RECORDS TUMBLE AT WINTERNATIONALS

Wayne Newby at the Winternationals – Photo: Wayne Nugent

Though day four of the action at the 50th Winternationals was washed out, the final round of the 400 Thunder Australian Professional Drag Racing Series at Willowbank saw a number of records shattered.

Rain hindered the weekend’s racing but it didn’t stop Peter Xiberras and Wayne Newby from recording the fastest side-by-side Top Fuel pass ever recorded in the country. Newby set a scorching 4.48, while Xiberras recorded a 4.55 pass, as not far behind was Newby’s Rapisarda stablemate Larry Dixon, who recorded a 4.52 run.

The oversubscribed Pro Alcohol was headed by Garry Phillips, who was notably joined by John Cannuli, Steve Ham, Steve Reed and Wayne Price in the 8-car field.

John Cannuli at the Winternationals – Photo: Wayne Nugent

Another class to have eliminations was Pro Slammer. John Zappia led the way with a 5.643 run over Ben Bray and Scott Maclean, while champion elect, Gary Phillips was eliminated by Robin Taylor.

Aaron Tremayne was another to struggle for pace and was eliminated from the event in Pro Stock. Another who didn’t see out the weekend was the retiring Lee Bektash, who withdrew after mechanical problems had hampered his weekend. Top qualifier was Tremayne’s brother Tyron, qualifying ahead of Chris Soldatos.

Today’s running was cancelled after rain during the night made the track conditions unsuitable for the scheduled events to take place.

For more Winternationals news pick up the next issue of Auto Action on sale next week. In the meantime follow us  on social media Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest updates.