The Rapisarda Autosport International and Tommy Johnson combination ended day one of qualifying for the NHRA Sonoma Nationals in 12 th spot.
“Overall we are happy with our performance,” said co -tuner Santino Rapisarda. “We were the first pair out in qualifying and to run a 3.87/303.71 mph for sixth place was a great effort.”
“The car came back with no parts damaged and it was simply a case of a routine service between runs for the boys on the team. There were a lot of teams watching to see how we would go with Tommy behind the wheel and he came through with flying colours.” he said.
“Because we did well on our first qualifier we got to start at the end of the pack for the evening session. Usually that’s an advantage but today the track temperature fell away quickly and we shook the tyres, so did Shawn Langdon from Al –Anabi in the other lane.”
RAI Brains Trust – Left to Right: Santino, Harris, Santo Jnr and TJ
Joining the team for the weekend was Oz Fuel ace Damien Harris who accepted an invitation from team owner Santo Rapisarda to join RAI for the Western Swing.
“I’m rapt to be with Santo’s team for the “swing”. said Harris, who arrived on the eve of the three -day event. “From Perth to Sonoma was a 20 hour hike but this an opportunity to good to pass up.”
And on the question if he packed his driving suit and helmet in his luggage………. in case. “Definitely not, I’m here to crew not drive,” Harris laughed.
70’s and 80’s Aussie Top Fuel and Funny Car racer Mario Mariani dropped by to wish the team well.
