Robin Judd is looking for his first major event win for the season when he competes at this weekend’s ninth annual Nitro Champs at Sydney Dragway, Eastern Creek from Friday to Sunday, May 4-6.
Perth-based Judd top qualified in the first all five-second Top Doorslammer field in (Australian National Drag Racing Association) ANDRA Pro Series history at the previous Doorslammer championship event, held at Sydney Dragway in March 24.
Judd’s Aeroflow/William Buck team went to the Sydney March event with one goal, to bridge the 35.5 points needed to take the Top Doorslammer Pro Series championship lead.
Judd was on track to move up the championship point’s ladder after taking maximum qualifying points and speed bonus points after recording his fastest-ever speed 251.02mph (403.97km/h) during qualifying.
However, Judd went out in the semi-final after his Aeroflow/William Buck ’59 Studebaker lost traction due to poor track conditions following an oil down from an earlier competitor in his lane.
Only Judd’s driving skills saved him from crashing after the Studebaker moved sharply, broadsided and crossed into his opponent’s lane. Crossing the centre line is an instant disqualification.
Judd has put the disappointment of losing in the semi-final behind him and is now focusing on winning the Nitro Champs.
“Going into the last Sydney event, we were 35.5pts behind (championship leader) John Zappia. After losing to him (Zappia) in the semi, we are now 72.5pts behind, which has all but put the championship out of reach,” Judd said.
“The Aeroflow/William Buck team’s focus is on winning the Nitro Champs. If we do and the (championship) point’s fall in our favour and the championship comes back into play, then that’s a bonus.”
Judd considers Sydney Dragway his favourite track after reaching the final at the past three consecutive Australian Nationals – held at SD – winning the 2009 and 2010 titles and reaching three semi-finals from the last seven completed (non-rain effected) events.
“There is no doubt Sydney Dragway must be considered is our most successful and favourite track,” Judd said.
“Our Studebaker appears more suited to Sydney Dragway. We ran Australia’s first Top Doorslammer 5.7-second pass, a 5.779-second, while testing for last year’s Nationals, then at the March event we achieved our fastest-ever speed.”
Judd believes the all five-second eight-car field set at the Sydney March event could become the norm from now on.
“History was made at the last Sydney event and it showed just how much the Doorslammer racers have stepped up overall.
“I think we will see more all five-second fields and that is going to make qualifying exciting and tough, particularly if you run a 5.99-second pass and miss the field like a couple of racers did at the last event,” Judd said.
Judd (407.5pts) currently is in third place, behind Zappia (480pts), with Peter Kapiris (415.5) in second place.
