A classic State of Origin battle is in the offing at the resumption of the Castrol EDGE Winternationals at Willowbank this weekend when two New South Wales drivers will battle two West Aussies for the ANDRA Pro Series Top Doorslammer crown.
As the ledger currently stands, West Australian John Zappia is the Championship leader on 441 points, he leads New South Welshman and current top qualifier, Mark Belleri.
Maurice Fabietti in his ‘fabulous’ Holden Trade Club Holden Monaro is third on points with Zappia’s home town rival, Robin Judd the only other driver who can snare the crown.
A fly in the ointment could be Ben Bray. The second generation star has hit rare form in the leadup to the Castrol EDGE sponsored event.
Nevertheless, Zappia signalled his intentions right before the original Winternationals was rained off, setting a magnificent 5.82 second pass. It is one that drag racing fans will still be talking about for years to come – his wheels were in the air to half track before driving out the remainder of the 400 metre distance.
Sadly for Zappia, it came to nought. With the entire Top Doorslammer bracket not completing its second qualifying run, Zappia’s time was discounted, leaving Belleri still at the head of the stellar field.
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The Top Doorslammer class will be but one feature of a thrilling event that will see American star and current world number three Top Fuel driver, Cory McClenathan return for Rapisarda Racing.
The Castrol EDGE Winternationals ‘reheated’ begins on Friday July 15, before ANDRA Pro Series qualifying three and four is held Saturday July 16. Eliminations and Finals for both ANDRA Pro Series and Rocket All Stars Series will climax on Sunday, July 17.
