Local Perth hero and National Top Doorslammer Champion John Zappia went to the final in the Goldenstates Championship at the Perth Motorplex last weekend and won runner-up, boosting his chances in the 2011/2012 ANDRA Pro Series Top Doorslammer Championship.
He had to beat his strongest opponents Fabietti and Judd on the way to the final, with a showdown against Kapiris.
Zappia qualified third in the ten car field with a 5.920 @ 247.99mph that saw him pick up extra points for High Speed at the event. Top qualifier was in form Peter Kapiris with a 5.847 @ 243.90mph, with Judd second on 5.886 @ 247.93mph – the bump spot being 6.660.
“I am glad to get the points” said a reflective Zappia this week, “But obviously disappointed to lose the final with an engine problem. Peter was the man to beat all weekend, and congratulations to him on his win. The crew were kept busy on the Fuchs/Procomp Electronics Monaro with engine work, as a few small issues caused us some drama including an engine change for the final”.
Zap did battle with Maurice Fabietti in Round 1, and went through for the win in a pedaling 6.025 @ 247.25mph to Maurice’s all over the place 12.449 @ 68.96mph. Other winners were Kapiris 5.884 @ 245.23mph over Priolo 8.105 @ 127.47mph, Dack 6.068 @ 240.00mph over Gregorini 6.347 @ 230.76mph, and Judd 5.873 @ 246.57mph over Murray O’Connor with a 6.15@234.37mph.
Round 2 saw Zap up against his arch rival Judd – the two hard hitters from the West. In an anticipated close race it was Zappia’s 5.983 @ 238.09mph that got the win over Judd’s 6.156 @ 241.28mph – Judd having the bigger pedal after tyre shake. The other winners were Kapiris 6.270 @ 210.77 over Dack 6.390 @ 230.76mph in the other semi, and enjoyed the reward of top qualifying with a relatively easy passage through eliminations.
“That race against Judd could have been a season decider when you think about it for both of us – it’s amazing how little events in a season can make or break a team. We hurt the engine on that run, and after an attempt to rectify it, I made the call to the crew to change the engine”.
“This meeting had lots of highs and lows as records were broken and racers set PB’s, but there were lots of racers that endured car or engine damage. We had our fair share of lows with two engines damaged in subsequent races, but our hearts go out to Gary and Debbie Phillips who went from the biggest high of running the first 5.4 in Top Alcohol, to running off the track and severely damaging the car and not being able to take any further part in the meeting”.
Zappia and Kapiris met for the final and at the 60 foot mark it was all over as the blower burst panel blew on the Fuchs/Procomp Electronics Monaro, with Kapiris scorching to an event low 5.810 @ 247.25mph win, stretching his Championship lead after two rounds.
“There are four more rounds left in this ANDRA Pro Series Championship, and we have more to give in terms of performance. We will keep Kapiris and Judd honest, and if Fabietti gets the auto going, he may put pressure on all of us”.
Zappia Racing heads over to Adelaide in their new Transporter (check out the stunning graphics on the trailer, thanks to Current Trendz Race Graphics) to Adelaide International Raceway for the eighth mile series on 26th November 2011. The event is being promoted by Racing ONN Promotions, is fully ANDRA sanctioned, and the Major Sponsor is Fuchs. Details can be found at www.racingonn.com.au
Co-Naming Rights Sponsors
Fuchs Lubricants, and Procomp Electronics
Major Sponsors
Striker Crushing and Screening, K-Trans Racing, Elora, Beta Spuds, Southside Engine Centre, Noonan Race Engineering, and PPG Automotive Refinish.
Supporting Sponsors
All Tools, Santhuff, Victory1, B & J Racing Transmissions, Mi Camcorders, Current Trendz, Crow Cams, Aero Group – Avtrac Maintenance Tracking, Legend Boatbuilders, Taylor Tyres, Kounis Metal Industries, Bravo Resources, CIC High Performance Coatings, Aurora Bearings, Soltoggio Bros, and Track-Meter.
Image: Courtesy Paul Carey
