First ever NDRC season’s big finale
A big finish to the first ever first ever National Drag Racing Championship (NDRC) season is in store at Willowbank Raceway this weekend.
All eight NDRC Group One brackets will be in action at the season-closing Gulf Western Oil Winternationals from June 6-9.
It will mark the end of a historic opening season of the NDRC which has marked a new era of drag racing.
Now the time has come to crown the first NDRC champions with 11,000hp Top Fuel racers, XPRO Nitro Funny Cars, Top Doorslammers, Top Fuel Motorcycles, as well as Pro Alcohol, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle and FuelTech Pro Mod racers, alongside the Aeroflow National Sportsman Championship runners all hitting the track.
“One of the biggest championship drag racing events on the planet will lift to a whole new level this year,” NDRC Co-Founder, Andy Lopez, said.
“We can’t wait to get the NDRC on track at Willowbank Raceway, Queensland’s premier drag racing facility, which is looking amazing following the completion of recent upgrades.
“The track surface looks incredible, the anticipation is at an all-time high as our inaugural season comes to a close, and there is so much to play for between championship honours and the battles for glory at this prestigious event.
“When it comes to names to watch, the list is long as the competition has been fierce in each and every bracket across the season with many title chases still too close to call.
“In short, you don’t want to miss this show – if you are a fan of drag racing, make sure you get out to Ipswich this weekend.”
In Top Fuel Rapisarda Autosport International team-mates lead the way with defending champion Damien Harris on top ahead of Wayne Newby by 39 points.
However, boosted by back to back wins in Sydney Peter Xiberras is still in striking distance in third.
Unfortunately one driver who will not be in action will be Phil Lamattina due to the passing of Uncle and team member, Tony.
Benny Stevens hopes to finish his NDRC campaign in style. Image: Cackling Pipes Photography
Justin Walshe tops the XPRO Nitro Funny Cars with 457 points, 28 ahead of defending champion Morice McMillin and their battle will go down to the wire, while Brandon Gosbell (359) is also still in mathematical contention.
In Top Doorslammer, 11-time champ John Zappia and series newcomer Russell Taylor have been at the centre of one of the most intense title rivalries this season, trading wins and the points lead throughout.
Heading into the finale, Taylor leads the way on 659 points from Zappia’s 635, with another rookie, Ronnie Palumbo, in third and still in with a chance – especially given the eliminations format – on 543 points.
After back to back wins at the Westernationals Benny Stevens is in a commanding position in Top Fuel Motorcycle, while Russell Mills is also well on top in Pro Alcohol.
Luke Crowley leads Pro Stock Motorcycle with 417 points ahead of Tony Frost and Jason Lee.
The Pro Stock fight looks open with Rob Dekert, Rick Chilton and Omar Sedmak, plus now Tyronne Tremayne are all in contention.
Dekert leads the way with 413 points, 40 ahead of Chilton.
In FuelTech Pro Mod, Craig Burns started his season off in dominating fashion and will be hoping to end his season on a high.
Image: Cackling Pipes Photography
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