The Aeroflow Outlaw Nitro Funny Car event at Perth Motorplex has been receiving rave reviews with spectators and racers alike enjoying an awesome show.
As the sportsman qualifying and early eliminations wound down, the Aeroflow Outlaw Nitro Funny Cars themselves lined up along the track for the ‘Salute to the Crowd’.
Twelve cars fired up at once, plus the Nitro Sheriff wheelstander, filling the air with nitro and the sound of over 40,000 horsepower at once. The crowd cheered at the completion and as the Funny Cars were wheeled away the supercharged Top Comp bracket got underway.
At 6pm the feature program began, opening with the Nitro Sheriff performing a full track wheelstand and then launching into the first round of Aeroflow Outlaw Nitro Funny Car competition which saw almost every car up near 400kmh and cutting five second runs.
The fans then got a surprise for the night with a drifting display sliding down the return road and around the burnout pad. Phone cameras were out and the kids clambered for a close view of the action as the skilled drivers navigated the tight walls and put on a very popular show.
Come night’s end it was Justin Walshe who was able to take the victory with three wins from three races in Let’s Boogie with a 5.85-second pass at over 400kph. Shane Olive and WA’s own Anthony Begley took out the minor placings.
Surprising the east coast contenders was Matt Abel, who drove Rory Taylor’s Nitro Thunder to the quickest pass of the night – an impressive 5.60 – a great performance by both the team and driver!
Series Manager, Steve Bettes added, “This has been the best event that we have run so far for the Aeroflow Outlaw Nitro Funny Cars. A great crowd, such amazing support form the WA racers and fans, and the superb team at the Perth Motorplex have made this an event to remember.
“We are thrilled with the outcome and to have the local racers join this show, just topped it off. I’m not going to say it’s perfect though – we want to make next year’s event better!” laughed Bettes.
If you weren’t at Perth Motorplex for the event, here is a sample of what you missed!
The series now heads south to Victoria’s South Coast Raceway on February 20.
Into the sportsman racing results from the night.
Aaron Deery has his Top Alcohol dragster on song, carding a 5.63 win in the final round of Top Comp against a valiant 6.55 from Stuart Moresby.
Michael Macri ran a very quick 7.12 during the day and took his Suzuki to the Competition Bike win against a red lighting Brett Ghedina. The turbocharged bikes are proving dominant in this season!
Jodie Mellitt won her first event in Supercharged Outlaws running a 7.47 on a 7.42 dial in for the victory over a red lighting Ben Hoar.
Brad Baker nailed an impressive .006 reaction time in the final round which gave him the advantage over Aaron Bright and produced a win light in Modified.
Martin Mirco had to dispense with plenty of tough competition en route to a win in Super Sedan against Paul Downe.
Brian Hotker was another racer to score his first win, this time in Modified Bike against Trevor Harper.
Craig Caton moved into the points lead for Super Street with his winning performance against Lee Watson.
Brodie Zappia is one of the younger Junior Dragster competitors but what he lacks in years he is more than making up for in race skill, taking a victory.
All in all – this event was a great show and a big thanks has to go out to all the racers, officials and spectators who made it happen. Of course during the night our thoughts were with those who have been affected by the bushfires in the southwest. A fundraising appeal at the bottom of the pit stairs raised over $3000 which will go towards providing food and other essential supplies to families who have lost everything.
The next major drag racing event for Perth Motorplex is the Westernationals on February 14-15.
In case you missed it, check out the gallery from the event here – http://www.dragnews.com.au/index.php/news-all/local-news/3193-gallery-aeroflow-outlaw-nitro-funny-cars-at-perth-motorplex
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