John Zappia won the Goldenstates at Perth Motorplex, but the result came at a cost - bent rods on two separate runs and a close challenge from Scott MacLean. Since then, the team has been working on the Fuchs Monaro, developing ways to keep the engine in what Zappia calls the safe zone.

Keeping the Engine in the Safe Zone

"We have the Fuchs Monaro making plenty of power now but we are closer to the edge. We just have to make sure we put enough fuel in it, keeping the motor away from being lean and keeping it in the happy zone." - John Zappia

With over three thousand reliable supercharged horsepower on tap, the focus has shifted to another area - reaction times.

Reaction Times: The Next Variable

"You've just got to be confident in the car that you can drop the clutch and it will do what it is supposed to do. If you are not sure what it will do, you are cautious and your reaction times suffer." - John Zappia

A reliable car creates the conditions for a faster driver. When the machine is predictable, the focus shifts from managing risk to cutting the tree.

"We have had a pretty good car that goes down the track more often than not, so now I can focus on cutting down the tree." - John Zappia

Chasing the 5.6s

After running 5.70 at the Goldenstates, Zappia said a return to the 5.6-second zone is on the agenda, with weather conditions expected to be favourable.

"We found that our 60 foot times slowed down as the track got better last meeting and that kept us out of the 5.6s. Our car likes wheel speed so we can put a bit more into the tune up earlier in the run and then we just need the rest of the pass to be hard and fast and we should be there." - John Zappia

A Strong Field at the Westernationals

Sixteen teams have nominated for the Westernationals - the largest Top Doorslammer field of the season. Among them is Kelvin Lyle and his improving Ford Mustang, which Zappia has been assisting with car development.

"You never stop learning, no matter when things go right or things go wrong. Kelvin's car has really come along, he did a 6.01 by the end of last meeting and it was only his 12th run in the car so we are looking for bigger and better things for this meeting." - John Zappia

Zappia expects the qualifying bump spot to be competitive, with the possibility of an all-five-second field. Lyle missed the field by two hundredths at the previous event.

"The Westernationals is a grand event and you know everyone is going to be pushing harder. I just have to be prepared and do my best to keep the Fuchs Monaro out in front." - John Zappia

The Westernationals field will also feature competition from Top Alcohol, Nitro Bikes, and the Summit Sportsman Series.