Reigning Top Comp Champion, Rob Pilkington will continue his title defence this Saturday after beginning his campaign with a B-Final appearance at the Perth Motorplex Grand Opening just over a week ago.
Pilkington began the season by sensationally appointing his son Brodie to the role of head tuner and despite significant rule changes to the Top Comp class for the 2013/14 season, the decision was bolstered by the seventeen year old sending his father down the quarter mile to a string of 5.80 second passes, proving the youngster was born for the job.
“This will be a good step up for him and gives me more time to oversee the team and concentrate on driving. As a 17 year old, Brodie has matured into a very competent tuner and I have great faith in the decisions he makes and look forward to see his confidence grow as we tackle more race meetings through the year and chase the national record in TA/FC.”
Qualifying in the fourth spot, Pilkington had the numbers to reach and win the B-Final due to their opponent Murray O’Conner failing to show, however the Alutech backed funny car team weren’t so happy to let their favourite sparring partner and toughest competitor last season get away with a win in the opening round.
“My old mate Al McClure struck first blood, but we now have him lined up in our sights to catch up in the points standings and continue our great battle as per past seasons.”
The Alutech/CTS Low Loaders will now focus on the upcoming round two when the USA Jet Dragsters return to town on November 16, with all eyes on how the team can get back into the 5.50 second range.
“After reviewing the data post meeting we feel we probably had the wrong gear ratio to tackle the better than expected track conditions along with a possible MSD Magneto being down on power, so we probably did okay under the circumstances,” a reflective Pilkington said.
“This is a “one change at-a-time sport and Brodie has his whole life ahead of him. The trick now is to slowly download everything I know into his brain and couple that with the amazing ability his generation has to understand new technology. If we can do that smoothly, we’ll all be in with a big future!”
Pilkington was also pleased to welcome a new associate sponsor to the team.
It’s great to have some backing with Scott from “In2 Hot Rods” on board, who specializes in custom automotive furniture. Check out his website at In2hotrods.com.au for more info and pictures of his amazing furniture.”
Photo credit – www.highoctanephotos.com
