Following an investigation into the Top Doorslammer final at yesterday’s Festival State Nationals at Dragway at The Bend, it has been determined that John Zappia committed a breach of the rules that had been originally flagged by an event official at the time, with a crew person touching the car whilst Zappia was fully staged.
This means that Russell Taylor has been declared the event winner with John Zappia declared runner-up with championship points reflecting this decision.
NDRC thanked both of the teams who contested the Top Doorslammer final and to the officials involved for the professionalism shown under testing circumstances.
During staging in the Top Doorslammer final against Russel Taylor at Tailem Bend, one of the Zappia Racing crew touched the injector that he was spraying.
This was noted by an official and immediately after the run was reported and raised as a disqualifiable offence.
The rules state: “…Any person contacting any part of a vehicle or driver/rider while the vehicle is in Full Stage (both pre-Stage and Full Stage lights on for your lane) is not permitted. This will result in the run being disallowed in Qualifying and disqualifications during Eliminations”.
An ANDRA Chief Steward allowed a lengthier investigation to take place utilising the various video angles that were available for the event prior to making a final decision.
Subsequently the win was revoked today and thus awarded to the Taylor Team.
“This is a very tough reminder and lesson to crews about not being too blasé in the staging position and around the racing vehicle once the race is classed as commenced. Though it was an unwitting mistake, we accept the rules and accept the outcome,” said Zappia.
“This has hit the team hard but rules are put in place for varying reasons, including safety, to which we always aim to abide by. We will utilise our forthcoming Sydney race to regather and do what we do best.”
