Success in 2011 has been something Queensland engine builder Jamie Noonan has tasted quite a bit of in 2011 with Jason Bright and Brad Jones Racing – however this weekend, Noonan is looking to have success behind the wheel himself at the Castrol EDGE Winternationals.
The 34-year-old – who won three V8 Supercar Championships when at Stone Brothers Racing – will debut in Top Alcohol on the biggest stage of them all – the Castrol EDGE Winternationals, taking over the family owned seat from Aaron Hambridge.
Straightlining isn’t something new to the Noonan clan – his father John having won the Castrol EDGE Winternationals Title in Top Alcohol back in 1997.
Racing Top Alcohol is more than just enjoyment and carrying on the family legacy for Noonan – his company – Noonan Race Engineering has pioneered a billeted cylinder head that has been NHRA/FIA approved for drag racing.
One of his heads won the 2010 American Drag Racing League Championship and recently set its own elapsed time (ET) World Record.
“The Winters will be a big learning curve for me from a driving standpoint, but having worked closely with Aaron Hambridge, who drove my car most of last year, I think we will have the car where it needs to be,” says Noonan.
As for making his debut at the biggest racing event of its type outside North America:
“That’s just how we roll at NRE,” he said. “We do what others fear to try.”
The Castrol EDGE Winternationals begins on Friday and carries through to the Queen’s Birthday Holiday Monday. ANDRA Pro Series qualifying begins on Saturday.
