When the JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series hits Benaraby Raceway on 2 August, a local brother and sister will be looking to continue their assault on the Series point scores of their respective brackets.
Moranbah locals Jessie and Alexis Barbeler – accompanied by father Michael Barbeler – have fast become Benaraby Raceway regulars under the BARBZ Racing moniker, following their introduction to drag racing last year.
Sixteen year old Alexis is currently leading the Diamond T Products Junior Dragster bracket of the Series after taking the win at the second round of the Series in April.
Although she has only been racing for one year, the Moranbah State High School year 11 student has big dreams of racing in the pinnacle bracket of Top Fuel one day.
“The Eighth Mile Series is really great fun, it has good racing and lots of competition while still being friendly, and I am having some good success as well!” said Alexis, who also enjoys playing drums, riding motorbikes and riding horses in her spare time.
“I think I am with a good chance of winning this year if I can keep the good results happening, and I hope my brother can to, he is currently second in his category. It is good having him racing alongside me, we try and all help each other out and it is good to have his support as well as my dad on-track with me.”
Twenty three year old Jessie is second in the points for the Queensland Nameplate Group Modified Bike bracket of the Series.
Previously this season he has competed aboard a 2003 Suzuki Turbo Bandit, but after incurring piston damage during the Winters Warm-Up event at Willowbank Raceway, he will be competing on a 1984 GSX for the rest of the season.
“It is pretty cool to be runner up in the category so far in what is only my first full year of racing, and if we can get the GSX bike running consistently I think I could be in the running to take out the Series for the bracket which is exciting,” said the Moranbah mechanic.
“Hopefully I can even go ahead and set a record one day. That would be really great. My mates tell me I am mad for going as fast as I do as it is though!
“Both my sister and I have to thank our sponsors NQ Car and Truck Rentals, Moranbah Mechanical and Towing and our dad Michael for all of his assistance – having the family all involved is really great, it is heaps of fun helping each other out and having the family there for support.”
Unlike what might be expected, dad Michael reports no issues with balancing the racing of the siblings when it comes to race day.
“I love seeing the kids taking part in this sport – seeing them happy with what they do as part of a friendly Series with good competition is just great,” said Michael.
“I sometimes get asked if it is hard balancing the needs of both of the kids when they are racing, but it is all good – they are always happy and pleased when the other goes well.
“I think Alexis has a really good shot at winning the Series this year and Jessie will too if we can get his spare bike running consistently for the next two meetings.
“We have been involved in a few forms of racing over the years but we got into drag racing only last year and it has been really great for all of us – we really owe thanks to not only all the sponsors of the JP Racing Eighth Mile Series that make this Series possible, but also all the track staff and volunteers, the Series organisers and all the racers who have helped us out, especially when we have broken something!
“We also have a great group of sponsors for BARBZ Racing which we are extremely grateful for, and are always on the lookout for new partners as well as we look to upgrade the racing program.”
The Barbelers will be just two of an estimated 100 racers on-track at Benaraby Raceway come 2 August, with the Diamond T Products Junior Dragster and Queensland Nameplate Group Modified Bike brackets to be joined on-track by racers for the RD Williams Excavator Parts Modified, Ice Slushee Super Sedan and John William Auto Sales Super Street brackets.
The third and penultimate round of the 2014 Series follows on from the season opener held at Warwick Dragway during February and round two at Willowbank Raceway, with the racing set to also travel to Roma (final round – 27 September) before the year is through.
Entries are available on the day and spectator tickets will be available for purchase at the gate at $20.00 for adults and $18.00 for students with ID. Children aged 13 and under gain free admission. Gates open at 7.00am with time trials from 10.00am to 3.00pm and racing from 4.00pm
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