Top Doorslammer Champion and quick man John Zappia has his plans coming together for another exciting drag racing season commencing in September, after clinching the top trophy last season in convincing style. His team will enter a two car team of HQ Monaro Top Doorslammers this season– the legendary Zap’s Rat, and the new sister car.
“We are still smiling and savouring our championship win here in the team – it meant so much to me and all the other team members and sponsors, and the momentum is definitely with us”, said Zap this week in Perth.
“I think some of the other Top Doorslammer teams have finally worked out how to go quick, and dipped into the fives at the last event, so we will have to step up a little. They still have to learn to go quick consistently though, and at all three tracks”.
“Zap’s Rat has been totally stripped, inspected, and is being assembled for next season, where we will step it up to go quicker. The Rat did not really fire at the Winternationals like some of the other teams, but it was consistent apart from one run. I know exactly what went on with the car, and the changes have been made”.
The second car in the team, to be driven by Striker Crushing and Screening Director Craig Pedley, is almost at full roller stage at chassis builder Craig Burns’ Race Car Fabrications in Sydney. Once signed off, the car will travel back to the workshop in Perth for final assembly and set-up.
“The new car is excellent and an evolution on Zap’s Rat, with some high tech composites and components installed. The car is lighter, and that allows us to manage our weight distribution better, and has our own chassis design. It has the latest Santhuff suspension and will have the World Record Whipple BAE engine fitted initially, and a new B & J Big Boy racing transmission".
“We are all very busy in the off season getting our new high tech racing premises finished, and getting both cars ready for the season start. There is excitement in the air though, and we are all looking forward to racing again”.
“We travel to Sydney for Round 1 of the 2008/2009 Season ANDRA Top Doorslammer Championship at the 2008 Fuchs Australian Nationals on Friday, 12-14th September 2008. This event is a favourite of ours, and we aim to get the season off to a flying start with a big win”.
“Craig has been measured up for the driving position in the second car, and we will aim to commence his licensing procedures in October at the Test n Tune events at the Perth Motorplex if the car is ready. I will license the car first, and make sure it is drivable for rookie Craig to step in”.
“November 1st is a local meeting at the Perth Motorplex, and we will present both Top Doorslammers for competition in the local Top Comp bracket. The competition in Perth is tough, and a few new cars will be racing for the first time. Drag Racing is on a roll here in Perth with more and more top level cars being raced”.
“14th and 15th of November is Round 2 of the Championship at the popular Goldenstates, where a lot of the eastern states teams converge on Perth, Western Australia for excellent weather conditions. We hope to have both cars fielded for that event, and Zap’s Rat will be angry and ready to take the field apart on our home track”.
Zappia Racing announces that both Monaro Top Doorslammers in the team are available for a new range of sponsorship opportunities for the 2008/2009 season. Both cars will have the same Naming Rights Sponsor emblazoned on them, and new paint schemes can be incorporated to match sponsor branding. The sponsorship will take advantage of the high exposure granted by the ANDRA Drag Racing television coverage shown on Channel 9, SBS and Foxtel throughout the season.
By calling Zappia Racing on 0400 197 171 a presentation can be forwarded to potential sponsors by mail or e-mail. John Zappia is confident of a back to back Top Doorslammer Championship in 2008/2009, and many more five second passes. He also wants his World Record and Australian Records back!
