Rapisarda Autosport International and gun racer Dom Lagana have made a superb return to the NHRA Mello Yello Series finishing in eighth spot at the end of day one of qualifying at the SummitRacing.com Nationals at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Lagana’s pass of 3.80 at 300.66 mph is the teams third quickest ever for the 1000 foot race distance.
The teams first qualifying pass ended after a mere two seconds when the car suffered massive valve train failure. “We were looking at a 3.80 second pass until an intake valve hung open and that detonated the top half of the engine,” said co –tuner Santino Rapisarda.
“We had no choice but to replace the engine for the second qualifier – everything from the oil pan to the injector hat was damaged. The crew were unbelievable and threw themselves into the challenge to turn the car around.
“Our second run was near perfect until Dom was forced to slow after throwing a blower belt around the 900 foot mark. The data said that we were on target to run under the 3.70 barrier.”
Surprise visitor to the RAI pit on the day was former driver Tommy Johnson.
“Its great to see Santo and Santino back here on tour,” said TJ. “The boys really bring some down-under flavour and character to the Mello Yello series. They have a good driver in Dom Lagana and to bounce back after their first run and finish eighth was a typically gritty performance.”
