First event of the year yields win for Simpson
It couldn’t have been any more perfect for Jason Simpson at the Benaraby Nationals last weekend. Racing in his first meeting of the year, never mind his first Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Championship round for 2014, Simpson claimed the honours in Super Comp, resetting the elapsed time and mile per hour records for G/GA over 1000 feet. “This was my first meeting back for this year so to qualify #1, win and reset both records was awesome,” said an elated Simpson. “The atmosphere was great and the crowd rolled up after work and really got into it, we had a lot of interest in the car from the Ford fans.” The weekend also represented another first for Simpson; his first time racing 1000 feet making his record setting performance even more impressive. “This was my first time running a 1000 feet so we now hold the eighth mile, 1000 feet and quarter mile records for G/GA with both the eighth and 1000 feet records at Benaraby. “The track was good and only got better as the day went on. The upgrades to the track are excellent; the braking area is a massive improvement with the new walls being done. Hopefully next time it will be quarter mile.” Although it was a small field, Simpson credited his fellow Super Comp competitors acknowledging he had to work hard to first take the number one qualifying position and go-rounds during eliminations. “First round I had Ross Bryant in the B/AA and being 1000 feet there was no backing off so I hit the index hard first round knowing I had the bye in the next round, the track was good both sides so lane choice wasn’t a problem. “The final was a close race, I had lowered my index more than Shane (Moran) and with near identical reactions I had to push it all the way backing up both ends of the record, 1.5 under and nearly 4 mph over the speed.” With a win in the bag, Simpson reflected on a great weekend of racing in Central Queensland paying homage to the track staff and officials who made the 2014 Benaraby Nationals a big success. “The track staff were great, always friendly which makes it fun to race there, the ANDRA officials did a great job all weekend and the Silver Christmas Tree looks awesome and is a great addition to the trophy case,” he said. The final round of the Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Championship now moves onto Sydney Dragway for one of the most prestigious races on the calendar, the Australian Nationals to be held October 31 – November 2. Image by Staunch Launch Photography. {fcomment}
