Emilio Spinozzi has been making more test runs than almost anyone else in the Pro Slammer field ahead of he and brother Adamo’s sophomore season in the 400 Thunder Professional Drag Racing Series, which begins on November 1 and 2 at Sydney Dragway’s East Coast Thunder event.
The driver of the 3000 horsepower Terra Civil Chevelle has had a busier off season than most, as the team discovered a nagging electrical issue that had been holding back their potential.
“We have been chasing a problem with the two-step that has been hindering our efforts and it looks like we have got on top of that,” Emilio said. “We did really well in our last test session and we are looking forward to doing some more testing in the days before East Coast Thunder.”
Spinozzi was one of last season’s surprise packets in Pro Slammer, finishing fifth in the overall points standings despite missing the season-ending Winternationals. Part of the reason for that was a fantastic pit crew who ensured the Terra Civil Chevelle made the call for each and every round of racing.
“Last year we had a pretty good season in terms of win lights. It would be nice to actually have some fast times under our belt this season so we are true competitors, not just lucky.
“We nearly did the whole season but we just couldn’t get on top of it before the Winternationals so we regrouped, stripped the car down and started again.”
Spinozzi is well aware that to be a part of race day at East Coast Thunder he must first qualify into the eight-car field.
“We can make all the fantastic runs we want in testing but in the end all that counts is making a good pass in one of the three qualifying sessions,” he said.
“We’ve run into the 5.80s so it would be nice to get into the high 5.70s as a start. We have got the power with Darren Mayer’s combination, we have a good car and we just need to make it all come together.
“The crew have been working extremely hard in the off season and the boys have been amazing, it is bloody hard work. My crew chief Michael Marriott has been working hard at this and Darren Mayer has been an awesome help. We are looking forward to having a good crack at the 400 Thunder championship.”
Pro Slammer’s qualifying sessions will take place on Friday, November 1 at 2.55pm, 5.00pm and 7.00pm, with eliminations beginning from 2.46pm on Saturday.
Spinozzi thanked team sponsors Terra Civil, Hitachi Construction Machinery, Complete Hire, Nicsons Concrete, DMPE ,Torco Oils, LJ Hooker Commercial Macarthur, Soligo Concrete, Sloanebuilt Trailers, Pasta Italia, Optimum Fire, Planned Signs, Kemps Creek Mitre 10, Western Filters, Speedflow, Al’s Race Glides, Smithfield Diff and Gearbox, Race Teknix and Corfield Media Solutions for their continued support.
