John Zappia is counting on some luck that has avoided his team this season at the Castrol Edge 40th Winternationals held at Willowbank Raceway, the final round of the ANDRA 2006/2007 Top Doorslammer Championship. A total of 21 teams have entered for the event, battling for eight qualifying positions on Friday and Saturday to make it through to Sunday's eliminations.
"We can win the championship, but under the most trying of circumstances", said Zap. "It has been known to happen in drag racing before, and we as a team are pretty pumped - especially after our recent news release. My move to professional racer status in the sport is a dream come true, and building and racing a second HQ Monaro for Striker director Craig Pedley will make good use of our knowledge".
"If we win the event and get quickest et, and if Phillips fails to qualify - then we win the championship by one point. Phillips is a seasoned and tough competitor, so we do not underestimate him, but he has had lucky breaks this season and we are interested in what his strategy will be in qualifying. These qualifying sessions should be the most exciting two days for Doorslammer fans, and we will give it a serious go each session. It would be nice to top qualify with a five".
"The Striker Monaro can beat any car in Australia on this track. We have completed some minor maintenance work after the recent rained out Tin Tops here in Queensland at the Striker facilities. Our private testing day after the Tin Tops showed we are on the pace at this track - with a 6.01et, after a trio of "O's' in qualifying - 6.098, 6.082 and 6.083et's".
"We have never been more confident at this track to run fives. This is the only track we have never had a win at, and never run a five - so we are looking for a few firsts here this weekend as well as having a good crack at the championship."
Once again Zap and his crew invite fans to spend some time at the Zappia Racing pits area, where you can have a chat to any of the team, or take some photos of Zap's Rat. A full range of merchandise will be on sale, and Zap will be available to sign items with a personal note.
