Rapisarda Autosport International will make Top Fuel history at the Sydney Dragway Nitro champs on May 2-3 when they become the first Australian team to ever field four cars in the elite category.
The Sydney based team holds the current record of three cars set at the Australian Nationals in November 2014 when the ran Damien Harris, Allan Dobson and rookie Wayne Newby.
The decision by RAI has swelled Top Fuel to bursting point, with 11 cars rumoured to be attending the event.
Current points leader Damien Harris and his junior team mate Wayne Newby are likely be joined by American Dom Lagana who has been impressive with strong performances at the Indy Nationals and season closing round at Pomona in 2014. At the Summit Racing Nationals in Las Vegas in April he qualified eighth, defeated one-time Pro Stock champ Dave Connolly, then smoked the tyres against NHRA star Doug Kalitta.
The decision to run four cars has created a great deal of interest within the NHRA ranks with several well credentialed NHRA drivers likely to be in touch with Sydney based team owner Santo Rapisarda to chase the ride. Also in the mix is long time Aussie driver Allan Dobson.
“The logistics of running four cars will be a challenge,” the team said. “The team has gained a wealth of experience racing in America, is well organized and have the cars and spare parts inventory to handle the situation. Santo wouldn’t have given it a thought unless he believed it was possible. Lagana is a real asset – he’s smart with good driving instincts and will be a major hit with the fans in Australia.”
Lagana is no stranger to racing in the Southern Hemipshere, though this will be his first time racing in Australia.
“The closest I’ve been to Australia is when we raced in New Zealand earlier this year,” said 29-year-old Lagana. “I follow the drag racing scene in Australia and it’s always cool to see how people go about racing in different countries and I love racing for Santo and the boys here in America.
“Santo has been so good for the sport in Australia and I’m proud and honored to be given the opportunity to be racing for the Rapisarda family. It won’t be a holiday. I’m coming to win.”
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