Despite coming into the Nitro Champs with a strong lead in the Australian Top Alcohol Championship, Wayne Newby had an event he’d rather forget. This saw him only scrape into seventh place after damaging his good engine that necessitated an engine swap before eliminations against his only real rival, Brett Stevens. Stevens, won the pairing with low ET and Top Speed of the meet – 5.59/257 to a 5.82 and then the race meaning Newby has to make it to the semis at the last race – the Winternationals to annex the title. Photo by Ivan Samson.
TOP BIKE
Maurice Fabietti was recently licensed in Top Alcohol but at the Nitros he had a bunch of trouble keeping the white Trans Am’s nose on the ground and as such he didn’t make the tough field. Photo by Jon Van Daal. |
It was hoped that a full eight bike field would greet the starter at the Nitros, however, Leonard Azzopardi could not be licensed on the ex-Roel Koedam fueller and seven bikes were in attendance. No one was surprised to see Brett Stevens in top spot with a 6.62 and as such he took a round one bye in exactly 6.815 seconds. What was surprising was his bike simply cut out in his semi-final match with Troy McLean leaving his team mate to run a 6.725/193.99 for the victory. The other semi saw Mark Drew get by Jay Upton when the latter’s bike lost fire after the burnout. His easy 8.92 was enough to put him into the money round.
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 As can be seen here Troy McLean has thrown away any chance of a win after red lighting away a 6.90 with a massive .245 under bulb. Despite having lane choice and low ET of eliminations up to that point he would have been hard pressed to beat Mark Drew who had a .011 light and a much better 6.67/188.73 winning run. Photo by Ivan Samson. |
 Phil Parker appeared on the ex-Jay Upton sickle and qualified sixth with an 8.42. Despite improving to a 7.48, he was soon dispatched back to the pits after the first round with a better reacting 6.85 from Troy McLean. Photo by Ivan Samson. |