John Zappia has extended his lead in the WA Summer Slam Series following victory against Mark Chapman at the Night of Fire on Saturday night.
After several events where he was sabotaged by mechanical problems, Zappia returned to form in a consistent showing at the Perth Motorplex. He top qualified with a 5.774sec. run, which was followed by a 5.714sec. pass in racing to earn him a spot in the A Final up against Chapman.
Chapman upstaged the favourite Zappia early in the final with a holeshot, giving him a tenth of a second advantage at the start line. Zappia’s horsepower proved too much however, with a 5.714sec. pass defeating Chapman’s valiant 6.015sec.
Stuart Moresby positioned himself as a threat to Zappia in the remaining two rounds of the season thanks to a B Final win. Moresby ran a personal best 5.896sec. time to defeat Frank Taylor and move himself into second position in the overall championship.
The world class performances of the Top Doorslammers were matched by the show from the Jet Dragsters where Pieter De Wit (Iron Horse) and Ian Wood (Banshee) turned on a fiery night of entertainment for the enthusiastic Perth crowd.
Jay Upton continues to get closer to finding the sweet spot with his Nitro Bike, as he took a 6.74sec. win against championship leader Greg Durack.
Top Comp saw Wayne Keys continue his perfect season as he enjoyed his fourth straight event victory. Keys defeated Danny Costello, who turned in a highly impressive event with his AA/Altered-classed race car.
Jake Chaisty earned his second Super Comp win of the season against championship hopeful Rob Gaikhorst, while Ross Smith further staked his own claim to the Competition Bike title in defeating Ross Green.
Other winners on the night included Jodie Mellitt (Supercharged Outlaws), Kevin Boulton (Outlaw Radial), Paul Downe (Top Sportsman), Nicholas Wroe (Modified), Martin Mirco (Super Sedan), Ian Read (Modified Bike), Adrian Pearsall (Super Street) and Dylan Spadaro (Junior Dragster).
The WA Drag Racing Championship continues in three weeks with the Super Sportsman Showdown on February 13. For more information, visit www.motorplex.com.au
Pic credit: High Octane Photos.
