The Western Australian drag racing season has begun with an exhibition at the Shannons Powerpalooza at Perth Motorplex.
Powerpalooza combines all three motorsports that the Motorplex plays host to, launching with drag racing in the afternoon, followed up by dirt track speedway and then a burnout show to round out the night.
An extremely healthy crowd turned up – catching the Motorplex by surprise with large queues outside the gates. The attraction of seeing all three sports, with a $20 entry price, proved to be too good to resist. Once everyone was in they enjoyed an entertaining evening.
Andrew Katavatis in the Beach Bomb and Mark Sheehan in Rory Taylor’s Nitro Thunder opened up the night. Unfortunately for Sheehan, engine damage in the burnout saw him roll through and not return for the second round. Katavatis made a strong half track run on his first pass, before completing the night with a 5.78, getting many cheers from a crowd full of nitro newbies.
Steve Aldridge continued to struggle with tyre shake in the Crown Security Plymouth Barracuda. Wayne Keys was also testing in his Camaro but couldn’t get off the line.
Al McClure’s AA/A carded a strong 6.10. With a Rootes blower replacing the Whipple, the car is seeing more boost and should be into the fives before long.
Paul Carey had a piece of blower belt come off in the burnout, playing havoc with the quad cam belts and causing him to shut the car down.
Todd Stacey giving the two step some love. The team has shifted back to RR/G and mechanical fuel injection – citing some unfinished business with the class.
Kyle Putland has bought a three-seat dragster operation to run at Perth Motorplex. A great way to give newcomers a taste of racing!
Check out more images from the evening below. If you are interested in purchasing images or prints, email luke@dragnews.com.au.
