In an outright advertisement for the safety standards of Australian drag racing, a Top Fuel driver contesting tonight’s 42nd Australian Nationals at Queensland’s Willowbank Raceway, has walked away unscathed after his dragster snapped in half and burst into flames travelling at close to 500 kilometres per hour.
Mildura’s Phil Lamattina had already covered the quarter mile competition distance in an incredible 4.68 seconds before he became airborne when his dragster frame appeared to crumble.
Thankfully he was soon able to drive by and salute the crowd to confirm his good health much to the relief of drag racing fans.
In a fiery night of fuel charged entertainment fellow Top Fuel driver Allan Dobson had his machine in a ball of flames on the very next pass to give his crew a full night of repairs before tomorrow night’s finals action.
While Lamattina will be unable to rebuild before tomorrow, Perth’s Martin Stamatis will have gained confidence as the top qualifier in Redcliffe Dyno and Performance Top Fuel.
Nineteen year-old Sydney driver Amanda Shepherd worked her 50 kilogram frame into seventh qualifying spot to book a finals showdown with reigning Australian champion Phil Read.
The forecast of major milestones being achieved at Willowbank Raceway’s Australian Nationals rang true across all Group One categories during qualifying.
Australia’s quickest ever field will be aiming to secure a Queensland Events Top Alcohol Nationals title with Brett Stevens leading the bunch after mastering a 5.625 second quickest pass over the quarter mile.
Such was the domination of drivers the quickest bump spot (eighth on the time sheets) had already been established during the earlier third qualifying session of Top Alcohol.
Stevens’ time remained the best after the fourth and final round, while fellow Brisbane driver Gary Phillips was in eighth in a time of 5.769 seconds
As one of the more recognisable names in Australian drag racing, Stevens ensured his colours will be well represented during tomorrow night’s finals as he also qualified second in Morgan and Wacker Top Bike behind team mate Troy McLean.
Queensland Events Top Doorslammer sees another impressive line-up of drag racing superstars out to claim the Nationals spoils.
Crowd favourite Ben Bray was back to his best on his home strip and was able to maintain top qualifying position with a 6.030-second effort carried over from Friday night.
The World’s fastest jeweller Stuart Bishop continued his impressive form, shrugging off a drama-packed final qualifier to slot into second position with a 6.06-second performance at an amazing 246mph.
In another spectacular side-by-side finale tonight, Bishop was on a wild ride when opponent Kym Petterwood’s Corvette exploded after the finish line and almost slammed into him in the braking area.
Travelaire Tours Pro Stock will have the Tremayne brothers well represented with Aaron top qualifying at 7.228 seconds and Tyronne turning in 7.28 seconds as fourth qualifier.
Morgan and Wacker Pro Stock Motorcycle sees the familiar S+S Buell out of the Brett Stevens Racing stable also claiming top spot with Peter Cochrane aboard and claiming a 7.213-seconds elapsed time.
Overnight leader Callam Godeassi remained strong to nail down second spot with his 7.238-second effort.
The question now on everyone’s lips .. can it get any better during tomorrow’s finals eliminations.
Tomorrow’s eliminations action at Willowbank Raceway starts from 9am tomorrow in what is sure to be another entertaining day and night of drag racing to wrap up the Australian Nationals.
The annual Australian Nationals, which again features all six Group One professional categories, kicks off a new season for Queensland drag racing having been secured to the State in 2002 with the support of Queensland Events Corporation under its Major Events portfolio.
Such support has allowed Willowbank Raceway to maintain its reputation as one of the premier tracks in Australia.
Willowbank officials will use the 42nd Australian Nationals as an appropriate springboard towards a revamped 10-month program of drag racing events.
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