Records fall at The Bend
Yet again, the Dragway at The Bend smashed more records as the National Drag Racing Championships stunned during the Spring Nationals.
A strong crowd of 22,658 people saw Top Fuel and drag racing stars hit new heights as they set a scorching pace on a weekend that will be remembered for a long time.
American John Ricca, who recently set a world record, added another notable item to his resume.
Ricca etched his name into another record book with a blistering 5.406s pass, which was the fastest ever recorded by an Outlaw Pro Mod in Australia.
His top speed of 270.94 mph (436 km/h) is also the fastest ever for a blown Pro Mod car in the nation’s history.
“This track just hooks up,” said Ricca after his record-breaking run.
“The Bend has proven again that it’s the quickest surface in Australia.
“We came here to push the limits — and the results speak for themselves.”
In the headlining Top Fuel bracket, Damian Harris stole the show.
Harris rewrote his own Australian national top speed record, having stunned by stopping the clock at 333.51 mph (536.82 km/h).
This was just clear of his previous high watermark of 333.16mph.
It was not all smiles at The Bend as Jim Read Racing’s campaign was described as a disaster.
Phil Read turned heads by sporting a special pink livery to support the Snap-On Socket to Breast Cancer campaign.
However, it was only seen on track once across the entire weekend.
After completing testing on Friday, Read suffered a fire on his very first run on Saturday.
The car suffered significant damage, and despite the team’s best efforts during a relentless rebuild, the pink dragster was unable to return to the track.
“Absolutely this fire has been a massive set-back for us and the damage has just been pervasive,” Phil Read said.
“Having said that, Friday, and also Saturday and Sunday, have been all about perspective.
“We proudly carry the colours of the Snap-on Tools Socket to Breast Cancer campaign on our Jim Read Racing dragster, and we rolled out here this weekend keen to make a difference for those suffering from Breast Cancer through fundraising for the McGrath Foundation and raising awareness.
“Yes the damage to our dragster and our morale is substantial, but we know that in the grand scheme of things, there are people in life battling breast cancer each day who are facing obstacles far more substantial than what we have faced in the pits this weekend.
“While we were unable to return to the track, we knuckled down and did all we could to bring it back together, while dedicating our weekend to those who continue to fight the good fight against this evil disease and continuing to do all we could to encourage as many donations as possible.”
With campgrounds sold out and records broken, event organisers hailed the progression of the new drag strip’s standing in Australia.
“This weekend reaffirmed why The Bend is now recognised as Australia’s fastest and most complete motorsport destination,” said Alistair MacDonald, CEO of Shell V-Power Motorsport Park.
“From Top Fuel thunder to John Ricca’s incredible Pro Mod record and Damian Harris’s new national speed record — fans witnessed something truly special. This was drag racing at its absolute best.”
Next is the Nitro Nationals on November 8.
Image: Shell V-Power Motorsport Park
Read the new issue of Auto Action Digital HERE
Buy the new issue of Auto Action Premium HERE
Don’t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription here or you can purchase a copy of the latest issue from one of our outlets here.
