Drag racing stalwart Victor Bray has stepped into the winners’ circle for the second time in as many weekends, taking victory in a father versus son final at Adelaide International Raceway’s anniversary invitational on Saturday evening.
The result tops off a massive two weeks for the six-time Top Doorslamer champion, who on November 17 celebrated a breakthrough win over reigning champion John Zappia at the Perth Motorplex’s Goldenstates championship event.
This weekend the drag racing veteran was not alone however, with a special guest along for the ride in his Sidchrome Team Bray Racing 1957 Chevy.
“When we were in Adelaide earlier this month I met a couple of local guys who asked to sign a picture of a mate of theirs who had recently passed away,” said Bray.
“It was clear Tristan was a real rev head and was sorely missed by all that knew him.
“He had been a big fan ever since he was very young and grew up as a loyal Team Bray fan. Later when I met his Mum and Dad they showed me some Victor Bray shirts he had held on to for 25 odd years and they were in perfect condition.
“After some consideration how we could honour the loyalty of Tristan I asked the family if they would consider me taking Tristan’s ashes down the drag strip. I was honoured when they agreed to do so and we arranged to have them secured inside my car for the weekend’s event.
“With all Tristan’s friends and family at the track It was clear Tristan’s passing had left them with a very large hole in their lives and the stories of his life and his cars and bikes reflected the type of guy he was, so I was glad to be able to help out in some small way. Tristans spirit rode along with me all day and the results speak for themselves.”
Bray was one of six Top Doorslammer racers from all across the country who responded to the invitation to head to Adelaide to celebrate 12 months since the return of championship drag racing to the facility.
Held across the 1000 foot distance in the round robin style of racing, the event promised a valuable opportunity for the team to gather data ahead of next September’s ANDRA Top Doorslammer event.
The team came away with more than that however, with Victor and his son Ben making it through to the final for an intense father versus son showdown.
A close race saw Victor cross the line at 5.172 seconds and 186.95 miles per hour, just ahead of three-time champion Ben who punched out a 5.316s, 180.83mph result.
“An all-Bray, father versus son finale at Adelaide Dragway, how good is that!” said Victor Bray.
“Best of all, by taking the win I have workshop bragging rights for both Christmas and the New Year, it doesn’t get much better than that!”
Victor would like to thank Andy and Raylene Thomas for allowing him to honour the memory of their son Tristan and his lifetime of loyalty to Team Bray.
Also on track at the weekend to the fan’s delight was Darren DiFilippo who brought out his Jet Car to celebrate the one year anniversary of Adelaide International Raceway promoter Racing Onn and AC/DC tribute band ‘High Voltage’ who closed out Saturday evening’s events with a well-received concert.
Team Bray Racing will next be on track for the annual Street Machine Summernats over 3-6 January 2013. For more information, please visit www.teambrayracing.com
