With the 2023 Winternationals now one week away, the now Top Fuel Funny Car driver and seasoned Pro Alcohol Altered campaigner Justin Walshe reflects on the year that was and looks forward to a united future in drag racing.
“Time flies when you’re having fun, they say,” jokes Walshe “12 months ago I was prepping my Pro Alcohol Altered for the ‘22 Winters and we managed to fight through to the semi finals.” Walshe was barely beaten out by Steve Reed who went on to win the 2022 meeting.
This year has brought a change of pace for Walshe and his Harts Paint Supplies race team as they made the move to Top Fuel Funny car – a challenging but rewarding experience.
“As we come to the Winters again, I’ve got to shake my head and can’t believe where our racing program has taken us. I mean, I’m returning from the Aeroflow Nitro Funny Car Race Shop with my own current NHRA Spec Nitro Funny Car in the truck – if you’d have told me that was going to be the case 2 years ago – I would’ve laughed at you!” joked Walshe.
“However with the help of our team, hard work, determination and some great opportunities I’m now living out a lifelong dream. This event is the one everyone wants to be at and the one everyone wants to win – to do it in a Nitro Funny Car would be the ultimate dream.”
Walshe admits that the funny car has been a challenge, but one that is ultimately rewarding for both driver and team.
“These monsters are beyond next level! A 10,000hp nitro blown Hemi coupled with such a short wheelbase means that 4 second passes at over 300mph is possible, but it takes a full team to make it happen.” he said.
“Our introduction to Nitro Funny Car racing has been a real learning experience and we have grown massively as a team. My guys have smashed it out of the park and adapted to the schedule and turn around like ducks to water. The team does an amazing job prepping the car which allows me to be calm and comfortable but once that body comes down and you move forward, you are on your own.
“Each pass is different as you get used to the power, the aero, the speed – it is all so intense and although we’ve made great progress, I have also struggled with getting the car to do what I want it to. We have made adjustments to the steering wheel position so it suits me better – you have to remember this chassis was originally built for Ron Capps who is much shorter than myself – and that should lead to me having more control over this beast.”
In closing it is easy to see that both Justin Walshe and his Harts Team are excited to put on a show for the crowd with the candles lit, nitro flames above the roofline and some quick numbers on the timing boards.
“It’s Winternationals time and we’re going Top Fuel Funny Car racing,” says Walshe with a cheeky grin on his face.
This years’ Winternationals event will be the swan song for the 400 Thunder Aeroflow Drag Racing Series as we lead in to a unified future of championship drag racing with the NDRC, an exciting new chapter that helps move Australian Drag Racing in the right direction – forward!
