Second generation ANDRA Top Fuel sensation, Mark Mariani’s shock win at the Nitro Champs at Sydney Dragway has left him the surprise favourite for the $25,000 payday.
Starting at the Perth Motorplex back in December, The Shannons Tri State Shootout is a 3-race format that sees teams awarded points for eliminating other racers on race day.
Despite still having one final round to compete, Mariani’s thumping 36 point lead will take some hauling back at the Castrol Edge Winternationals.
Some competitors such as 3-time Pro Series champion, Phil Read have already conceded defeat, having this to say to the OneHD television crew after his final round loss to Mariani.
“I think Mark’s wrapped up the Shannons Shootout with that, we won’t catch him now.”
While still very much a chance of the $25,000, Read was thrilled for Mariani and even saw the funny side to the situation.
“He owes us $12,500 for the role we played,” He joked.
Coming in with a slender 7-point advantage, defending Pro Series winner Phil Lamattina relinquished the Shannons Shootout lead when he lost a thriller to Martin Stamatis. The .006 second margin of victory typical of Lamattina’s luck at Sydney Dragway.
Stamatis failed to capitalise, smoking the tyres against his teammate Read in the semis. Where Mariani’s road to the final also involved a nail biter with his teammate Allan Dobson and also a fiery encounter with Darren Morgan.
With 4 drivers in contention for the money with only the final round to play, this is what they have to do to win.
Mark Mariani (leads by 36) – Needs to make the final or hope that Stamatis or Read don’t win if he is out in the semis.
Martin Stamatis (trails by 36) – Needs to win event and hope Mariani is out in the semis. Reach the final and hope Mariani is out first round. Or reach the semis and hope Mariani does not qualify.
Phil Read (trails by 38) – Needs to win event and hope Mariani is out in the semis. Reach the final and hope Mariani is out first round. Or reach the semis and hope Mariani does not qualify.
Phil Lamattina (trails by 49) – Needs to win event and hope Mariani is out first round or make final and hope Mariani does not qualify.
