The Stamatis team have a spring in their step after Willowbank, confident of improving on their 4.59!

Its Time To Go Nitro - Today & Tomorrow!
Saturday, 8 December 2007 - Posted by Rob Sharp

(ANDRA Head Office)

It''s time for a Top Fuel Invasion at Western Sydney International Dragway with the first ground shaking, earth quaking Nitro passes from 5pm today and 2pm tomorrow!

USA Top Fuel, Top Guns Cory McClenathan and Mike Dunn have completed their preprations and ready to unleash their Nitro Weapons of mass destruction in a 500kmh Shock and Awe display - st arting 5pm TODAY!

If you haven''t seen Top Fuel before (and Top Alcohol and Pro Stock for that matter), you simply must head out to WSID as Drag Racing is all about:

SEE IT - HEAR IT - FEEL IT!

Mike Dunn is ready to unleash the Santo Rapisarda, Uplift Cranes entry - and Cory ''Mac'' is ready to attack in a Jim Read Racing prepped Red Rocketship with American crew also on hand this weekend.

For Jim Read Racing Chief Wrench Bruce Read - he is filled with pride for his crew and team overall in making this weekend with three Top Fuel cars ready to rip down the quarter mile!

"It was always going to be a challenge but the combined efforts of the Auto One, Snap-on, Fastlane Software teams of Phil Read and Martin Stamatis have managed to get three race cars in race shape for the December 8&9 International Top Fuel event at WSID, sighed Bruce in reflection of the daunting task.

"I cannot speak highly enough guys of my crew who are fundame ntally volunteers and have jobs of their own to go to, in achieving the seemingly impossible by having three Nitro Top Fuel cars and spare inventory ready to roll this weekend."

To build, then prep and finally service a Nitro Dragster is an intense task and that has certainly been the case when the Jim Read Racing clan have had to tackle three of them concurrently!

"Well the last two weeks has been past midnight every night in the workshop, getting ready for this event which is a steep challenge for us all. We have re-livered the Stamatis car, re-signwritten the Phil Read car and over several meetings, tested and rebuilt the car that Cory McClenathan will drive as well."

After the grunt work and collective prep was completed, it was then time for McClenathan''s crew to examine the car up close and personal.

"Cory''s crew chief Wes Cerny and his team have been through the car in preparation for this weekend and were very happy with what they saw, w hich is pleasing for us."

Martin Stamatis made history at the Willowbank Nationals when he joined Team mate Phil Read as the second Australian into the 4.5-second club for Top Fuel.

"September seems a lifetime ago and Martin is itching to race again. The Stamatis team have a spring in their step after Willowbank, confident of improving on their 4.59 and racing the best in the world. Putting down several laps now in that car and ironing out the wrinkles has really given that team a buzz and will be tough to beat in their own right."

As for Phil Read maintaining or extending his ANDRA Top Fuel Championship lead, older brother Bruce maintains a calm confidence.

"Obviously, we are keen to win this American race as it would be a nice feather in our cap and provide the opportunity to further extend our championship lead. It will be a killer show for the fans that''s for sure."

For those who can''t make the event, keep an eye on WWW.WSID.COM.AU f or periodical results updates.


2007 International Top Fuel Challenge
THIS SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Western Sydney International Dragway
Ferrers Road, Eastern Creek

- 2007-2008 ANDRA Championship Round for Top Fuel, Top Alcohol & Pro Stock.
- Andrew Rowe Memorial for Pro and Super Stock.
- Gate opening times approx. 9am both days.

Please click HERE for competitor ENTRY LIST

Please click HERE for EVENT SCHEDULE

Please click HERE for competitors ONLINE ENTRY TO ALL EVENTS

Pricing:

TODAY
Adults - $50
Aged Pensioners - $40
12-16yrs - $40
Kids under 12 - FREE

TOMORROW
Adults - $50
Aged Pensioners - $40
12-16yrs - $40
Kids under 12 - FREE

TWO DAY PASS
Adults - $90
Aged Pensioners - $70
12-16yrs - $70
Kids under 12 - FREE


NITRO PASSES: from 5pm TODAY, 2pm TOMORROW.

www.andra.com.au