Rapisarda Autosport International will race at the final round of the NHRA Mello Yello championship in Pomona on November 10-12.
The team raced last weekend at the opening round of the 2017-18 at Sydney Dragway where RAI local hero Damien Harris defeated team-mate Wayne Newby in the final and American import Ashley Sanford finished a credible sixth.
Twelve hours after the win, co-tuners Santino and Santo Jnr jetted out of Sydney on a 29-hour flight to the team’s American headquarters in Indianapolis where they will collect the team transporter and hospitality trailer to make the 3400km cross country drive to Pomona. The team is expected to arrive late Wednesday then set up the car and trailer on Thursday ahead of the first round of qualifying on Friday.
Driver Wayne Newby will arrive in Pomona on Wednesday and team owner Santo Rapisarda is expected on Thursday.
“To say it’s been hectic is a real understatement,” said Santo Rapisarda Jnr. “We really want to race at the World Finals and all the travelling involved is just part of the deal. We are up for the challenge and hopefully will do well. Anytime you can get the chance to race against the best in the world we want to grab the opportunity.
“Over the years we have made many friends racing in America but when you step out on the race track you want to win. Being the final round of the year the championship is also on the line in Top Fuel. There is the added pressure for teams in America to finish the year on a high note to keep their sponsors happy. For the Rapisarda family team we have little to lose. We want to push hard and I wouldn’t be surprised if we could cause an upset or two over the weekend.
“The day after the meeting we drive back to Indy, then fly home to Sydney, and time for a rest.”
