Rapisarda Autosport International has set up a first round clash with Texan Steve Torrence after qualifying in 15th spot at the Sonoma Nationals.
Going into the final day in a strong 12 th place on the time sheets the Oz team drifted down the charts over the final two runs in qualifying.
RAI along with several highly rated teams struggled for traction as the track temperature climbed steadily over the afternoon.
“On the opening run we dropped the number one cylinder on the step, and it was all over.” according to co – tuner Santo Rapisarda Junior. “Then on the last qualifier we smoked the tyres and it looks like we may have damaged the number eight piston. The positive is that it happened early on the run so the damage was kept to a minimum.
Not sleeping just checking for light leaks.
“Were in the field and that means we getting to go racing on Sunday. The last couple of NHRA meetings have provided a lot of first round upsets in Top Fuel and we will are quietly confident of upsetting Torrence who will start as favourite.”
Adding spice to the RAI and Torrence clash, it will be also the first time the “Rapisarda boys” – Santino and Santo Jnr. will go head to head against ex- tuner Lee Beard who quit the team earlier this season.
Thumbs up for Sunday.
