John Zappia has travelled the width of Australia in the Zappia Racing transporter from Perth to Sydney – a distance of over 4,100 km (0ver 2,500 miles) to compete in the Summernationals this weekend at Sydney Dragway, and is confident the Striker “Crusher” Monaro will produce the goods in ANDRA Pro Series Top Doorlammer Round 4.
“This is the first interstate trip for the new “Crusher” Monaro”, said a pumped John Zappia, “The fans will like the car, if the response from Perth is any indication. We have the new Mickey Thompson wheels on this car as well as the tyres, and they look the piece”.
“Craig Pedley from Striker Crushing and Screening who owns the car has heavy business commitments here in Australia and overseas, and has so far not been able to get in the car to license. I like the car so much it will be hard to give it back, but looking forward to fielding two cars in the future”.
“This weekend is shaping up to be a thriller for Doorslammer fans. I have competed locally in the Top Comp competition at the Perth Motorplex recently – Australia’s toughest Blown Alky competition, and learnt a lot about this car and its potential. Let me just say that I am confident it can consistently run “five eights”, and we will see what the track and weather conditions bring”.
Back-to-back Australian Top Doorslammer Champion Zappia is running third in the current Championship, after final appearances in Rounds 1 and 2 in Zap’s Rat, and being knocked out in the first elimination in Round 3 in the Crusher’s first appearance in competition.
“This new car has so much potential. Our design of the chassis has proven successful on the track, and Zap’s Rat will be brought up to the same design spec before re-entering competition. All teams have found new power with certain modifications to the engine accessories, but I think we will prove to be the more consistent in applying that power”.
“I feel hungry for victory this meeting. Victor Bray always said it was harder defending your lead in a Championship than hunting competitors down, and after setting the standard for the last few years in performance, we are ready to take it up to those teams that have found form and stepped up. There may be a few wildcards in the field this meeting as well – newcomers and some old hands may prove deadly in competition”.
“Top Doorslammer will be very exciting this weekend. The Zappia Racing Team is pumped, and waiting for victory – they are used to winning and want more. Such a dedicated bunch of people that have worked tirelessly in the sport they love”.
“Fuchs are a Major Sponsor for us, and will be well represented this meeting. We use all their oils and lubricants exclusively on both our HQ Monaro race cars”.
“Special thanks go to United Industries and all our local sponsors who gave great support in our local Perth meetings. We ran a 5.950 @ 233.76mph and 5.896 @ 244.56mph to qualify eighth in a field of 15 in Top Comp at the Top Alcohol meeting last meeting, before crossing the centerline in the eliminator”.
Qualifying starts on Friday 12th Feb at 4.40pm EST, 7.10pm EST and 9.40pm EST where nineteen Top Doorslammer teams will contest eight positions in the field.
Eliminations are on the Saturday at 4.25pm EST, 6.50pm EST and 9.06pm EST. Fans can listen live on the internet by going to the Sydney Dragway web site www.wsid.com.au
Zappia Racing fans are welcome to visit the pits and talk to Zap. He especially likes signing autographs for young race fans, so check out the merchandise van for your race souvenir or clothing.
