The 2009 Castrol EDGE Tin Tops at Willowbank International Raceway this weekend will see some exciting Top Doorslammer action, and John Zappia has his Striker Monaro in it’s quickest and consistent form yet.
“Our latest testing in Perth proved to me and the team that the possibilities for improvement are endless with these Top Doorslammers” said Zap, “We managed consistent 5.83’s and 5.84’s with just a couple of changes. We simply cannot rest on our laurels as competitors like Peter Kapiris, Ben Bray and Robin Judd proved that they are also capable of running consistent fives”.
“I think, what we have demonstrated this year, is a huge reduction in forced errors and failures on the car, and a more professional approach to scheduled maintenance, race day systems and data development. The result is a steady and consistent increase in performance levels. ”.
“We have huge respect for our competitors and never take it for granted that a win will be ours. I lost the Grand Final last meeting at our local track against a very tough competitor, so I don’t always win. Judd, Phillips, the Brays and a couple of outsiders are chances here this weekend, and drag racing can be won or lost in seconds on the track”.
The Striker Monaro Top Doorslammer is based on a HQ Holden GTS – a popular muscle car of the 70’s in Australia. The body on Zap’s car is a true “Tin Top” – having the roof, quarter panels, boot area and rear wing of all metal construction, with the doors and front clip manufactured from the latest carbon fiber technology.
“We go into Round 6 of the Top Doorslammer Championship very confident, with both a healthy lead in the championship points – and a healthy lead in performance over the field. But having said that, we go into this weekend with our standard plan of qualifying in set combinations based on the track and conditions, and making our decisions on tune and set-up based on our data and astute observations after every run”.
“The weather is looking good for the weekend, and usually the Willowbank track has very good traction. We will decide on what Mickey Thompson rear tyres to use based on qualifying results, and track observations. We have consistent 5.88 passes on the 3186 tyre now, and consistent 5,83 passes on the 3187 tyre, giving us excellent choices on race day”.
This weekend will be the first event for new sponsor, United Industries WA Pty Ltd from Perth Western Australia, who have signed up as a Zappia Racing Major Sponsor. United Industries is a privately owned company manufacturing, supplying and installing industrial products for the Mining, Oil and Gas, Industrial and Commercial sectors.
“The United Industries Directors were down at the Kwinana Motorplex last meeting, observing our team and the performance of the Striker Monaro, and came away very impressed. For us they brought us luck on the day, and there was a lot of excitement and a real buzz in the pit area after running Australia’s quickest Doorslammer pass”.
“We look forward to United Industries sponsorship in the future – fans will notice the new logo on the front guards of Zap’s Rat – and that sponsorship allows us to keep our race plans going, and putting their name in the winners circle”.
Qualifying for this weekends Tin Tops starts on Saturday afternoon 18th April at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm, where 15 Top Doorslammers win attempt to fill 8 position in the field.
Eliminations start on Sunday 19th April at 12.30pm for Round 1, 2.15pm for Round 2, and Finals scheduled after 3.45 as required.
Zap’s Rat fans are welcome to visit the Zappia Racing pit area to see the crew in action between races. The Merchandise trailer will be open for business, where fans can avail themselves of the latest drag racing shirts, caps, stubby holders and bar mats. John Zappia will personally sign any merchandise for fans over the weekend.
John Zappia ran an 5.880 @ 243.38mph to top qualify for this weekends Tin Tops, ahead of Robin Judd on 5.921 @ 242.59mph, Maurice Fabietti on 5.990 @ 247.11mph, Gary Phillips on 6.010 @ 240.00mph, Benny Bray on 6.030 @ 237.72mph, Stuart Bishop on 6.060 @ 236.33mph Deno Bijeski on 6.160 @ 236.72mph and Victor Bray on 6.221 @ 218.55mph.
