John Zappia revealed the new HQ Monaro Top Doorslammer body at the Zap's Rat Crew Party in Perth recently. Crew, sponsors and supporters enjoyed the first "frozen" design of the car in the flesh - followed by a presentation of Certificates of Appreciation for all involved in the successful 2000/2001 return season of Zap's Rat.
An ANDRA technical inspection was carried out in November 2001 with full written ANDRA approval given in December. Stage two of the build has commenced with the shipping of the body to chassis guru Murray Anderson for the new 4130 T/D spec chassis to be built. John will travel to assist Murray with final design and building.
"The drag racing scene knows what we are capable of as a race team" said John recently. "I have designed the car to win, and to take on the best Top Doorslammers in the country. We believe we have the package to set some new records, and regain our position in Doorslammer racing in Australia".
John Zappia has set the previous two milestones in Australian Doorslammer history - first seven second pass, and first six second pass. The current Zap's Rat has become a burnout special while it's 511 KB will find it's way into the new car. "That engine has gone as quick as 6.42 and 220 mph [354] in a 2800lb car. We hope that the new car will come in around 2550 lb. Added to that the engine had single mag and 33 percent overdrive. That should knock a couple of tenths off the ET and place us in the ball park" said John in a recent Dragster Australia interview.
First impressions of the new car are startling! The HQ Monaro is very low and long - John Zappia has designed and built the car within ANDRA specs and with incredible understanding of the science of drag racing.
John Zappia chats with Graham Jones from Southside Engine Centre
Shown also was a new promotional video of the original Zap's Rat in season 2000/2001 - including the wheelstand - backoff, hit second gear - bigger wheelstand - hit the concrete wall - keep driving, lap at the Motorplex. If enough interest is shown, a CD may be available soon for purchase.
