Judd looks to build championship points lead

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Perth-based Chartered Accountant, Robin Judd, will be looking to build on his Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) Pro Series Top Doorslammer championship lead at this weekend’s (Friday to Sunday, April 30-May 2) seventh annual Nitro Champs at Sydney Dragway, Eastern Creek. 

However, while the methodical Judd and his well-drilled William Buck/K & B Exclusive team will be aiming for a third championship series event win this season, Judd was starting to wonder if he would actually be able to race in Sydney.  
 
After competing at the Nitro Funny Car event at the Perth Motorplex mid-March, Judd and his wife went to the UK to visit their daughter and have a family holiday.
 
Prior to Judd returning home, concern mounted as ash from an Iceland volcano grounded planes, forcing the closure of most UK and European airports for nearly a week. 
 
Fortunately for Judd and his wife, they were able to get flights back to Australia.  
 
“Luckily we were in Egypt, our last stop, when the volcanic ash problem occurred. The plan was to fly back to the UK and spend a couple of days there before flying home, but we were forced to change those plans.
 
“All unaffected flights were full so we were stuck in Cairo for a couple of days. We managed to get a flight to Dubai, then a flight back to Perth a couple of days later. Our daughter managed to get to Southern Europe then back to the UK by ferry from Spain,” Judd said.
 
In his absence, Judd’s workshop and team manager, Andrew Fowler, packed-up and loaded the William Buck/K & B Exclusive ’59 Studebaker for the trip to Sydney.   
 
Judd with the laundry out at Sydney Dragway“On the same day I arrived back in Australia, the car left Perth for Sydney. I have not seen the car since we tested at the Perth Motorplex in March, but I know Andrew (Fowler), Stuey (crew chief, Stuart Rowland) and the rest of the guys have done a great job preparing the car for the Nitro Champs.  
 
“The championship is on the line this weekend. We need to have a good result and go to the Winternationals still in the (championship) lead. We have sent two spare motors to Sydney just in case,” Judd said.  
 
“Our results have been a mixed bag in Sydney over the years. I won the Australian Nationals there last September and was also runner-up at the Summernationals a while ago. I have been to three semi finals and have lost in the first round twice. Four of the events we attended have been rained-out.”
 
Judd currently leads the championship series by 34 points from defending champion John Zappia. 
 
Judd is the only championship series multi-event winner – Australian Nationals, Sydney and Goldenstates, Perth Motorplex – to date this season with only the Nitro Champs and Winternationals at Willowbank Raceway (Qld) in June to go. He has also reached seven finals at the past 10 events contested. 
 
“We won the Nationals on the Sydney track, defeating Zap (Zappia) in a tight race so we will set the car up using the same tune-up. If we can run consistent quick numbers in the low 5.80-seconds, we will give Top Doorslammer a big shake.
 
“I know I have the car and team to win again. At the very least I must finish the event in front of Zap (Zappia). That will take the pressure off for the last event and boost our chances to win the championship.”

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