March 24 Sat National Open - Top Fuel v Nitro Funny Car
John Zappia wins Top Comp round
25 March 2001
John entered the winners circle for the first time in many years, after winning the Top Comp round at the Motorplex complex last night. After consistent qualifying times of 6.479/215.82 and 6.429/218.97, John disposed of Grant O'Rourke in the AA/G Torana in a close grudge race 6.455/219.51 to 6.514/216.86. Remarkably, the loss for O'Rourke produced a new world record for small block Chev cars in AA/G, adding weight to Zap's Rat's win.
Speaking to John in the pits after qualifying, John was excited about the cars performance, and was quoted as saying boldly "The car will do 6.30's easy". The first run was upset by the car getting crossed up in the burnout, and therefore engine temps not being optimum. A sleepy .939 reaction time still produced a 6.479.
The final saw John bring Zap's Rat in for a win with 6.514/216.86 against Murray O'Connor's CC/G Falcon, which suffered gearbox failure at half track. The win was well received by the crowd, and fellow competitors at the awards presentation later that evening.
John made a profound statement during the trophy presentation, saying "I'd like to thank the crew, and guys from Southside Engine Centre. Other drivers and crew from the eastern states and overseas have commented on the ability and efforts of our crew, and I agree. I can rely on the engine being 100% when I race". John Bond, presenting the trophy, welcomed John back warmly to the winners podium and said he and everyone welcomed the return of John to Top Doorslammer next year. As soon as Victor Bray's new chassis comes off the Anderson jig, Zap's Rat IV will be built.
