14th Sept 2006. Striker Monaro - ready for strike two.
John Zappia and his Striker Crushing and Sceening Monaro are ready for strike two in the 2006/2007 Australian Top Doorslammer Championship, with this weekends 41st Australian Nationals at Willowbank International Raceway, Ipswich Queensland. Strike one was delivered convincingly at Round 1 at Western Sydney International Raceway, with Zappia top qualifying a tenth quicker than the rest of the field, then beating all competitors in elimination with a string of 6 oh's.
"I ended up sitting in Sydney for the week after the East Coast Nationals, anticipating having to do work on the Rat, but routine inspections came up really well and we finished early. Staying with local Sydney blown alcohol identity "Fast Freddie" Cavisini and his family is always great, and I was able to catch up on some well earned rest as well" said Zappia before boarding a plane to Brisbane today.
Zappia plans on a more consistent season this year, and the sponsorship of Rentco and new naming rights sponsors Striker Crushing and Screening making all the difference with component purchases, maintenance and spares. Another significant difference has been the full time return of Western Australian engine guru Graham Jones as race day Team Advisor. Regular Zap’s Rat traveling crew members James, Craig (Lumpy) Gerry, Freddie, Diz, Bazza, Dave and John’s wife Marie are to be complemented on their efforts to keep the Rat in top racing order throughout the drag racing season and Graham will further enhance that.
"Graham has always been with me in a supportive role, but after taking a break from business and full time racing activities in the last few years, he has decided to rejoin our national racing campaign. I am thrilled to have Graham back on race day as our Team Advisor. He went to the US and crewed on a Top Fuel team, so has a fresh outlook on how professional race teams now operate. In Sydney we had a lot of fun in the pits with his renewed energy, and Graham's insight and overseeing the crew has allowed me to concentrate more on driving, data analysis, tuning and being available to spend time with our sponsors and their corporate guests".
Graham Jones has re-opened the legendary Southside Engine Centre in new premises in Perth, and caters for nitro and alcohol drag racer engine needs as well as street car engine replacement, overhaul and repairs.
Rentco and Striker will be sharing a corporate box at Willowbank, as the two Australian companies network and combine their support for the Zappia Racing Team.
John Zappia leads the Australian Top Doorslammer ANDRA 2006/2007 Championship on 105 points, ahead of legend Victor Bray on 85 points. 16 cars have entered the event, for an 8 car field. Qualifying begins on Friday night with one pass, then two passes on Saturday night and eliminations on Sunday. Results can be viewed at www.willowbank-raceway.com.au.
John is hoping to keep his consistent form in this event but knows it will be a tougher task as Willowbank is the home track to the Brays and several other racers. Hopefully the weather won’t have a bearing on the results and all racers get through their passes and put on a real spectacle for the supporters and fans.
All supporters and fans can visit John at the track and check out the merchandise that is available.
