Drag racers gear up for ‘make or break’ Sydney doubleheader

Vital points in the Top Fuel National Drag Racing Championship title race are up for grabs at a massive doubleheader across the Australia Day weekend in Sydney.

The Top Fuel stars will ignite their 11,000hp machines in two NDRC rounds this Friday and Saturday.

Defending champion Damien Harris is once again at the top of the standings with 157 points on the board.

Harris currently enjoys a 32-point lead over teammate Wayne Newby, while the likes of Peter Xiberras (90), Phil Lamattina (66) and Phil Read (60) will sense the double-header as a significant opportunity to get themselves into contention.

The top five in the championship all having title winning experience and will be joined by newcomer Kyle Putland, US racing star and round one winner Larry Dixon, and 2022 event winner Shane Olive, who is back after some time away.

Peter Xiberras wants to use the Sydney doubleheader to boost his Top Fuel title chances. Image: Supplied

Xiberras is more than aware of what’s at stake describing this weekend as a “make or break” situation for the team.

“This time last year, we took out the win in Sydney as part of what would become a late run at the title, going on to move into second place at the penultimate round,” he said.

“While it was a strong season overall, second place in a title like this doesn’t come easy at all; we want to go further this season, of course.

“Naturally, we want to be up the front. We are third currently which isn’t bad, but we can do better, and we will be throwing everything at it this Friday and Saturday to advance up the order and ensure we are right in the hunt for our third title.

“With not one but two rounds of the championship to be held across the two days, it will be a real make-or-break point of the championship chase.”

There is also plenty to play for in Top Doorslammer where tension is high.

John Zappia was initially named the winner of the last round at The Bend, only to be disqualified after crossing the line first when a crew member was found to have touched his car while it was in full stage – not allowed … 

Despite Zappia immediately appealing the decision, it was upheld and the result promoted rookie Russell Taylor to his second win of the year.

John Zappia will be determined to get back onto the top step in Sydney. Image: SpeedShots Photography

More importantly, Taylor snatched a 23-point championship lead from Zappia as a result, while Lisa Gregorini and Ronnie Palumbo are also in close proximity.

Zappia is now fully focussed on Sydney.

“It is certainly a very tough reminder and lesson to crews about not being too blasé in the staging position and around the racing vehicle once the race is classed as commenced,” he said. 

“Though it was an unwitting mistake, we accept the rules and accept the outcome. This has hit the team hard, but rules are put in place for varying reasons, including safety, to which we always aim to abide by.

“Now we are on our way to Sydney, and we are certainly looking for a good event there and to do what we do best. 

“We want to go there and put on a good show.”

Russell Mills hopes to extend his Pro Alcohol title advantage in front of his home crowd.

In Pro Stock Robert Dekert appears to be the one to beat after a perfect weekend at the season opener also in Sydney.

He overcame Rick Chilton in the A Final while Clint George is third.

Scott White leads the way in Pro Stock Motorcycle after a special round 1 victory ahead of Rob Campisi and Joe Gauci.

Steve Norman will be one of the Sportsman’s competitors at Sydney. Image: Cackling Pipes Photography

FuelTech Pro Mod also returns after opening at Sydney in October with Craig Burns, Rob Campisi and Joe Gauci are expected to be the front runners.

On both Australia Day and Saturday the Top Fuel finals ignite at 22.00 AEDT at Sydney.

Also on track will be the Aeroflow National Sportsman Championship competitors from 17.00 AEDT both days.

The Western Sportsman drivers have little time to rest as they will be back driving a week later at the round at South Coast Raceway in Portland on January 27-28.

Matt Forbes (Competition) Steve Norman (Super Stock) Joe Khoury (Competition bike) Dale Tucker (Supercharged Outlaws) Glenn Henley (Top Sportsman) Simon Barlow (Modified) David Todd (Super Sedan) Michael Jennings (Super Street) Lucas Neagoe (Modified Bike) Cooper Plummer (Junior Dragster) and Robert Bergamin (Super Gas) are the championship leaders.

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