The Pro Stock Nationals is set to deliver a weekend of high-revving, six-second action when Australia’s fastest naturally aspirated doorslammers descend on Willowbank Raceway on September 11 and 12.
The dedicated Pro Stock event will give the country’s leading teams the opportunity to go head-to-head, with Friday testing providing crews with a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their combinations before the racing begins.
Following an incredible Winternationals, where Rob Dekert became the first Australian Pro Stock driver to record a 200mph pass under the current regulations, the bar has been raised once again for the category.
Dekert’s 200.05mph pass was a significant milestone for Pro Stock’s unleaded era, but as the teams head back to Willowbank, the focus will quickly turn from outright performance to the championship fight.
Just two points separate championship leader Omar Sedmak from Dekert heading into the Pro Stock Nationals, with Sedmak sitting on 34 points and Dekert on 32. Behind them, the battle is just as tight, with Darryl Stephen and Aaron Tremayne both sitting on 24 points, while Tyronne Tremayne is only two points further back on 22.
Tony Polito sits sixth on 20 points, with Clint George, Rick Chilton, Nino Cavallo and Ray Oxley rounding out the top ten.
With the championship so tightly packed at the front, the Pro Stock Nationals shapes as one of the most important rounds of the season. A strong qualifying performance and a couple of round wins could see a driver make significant ground in the standings, while an early exit could prove costly.
For Sedmak, it’s another chance to defend his slim championship lead, while Dekert will be looking to make a statement and re take the points lead.
The Tremaniac Racing duo of Aaron and Tyronne also remain firmly in the hunt, with both drivers sitting inside the top five and well placed to capitalise on this championship should Dekert or Sedmak slip.
The depth of this year’s championship has been one of its defining features. Every team in the field is capable of producing a competitive pass, and with naturally aspirated 400-cubic-inch engines turning more than 10,500rpm and producing in excess of 1,100 horsepower, there is little separating the front runners.
Willowbank has already delivered some memorable Pro Stock racing this season, and with a standalone event dedicated to the category, the stage is set for another closely fought weekend.
When racing begins on September 12, every round will matter.
