourite Movie: Field of Dreams. Your first rebellious act: Painted my first EH Candy Apple Red (everyone told me not to!) What are you really good at: I am an ideas man. What got you into Drag Racing: My brother Scott. Pet peeves at the track: Long breaks. Favourite class: Top Doorslammers. What is your personal car: VW Polo.

DRAGWAY MAGAZINE

Image by Gardner Broz | Lucas Gardner

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