Zappia Racing are set to launch a full on attack on the Australian Top Doorslammer Round at the Western Sydney International Raceway Summernations on Feb 8-11, after a very successful proving program at their local Kwinana Motorplex over the last three meetings. On Saturday the RENTCO Monaro rattled off a fat and lazy, clutch slipping 6.10 off the trailer, then 6.02 and 6.01 passes in race tune that nearly saw another five second pass.
"The HQ is now a reliable low six second race car, and when the conditions are right a five second car" said a relaxed John Zappia today. "We have tested a range of components and tunes for various conditions, and have never been more confident as a team. I was sure the 6.01 was a five second pass on the weekend, it pulled so hard. The top speed was down, so maybe the headwind or weather conditions were a factor."
"We lead the 2005-2006 Australian Top Doorslammer Championship by 88 points, and plan to extend that lead in Sydney. Everything is coming together for us as planned, with bigger sponsors allowing the purchase of spare engines, gearboxes and spares to ensure breakages do not stop our racing. We have been able to continue innovating, with several new technologies in the car that all add up to competitive advantages."
Zap's Rat has a huge loyal following in the West, and that loyalty extends to a large number of people on the team, and closely associated with it. This loyalty is the cornerstone of the success of John Zappia and his racing. Zap is a leader people want to follow and support - his vision, dedication, hard work, attention to detail, and mastery of cultivating, researching and converting ideas into successful outcomes inspires people. It almost gives permission for people to do the same in their world, whether that be their race car, sport, business or whatever.
"We have the most experienced team in Blown Alcohol drag racing. Graham Jones from Southside Engine Centre is our mentor and advisor, and is the reason this car was built - he has been a rock of support and inspiration for us. James "Jimbob" Ristic and Craig "Lumpy" Lorimer are the big boys up front with the engine, and have been with me for nearly 20 years. Nothing gets missed with the gentle giants. Engine guy Darren Bodle helps me build strong engines, and looks after the bottom end on race days. My brother Richard Zappia handles the Motec and tuning software, and this is where we are really starting to make advances, with some very detailed anaysis of data. Gerry "Gez" Andrijich handles the clutch and drivetrain, and really should be given bigger credit for his mastery of the slider clutch settings - we can now acurately predict outcomes on the racetrack. Lexis "Lexi" Trinidad, Dave Kounis from Kounis Metal Industries, Bazza from Bazza's Precision Repair and Freddie "Fast Freddie" Cavisini (East Coast racing) make up the rest of the team with excellent attention to detail.
"In the pits at home, we would have dozens of other blown alcohol racers, past racers and seasoned observers who hang around and support us. Often it can be a "word in the ear", or an astute observation by someone that can contribute to performance increases and better results. Feedback and idea sessions constantly looking for improvements are a regular feature, as well as some pretty good social activities after the event - we are renown party people and drag racing is our life."
"Winning the 2005/2006 Championship is our focus at the moment, and running a string of fives over the next few seasons is a distinct possibility. The car is settling in quite nicely, and is becoming predictable in it's performance. That allows me to focus more on reaction times and race strategies for each track and run, against some of the most talented Doorslammer competitors in the world"
The RENTCO Monaro will be at Western Sydney International Raceway Summernations on Feb 8-11 pitting with Top Doorslammer Deno Brijeski, so visit the team and say hello. A range of "5 Second" merchandise will be available, as well as from the new online store at www.zapsrat.com.au
