Kathy Stevns didn't make the Top Doorslammer field but off the line these sparks proved spectacular.
ZAPPIA IN A FLAP
As you would have seen recently John Zappia totally dominated the East Coast Nationals a few weeks ago but things didn’t go to plan at the Nationals. “When we came here for the Winternationals we went out in qualifying to set the world on fire and overpowered the track and with the rain we ended up not qualifying” said engine guru Graham Jones. “This time around we went out on Friday night with a conservative tune up and ran an easy (but all over the track) 6.14 to qualify”, he went on to say.
After that however it all turned sour. On his second qualifier John Zappia hit the fence at about the 1200 foot mark which slowed the white and blue Monaro to a 6.052 which would have top qualified him ahead of Ben Bray’s 6.056 however the run was disqualified as he hit the wall. This damaged the headers and a new set were made up. In round one eliminations the body somehow pulled out over the headers and the fibreglass was torn away. Simple duct tape couldn’t hold it and ANDRA officials shut the car down on the start-line as they were worried that the fiberglass would go up into the crowd. Frustrating to say the least!
TOP BIKE TALES
- Brett Stevens top qualified his Harley with a 6.479/211.43 mph – the quickest ever for a Harley down under.
- As you would have seen New Zealander, Athol Williams grenaded his Suzuki in the first round of competition with debris landing in the pits
- Despite over powering the track in qualifying Jay Upton took another win with ever quickening times in eliminations – 6.73, 6.61 and 6.36 to again dominate the nitro sickle bracket.
- Fellow Westralian Mark Drew took out both Jack Daniel’s team mates, Troy McLean and Brett Stevens with back to back 6.84 and 6.83 times to make the final where an off pace10.16 couldn’t do it.