National Record Reset at the 45th Westernationals

The Home Group WA 45th Westernationals ran at Perth Motorplex under the IHRA-sanctioned 400 Thunder Australian Professional Drag Racing Series. John Zappia reasserted his position in the Pro Slammer class by resetting the Australian National Record at 5.683 seconds, reaching the final, and maintaining his series lead.

Qualifying

Friday night qualifying among thirteen teams saw Zappia top-qualify with an off-the-trailer 5.71 at 252.96 mph in the Fuchs HQ Monaro. Mark Belleri qualified second at 5.84 in the Holden Trade Club Monaro, followed by Grant O'Rourke at 5.89 in the O'Rourke Motorsport Camaro. The bump spot sat at 6.217, with the top three teams running two to three tenths quicker than the rest of the field.

"The Fuchs Monaro ran well in that first round," said Zappia. "The car ran dead straight with no pedals. I think we may have overcome our niggling tyre shake problem that has bothered us for a few seasons. The car could run a five-eight with a pedal, but now that is fixed the Crusher will run really quick as long as we can keep on top of the tyre shake issues."

"Second qualifier saw us shut down on the start line with a tree malfunction. We went to the back of the field, re-fuelled and ran a 5.76 at 252 mph, with the engine a little hot. We stepped up the tune for Q3 and the car did a huge wheelstand towards the centre line. I had to pedal, correct and run it out the back for a 6.01."

Eliminations

Saturday brought strong weather conditions in Perth. Zappia's Round 1 matchup was Paul Canulli in the roots-powered Duster featuring an automatic gearbox.

"We went back to the 5.71 tune-up from the day before, and like clockwork the car went 5.707 at 253.86 mph to defeat Canulli's 9.11 and go through to the semi-final."

Other round winners: Chapman took a holeshot 6.09 win over Priolo's 6.08; O'Rourke's 6.19 eliminated Dack's 6.95; and Belleri advanced when Kapiris shut down after the burnout.

The Record Run

In the semi-finals, Zappia ran 5.683 at 253.76 mph to defeat Chapman's 6.015. Chapman lifted early and may have missed his first five-second pass.

"Incredible run. We ran 3.75 to half-track (3.74 PB) and PB'd at 203.28 mph, with a strong second half and 253.76 mph. That was identical to our previous PB of 5.683, set here at the Perth Motorplex. The previous run also reset the Perth Motorplex top mph record, beating our previous mark of 253.52 with 253.86 mph. Congratulations to the Chapman Brothers - they are getting a handle on their new car and are very professional in their engineering. A team to watch."

O'Rourke also advanced, taking the win over Belleri at 6.32 in an untidy pass that saw both cars off the noise by 1,000 feet.

The Final

"We left the tune alone for the final against Grant O'Rourke. After strong burnouts we faced each other at the tree. On the hit, the Crusher backfired the blower burst panel and I knew it was over. O'Rourke took the well-deserved win with a 5.942 and notched up another win against us."

"Grant and I have been racing each other for years - back in the Ravenswood days in the old Zap's Rat, and his tidy little Torana. We have a strong rivalry and respect for each other. He is a tough competitor. Pro Slammer is a tough class - just look at today's field, all trying their hardest to crack the formula and run regular fives. It is very complicated and difficult, and we suffered a rare mechanical failure this weekend."

Post-Race

In the pits, the Zappia Racing crew removed the rocker covers on the 502 Hemi and identified the problem: a failed valve train component. IHRA officials conducted engine checks to verify compliance for the Australian National Record, with signoff completed satisfactorily.

"The perfect weekend was not to be - but that is drag racing. We are satisfied with the overall result and are still leading the Thunder 400 Pro Slammer Championship."

"Congratulations to the Dananni Hotshots-sponsored Stuart Moresby, who won the Competition Eliminator Bracket. Unfortunately we could not make it a double celebration for Danni."

"Our next event is the West Coast Nitro meeting on the 19th and 20th of February at the Perth Motorplex, where we will be testing some new components in readiness for the remainder of the current drag racing season."