Nothing stirs up drag racing passion like a pair of nitro pumping fuel altereds, as the pairing of Psycho III and Berzerk from the Cowin Racing stable ripped out some record setting performances at the recent Cruzin’ Magazine Nostalgia Drags and Hot Rod Reunion event in Queensland.
Fittingly one of drag racing’s patriarchs in Graeme Cowin would serve as Grand Marshall for the day. Tony Wedlock, President of Willowbank Raceway announced pre-event the honour bestowed upon Cowin. “On behalf of Willowbank Raceway, we would like to thank Graeme and Wendy Cowin for their continued efforts to advance drag racing in Australia. Their ongoing success within the sport, and all their achievements throughout their long and storied career are a true testament of their commitment to the sport,” he said.
When asked about the title, Cowin replied, “I am honoured to have been asked to be Grand Marshall for this event, The Cruzin’ Magazine Nostalgia Drags. I love the history of our sport and look forward to being part of it for many years to come”.
The fuel altereds took three stabs at the track, Shane Olive in the upgraded Psycho III was on it first with a 6.066 personal best at 240mph.
The pair upped their game in the next round with a killer 6.015 from Psycho III beside a 6.031 from Rick Gauci in Bezerk – the quickest side by side nitro altered pass in Australia.
Bezerk rounded out the day of killer action with a 6.016 to Psycho III’s 6.296.
Top eliminator was front engine heaven, Fred Westhoff top qualified with a 6.831 in his sweet blown digger a smidge ahead of Les Rodgie’s Dodge Challenger funny car with a 6.837.
Peter Duffy was in the sixes too with his FED at 6.85 along with Darren Bazarnik’s crazy altered that cracked a 6.952 in qualifying.
Bazarnik went as quick as 6.672 in the round robin rounds but it would be Rodgie taking the trophy home over Westhoff.
Throwing back to the days of supercharging anything with doors, Wild Bunch always entertained. Andrew Lange took the class win with his Torana over Mark Smith’s mental HK.
Top Gas saw Mick Briskey grab the win. Over in Middle Eliminator Chelsea Leahy pushed the stripe a touch too hard in her FED breaking out to Lucas Holz in the final.
Luke Stitz knocked off Wayne Bradleya in the Nostalgia Super Stock final, and Ken Chardon won Stock over Bill McKee.
The Nostalgia class went to David Gall when he defeated Ian Campbell in the final and in the forever cool Hot Rod eliminator Dean Wilson was too good for Josh Pile.
Vintage Gas which always features some weird and wonderful machinery was taken out by Simon Bishop over Brent Emanuelli. Paul Carpenter showed his skill in scoring the victory in Street Machine over Nathan Berry.
Mark Akers lit up the win light with is old school Kwaka in the Classic Bike final outgunning Brett Copping to the strip. And the last of event winners was Peter Grant in that very unique HAMBster bracket.
Check out the gallery provided by the team at Dragphotos.com.au.
