The Australian Nationals at Sydney Dragway got underway in hot conditions as qualifying for the final round of the Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Championship run and done.

With the Australian Nationals upon us, Sydney Dragway was a hive of testing activity both public and private over the past week, so here are some of the highlights.

The challenge of holding Australia’s answer to America’s Drag Week had the organisation of a Special Forces black ops mission as to avoid any undue attention from the establishment in blue. So with confidentiality agreements and media blackouts the participants were recruited under the cover of darkness for operation VPW Drag Challenge.

Brisbane-based drag racer Gary Phillips has unveiled a striking new look for his Lucas Oil Top Alcohol Funny Car ahead of this weekend’s Australian Nationals, but the goal remains the same in winning another championship.

Cold and wet conditions greeted competitors at the Grand Opening event for Perth Motorplex, with crowds also staying away as the weather threatened to put an early end to proceedings.

Cue the music; it’s the final countdown! In the red corner representing Rapisarda Autosport International, it’s the eccentric, fire fightin’ Allan ‘Dobbo’ Dobson. In the blue corner representing Lamattina Top Fuel Racing, it’s the Carrot King, Phil Lamattina.

Lee Bektash dropped a Mopar bomb on the Pro Stock field in pre-Nationals testing, running a 6.903 at 198mph to earn the title of quickest unofficial Pro Stock pass in Australian history.

Following a successful showing at the Castrol EDGE Gold Coast 600 Friday Night Drags last week, husband and wife racers Grant and Debbie O’Rourke are preparing for the final rounds of their respective ANDRA championships.

The Brothers Tremayne will duke it out for the ANDRA Drag Racing Series Australian Pro Stock Championship in the Grand Final Australian Nationals this weekend at Sydney Dragway.