While rain tried to upset the Winternationals lead in Winter Warmups once again, the hard-working Willowbank track team brought the track in once the precipitation had subsided for a taste of what’s to come over a mammoth 4-days this week.
In the Nitro ranks, Luke Shepherd is now behind the wheel of the Valvoline sponsored Tim McCarthy Funny Car and completed a shut off run.
A few Top Fuel Motorcycles had a hit out, including the Fuelled Motorsport nitro Harley’s of Benny Stevens and US rider Michael Beland. Stevens carded a 6.71 on what he described as a ‘soft’ tune up with Beland recording a 7.07 on a very early 800ft shut off to set up their assault on the Winternationals.
Damian Martini was working to overcome handling issues but produced some strong early numbers. John Zahra on his potent machine and Neville Smith also took some shots at the track to sort their rides.
Conditions were optimum for the naturally aspirated Pro Stockers, but Aaron Tremayne was the class of testing with a 6.91. while a gaggle of racers featuring John Barbagallo, Omar Sedmak and Mario Polito resided in the 7.0 zone.
A 5.70 shot from Russell Taylor has the championship leader primed for the Winternationals. After a wild ride on his first pass, Rob Harrington kept all four wheels on the deck for subsequent 6.17 and 6.11 ETs in his Monaro. Kiwi Nigel Dixon nearly dipped back into the fives with a 6.004 shot and was the second quickest of the Top Doorslammers testing.
After missing the Nitro Champs with a personal matter, Barry Plumpton is back in Australia with his nitrous Pro Mod Camaro and back into the fives with a 5.96.
Andrew Searle had the Pro Alcohol Funny Car on deck for some testing with solid 5.67 and 5.55 numbers
Vanessa Rohdmann will make her racing debut in Pro Stock Motorcycle at the Winternationals. She will be the first Australian based female to compete in the bracket in several decades. Of the other bikes testing, Daniel Rabnott proved to be the quickest with a 7.32.
As usual there was a whole armada of NDRC Aeroflow Sportsman Series competitors gaining valuable track time and data as well with the Winternationals marking the end of their championship season.
Check out the gallery courtesy of Drag Photos and check them out for special photo deals from the event.
