Peter Kapiris brought his new Belvedere to the Nationals.

The ‘Big Go’ down under

With the U.S. Nationals under our belt the action switches to the antipodes with the ANDRA Fuchs Oils Australian Nationals now underway. The first day saw showers interrupt play a number of times but the majority of qualifying was completed.

This was headlined by the re-emergence of the Cowin name when Andrew Cowin (left) top qualified with a 4.623/317.72 in the Top Fuel bracket.

The largest ever field of Australian Pro Stockers faced the starter with nineteen cars (of some 24 entered) taking their first lap. This saw Shane Tucker’s 400 Chevy-powered Holden Monaro take a top qualifying 7.074/193.40 to surprise some pundits.

Thirteen-time Australian Top Alcohol driver Gary Phillips used a 5.548/258.07 to take top spot in the field. He also qualified second in the Top Doorslammer (Pro Modified) bracket with a 5.939/245.81 while his opponent on that run, Robin Judd, top qualified with a 5.860/244mph lap.

Look out for our complete coverage of the Australian version of the Big Go soon on DRO. (Jon Van Daal photos) [9/10/2010]

Lakeland Dragway Reunion scheduled for November at Holly Springs

While ascending the steps to the DRO second-floor penthouse suite in the Phlegm Building this morning the Agent noticed the old mayo jar had a note in it. Written on a BBQ sauce-stained napkin from the world famous Rendezvous rib joint in Memphis was the information that John Troxel is going to put on a Lakeland Dragway Reunion race at the Holly Springs eighth-mile dragstrip. The track is in Mississippi about 30 miles from Memphis. The date is set for November 5-7.

Troxel told the Agent that he will book in eight nitro cars including both AA/FD and AA/FC car. He will have a “box” and a “no box” bracket race each day.The track management has recently paved the pits and there is paved parking for more than 400 cars. Also the eighth-mile track has over 1400 feet of shut-off area. Apparently, noted Memphis racers Larry Coleman and Bill Taylor of BTE are going to be involved. We’ll give you more details as we get them. [9/10/2010]

Famoso available for pre-CHRR testing

With the NHRA Heritage Series heading into the season-ending California Hot Rod Reunion, Blake Bowser told the Agent today he’ll open Famoso Raceway for nitro cars, both AA/FC and AA/FD on October 9 if enough racers sign up early. He needs at least ten nitro teams who’ll pay $250 per car to his cover costs of the ambulance and safety crew. Racers will get a full day of testing on the same surface that’ll crown the champions on the following weekend, Oct. 15–17. To sign-up call Famoso Raceway at 661-399-2210.

Bowser also said that the first CHRR pre-race party venue is going to be at Hooters at 4208 Rosedale Highway in Bakersfield on Thursday evening, Oct. 14, with a racecar show and warm-up party. Mmmm, Hooters … love those chicken wings![9/10/2010]