Five-second man John Zappia heads off to Willowbank International Raceway for the Fifth Round of the ANDRA Top Doorslammer Championship at the annual Tin Tops event this weekend, with a strong chance of winning his first Australian Championship. His Striker HQ Monaro has dominated this season’s championship, with stunning five-second passes and a consistent step ahead of his challengers.
A Top Doorslammer Championship trophy has eluded the popular Western Australian drag racer, with runner-up finishes in the last two seasons. Zap has only competed nationally in the last three of the ten ANDRA Top Doorslammer Championship’s short history.
The original record breaking “Zap’s Rat” HQ Monaro that helped forge Doorslammer racing in this country, was raced from 1984 in various classes before being retired in 1995. The car was ineligible for the new Top Doorslammer rules due to its construction.
Zap then dabbled in Top Alcohol for a while in a Funny Car, before taking a break from the sport and enjoying his fishing. The construction of the Kwinana Motorplex just ten minutes from his Spearwood home, and sponsorship from Southside Engine Center and associated sponsors, allowed Zap to re-enter the sport with a new state of the art car.
“I watched my mate Victor Bray take all those Top Doorslammer Championships in a row, and always thought we could do the same if we had the backing and a new car,” said Zap. “In that time off I was able to think through the design aspects, and punch the numbers on various combinations. There are a hundred ways you can make a Top Doorslammer – it’s the right combination that makes a consistently quick car.”
The original Zap’s Rat was purchased back and ran in AA/AP trim in the 2001/2002 season at the Motorplex, to get the crew back into racing mode while the new car was being constructed. The new Top Doorslammer HQ was debuted in March 2003 and commenced a thorough three season local track testing program before entering a serious attempt at the National Championship.
“It took me a long while to get the car to perform like I wanted. We had five-second goals from the outset, and there were some hairy passes in that development program. I had to go to the Yanks to get some ideas, as the Pro-Mods were going real quick with roots blowers. Rentco and Striker coming on board as sponsors really has made the difference in our team depth, giving us additional resources for quality new parts and inventory.”
“We know it is our knowledge depth, and absolute commitment to finding every one percent advantage in the car that is giving us the advantage. Our competitors are catching us and dipping into the fives, but our 5.8 second program is already well underway following the Pro-Mod advances recently, and our second Striker Monaro will be racing next season to double our presence in the field.”
Zap leads the Top Doorslammer Championship with 518 points, ahead of Brett Stevens on 375 points, and Ben Bray on 335 points - the only contenders with a mathematical chance of winning. “We still have to do well this meeting to claim the Championship - depending on how Brett and Benny go. A runner-up and above at this event, and qualifying at the Winters will be enough. Make no mistake though – we are here to go hard and win, and entertain our fans.”
Zappia Racing will showcase their new Merchandise Trailer for the first time at Willowbank, and a new range of T-shirts, caps, posters and women's fashion will be available. Make sure you get your autograph from Zap who loves to spend time with his fans.
