In addition to the high drama surrounding South African Peter De Wit in the Gravity Storm Jet Dragster, an excellent night of drag racing was staged at Perth Motorplex on Saturday night.
In a final shakedown meeting before the big one – the 42nd Westernationals on March 2 & 3, a lot of powerhouse Western Australian Drag Racing teams were flexing serious muscle as an early warning shot for the pending interstate onslaught.
In terms of the Jet Dragster match race, De Wit prevailed in a 2-1 match race, with Haynes delivering the quickest and fastest run of the day with a 5.57. However it was De Wit’s well publicised deep-end sand-trap excursion after a chute failure that grabbed everyone’s attention. Thankfully the South African who now calls Victoria Park home – is expected to recover fully.
Nigel Benson’s zany Wheelstander entertained as always, running 11.674 on just the back wheels for the quarter mile at 202 kilometres per hour!
But it was the West Aussie hardcore drag racers that served notice – smashing benchmarks left, right and centre.
In Top Comp Rob Pilkington barnstormed to a 5.75 on the way to the win over Alistair McClure’s funny car.
Terry Stacy was blitzing along at 7.881 in a wicked quick Super Comp field, Kyle Putland also chipped in with a 6.7 second blast under the A/A National record.
Jodi Racco impressed with ex Wayne Daley Pro Stocker, tuning up for the Westernationals, an ANDRA Championship round.
But it was Andrew Katavatis’ altered defeating Errol Quartermaine in the final.
Greg Durack ran miles under the BB/CB record in Competition Bike with an awesome 6.999 second effort, the bracket though went to Neil Anderson over Daniel Natalotto.
Super consistent Donald Friend too the ute to victory in Supercharged Outlaws over Wayne Batson.
The georgous Camaro of Martin Micro was too good in Super Sedan defeating Alby Bakranich in the final.
Clinton Urban claimed Modifed Bike over Paul McNamara.
Super Street went to Scott Jeffreys after taking on Jacob Mills in the final.
Jake Djuric won Junior Dragster defeating Curtis Spadaro.
In Junior Dragster Rookie it was Tyson Liddiard over Dylan Pettigrew.
Drag Racing action returns on March 2 & 3 for the BIG GO – the 42nd Westernationals with Top Doorslammer, Pro Stock and Aeroflow Sportsman Series.
Full results here http://www.motorplex.com.au//?id=114
Photos by Gardner Broz
