Here is something a little different to report on, the 2200 Drag Racers Association – based north of Sydney in the Central Coast to Newcastle region – held a most enjoyable Chicago Shoot Out private event at Sydney Dragway last Friday for their club members, and Drag News was there to cover it.
It was about time Sydney turned on a spectacular day for racing – which would have been nice a week earlier – for the inaugural 2200 DRA Chicago Shootout, a club event held over the eighth mile distance.
A healthy number of racers took up the opportunity for some DYO racing in a relaxing atmosphere and by all reports enjoyed themselves immensely, the 220 DRA club through President Martin Stevenson even hosted a free sausage sizzle for all in attendance.
Racers were split up into two eliminators based on elapsed times after a morning of qualifying along with a separate bike bracket, they would then compete over five rounds in a Chicago Shootout format with the best performers throwing down in the final.
In the quicker A group – which featured the likes of Mark Hinchelwood’s turbo altered and a host of other Sydney Dragway regulars – saw a final showdown between Shire Drag Racing team mates Jim Denaro and Tim Nielsen.
Unfortunately the Cortina of Denaro must have been lapped out and would not fire in the staging lanes, leaving the dragster of Nielsen to solo for the trophy.
The was some consolation for Denaro, taking home the best reaction time trophy with a perfect light.
The B group of racers was made up of some some sweet street machines and daily drivers to Super Street racers.
The final ended at the tree with a red light to Grant Whitmore in his Commodore and therefore handing Joe Grima the win in his One Tonner.
Brian Hazell was the victor in the bike class with his classic Honda 750.
There were thumbs up all round for the day.
Daniel Boyd was the days burnout king with out a doubt.
Though Mitchell Newcombe certainly kept him honest.
Big H Racing were in attendance in force.
We haven’t seen Andy Hatcliff’s blown Ford Coupe at Sydney Dragway before – well not on the blacktop.
After a pretty big crash at the Australian Nationals last year, Marco Tolomeo has returned to the track with a rebuilt machine.
A extra bonus for the day was the open quarter mile testing allowed, a opportunity snapped up by a few heavy hitters.
Paul Mouhayet and Joe Signorelli hit the track hard but could not hit a set up for a full pass as both teams continue to work overtime with their testing.
Ben Gatt was sorting out a new engine package ahead of the Winternationals.
Likewise Mitch Sammut in his hard launching Top Sportsman Corvette.
Paul Galea is the new owner of Matt Grubisa’s Outlaw 10.5 Camaro, Galea took to his new ride with ease clocking 7.19 at 197mph as he begins to feed in the power.
Rod Barchet was licensing his nitrous Top Fuel Motorcycle running solidly into the sevens as he gets accustomed to running quite a bit faster than when on his Destroyer.
Terry Jackson was aboard Mick Donohue’s Comp Bike which had overstayed from the Nitro Champs cancellation for some testing.
There is no doubt this was the first of many drag days that will be organised by the 2200 Drag Racers Association such was its success. The association itself was formed to provide a social network for drag racers as well as to promote drag racing within the NSW Central Coast and Newcastle area and you can check them out by visiting http://www.2200dra.com/ or searching for them on Facebook.
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Check out our massive gallery from the day below by Cackling Pipes Photography
