Drag racing is a sport that seems so simple, but the competition in Top Doorslammer at the Quarter Mile Masters at Perth Motorplex on the weekend proved it is anything but.
John Zappia and the Dananni Hotshots/Fuchs Lubricants Monaro began with a safe run in qualifying, taking the top spot with a 5.76 pass.
“The first run was solid; the car left hard and straight,” Zappia explained. “We felt confident, going into the round 1.
With the setup given a tweak for an elimination round solo, what should have been an easy win for Zappia turned into a drama-filled pass. Fans knew something was amiss when the Monaro couldn’t get reverse gear after a long burnout.
“I tried and tried to get reverse gear, but then I had to decide to get off the track,” Zappia lamented. “We found a plastic fitting had cracked and let the air out of the bottle. It was full before the run, but as soon as I pressed the transbrake button all the air leaked out. Even if I had been able to get pushed back I wouldn’t have been able to make the run, as no air means no gear shifting whatsoever.”
Zappia wasn’t the only racer to experience a freak problem during the elimination round.
Maurice Brennan’s 17-second pass was in the unusual position of earning an A Final appearance after Lisa Gregorini had problems starting her Camaro and then left with a red light, while Andrew Cole blew the burst panel before the Christmas tree to leave Daniel Gregorini as the only driver to make a clean pass.
Despite the setback, Zappia Racing quickly diagnosed and addressed the issue, showcasing their expertise and teamwork.
“We found the problem, re-plumbed the system, changed the fittings, and came back strong for the B Final against Lisa. She red lit with a -0.086 to my 0.065 light, then the Dananni Hotshots/Fuchs Lubricants Monaro started to rattle the Hoosier tyres. I pedalled and straightened out for a 5.95. The time was slower than we wanted but it did what we needed to do and got the B Final win light.”
Looking ahead to the Goldenstates (taking place at Perth Motorplex on November 24-25), Zappia remains optimistic about the team's prospects.
“We aim to get our A motor back together; the B motor is good and reliable, but the A motor runs a bit harder. I was more comfortable in the car (at the Quarter Mile Masters) and we learned valuable lessons while finding areas for improvement.”
Commenting on the addition of Nitro Funny Cars for the first time at the Goldenstates, Zappia expressed enthusiasm.
“It's an exciting development that could bring out a different crowd. People haven't seen that before at Perth Motorplex, and I expect the place to be packed. We're ready to put on a good show.”
Come down to the merchandise tent in our pit area and check out our latest merchandise. You can speak to the lovely Melissa there and John or any of the crew. Or you can order our merchandise online at: https://www.zappiaracing.com/category/all-products
Website: www.zappiaracing.com Facebook: Zappia Racing YouTube: www.YouTube.com/@zappiaracing
Joint Naming Rights Sponsors Dananni Haulage (Hotshots) FUCHS Lubricants Australasia
Major Sponsors Crow Cams Australia Pty Ltd Tony's Auto Wreckers W.A. Suspensions Noonan Race Engineering MoTeC Hoosier Racing Tire Striker Australia Pty Ltd NGK Spark Plugs Callies Performance Products CP-Carrillo
Supporting Sponsors Callies Performance Products Striker Crushing and Screening, Santhuff, B & J Racing Transmissions, Avtrac Maintenance Tracking, Reid Machine, Advantage Tyres, Kounis Metal Industries, Alky Pro, Aurora Bearings, CIC High Performance Coatings, Final Drive, K Craft Bullbars, Speedflow, CP Carillo, Biante Bonintfante Friction Inc, SDS Fuel Systems, All Signs, Total Seal Piston Rings, Victory Valves, Impact Heavy Equipment Maintenance and Applied Automotive.