Drag Warz rd 2, 2007

ANDRA (Australian National Drag Racing Association) Drag Warz round 2 was held on Saturday 10th March. A clear sky was the welcomed greeting as competitors set up from 6am at WSID (Western Sydney International Dragway) for the final round of this series. ‘7 SINS’ made the trek down from Newcastle, but due to set up and scrutineering time, missed the first of four qualifying call ups for Oz Mod.

First pass was a peddled run, with the car not liking the condition of the track. A 10.872 @ 133MPH was the result. Unfortunately for Gary Bond, his first pass was his last for the day, as his ‘BIGHIT’ RX7 got loose and did a 180, before hitting the wall hard, writing his car off. Gary was unhurt thanks to all the compulsory safety gear and will be back with a new project. On the other side of the spectrum, Shane Crichton’s Cressida run a PB off the trailer with 10.008 @ 139.99MPH with his new set up. Check out www.1JZ747.com.au

The second run wasn’t much better, with a faster half track but slower finish, with 10.7 @ 115MPH. I used my parachute on this run, as I was pulled up by a track official after the first run for not using it.

Third run down the track after a boost reduction - I considered this a good option considering the last 2 runs- was not a straight one. I strayed down the side of the lane, ‘out of the groove’, and had to peddle my way to another 10.8 @ 127MPH. I’d have to lift my game if I was to do well in eliminations. A better than average r/t (reaction time) of 0.170 seconds was good to lift my spirits up though.

Choosing a safe yet optimistic(?) 10.3 as my dial in, I was up against a hard charging ‘MR 12A’, the fastest 12A rotary in the land. Lucky for me, a blown hose for Bill Nabhan gave me a win with another 10.8 but at a backing off 108MPH.

2nd round was up against the Kayos Racing RX3. Another good r/t of 0.117, was the start of my chase. My 5th gear wanted to play, but I put a quick stop to that, with re-selection of third and I planted my foot. Luck was on my side again, catching up and taking the win with my best of the day ET of 10.675 @ 118MPH, against 12.2 @ 111MPH with a 12.1 dial in for ‘KAYOS’.

Luck run out on the semi-final run though. I thought I had nailed the r/t again, and had peddled my way to another win. Upon receiving my white piece of paper, an ugly minus sign sat next to the r/t. A red light of 0.058 sec gave the win to Paul’s Fiat 124 in the other lane.

Wayne Dyson and Paul Palermo raced in the final and Wayne took the win. Oscar Semerci won the series for OZ Mod with 140 points. Congratulations to all who raced.

Driving onto the trailer at the end of an event is always a good sign. A couple of minor changes will be made to the car before the next outing.

More event results, pictures and videos can be found at cacklingpipes.com, andra.com.au, and fullboost.com.au.

Head to gallery for pictures and video of ‘7 SINS’ at the track.

See you at the track!

Regards,
Rodney