Post Event wrap up by
Phil Read
Perth Top Fuel Round January 8 & 9, 2010.
Arriving Tuesday in Perth myself and 5 crew members from Jim Read
Racing where met by my brother Bruce and clutch guy Cory who had
arrived the previous Sunday to get an early start. We started work
immediately installing the new fuel system we had flown in from the
United States, after having issues at the December event in Perth.
We made two 1/2 track passes on the very hot Wednesday (37 degrees) at
Perth Motorplex with some positive results; this gave the crew a good
base line for the weekend.
The crew for this test session consisted of 3 of our regular crew guys
and a special thankyou to the 3 crew guys from Martin Stamatis’s car,
James (Budda), Brett (Ziggy) & Johnny (slug) who flew over early to
help out.
It continues to prove JRR is a team that works together, it was a
great moment for our team to carry the new McDonalds branding for the
first time on the front and rear wings of our Top Fuel dragster.
Qualifying Friday
First qualify pass was an early shut off due to the car dropping
cylinders, caused by too much fuel getting into the engine to early on
the run.(new fuel system teething problems)
Bruce diagnosed the problem and the crew worked to finesse the new
fuel system and were hoping to make a better run as the weather
conditions cooled down.
Second qualifier was aborted due to the dreaded tyre shake top fuel
cars get when not enough horse power is dialled in for the track and
weather conditions.
Eliminations - Saturday
First round saw us matched up with Allan
(DOBBO) Dobson another WA home town favourite, we knew he was going to
be a tough, especially considering he is know to be one of the best
leavers of the start line in the business, driving Santo Rapisarda’s
new state of the art fully imported USA race car, it was no surprise
to see him racing neck and neck with me until half track where our car
drove away to take the win at 4.87 263mph.
Into the semi final, this saw us pitted against my racing team mate
Martin Stamatis. Marty left on me at the starting line with a great
light (USA star Larry Dixon style)and I could see a whole lot of the
Billview Top Fuel car until again, I managed to drive around him just
past half track for a 4.70 298mph win.
Final round was always going to be tough. Theo from Pavtec had Phil
Lamatina’s car flying all weekend. We were taking no chances and
fitted a brand new motor to the car for the final. A few issues with
it going together saw Marty’s crew and our crew working together in
the limited time we had left to get sorted and a sprint to the line
for the finals.
Both cars fired and with burnouts complete it was time to dance down
the quarter mile.
Our car left strong and around 400ft (1/3 track) I felt the car drop a
cylinder; I couldn’t see Phil in the lane beside me so there was no
lifting off the pedal. At half track I was still in front and I knew
the car was eating itself up (this is a terrible feeling let me tell
you) but it was the finals and you don’t lift unless you are certain
it is all over. Around the 1000ft mark (3/4 track) with my car hurt I
saw Phil beside me pulling away, I knew unless something drastic
happened to him I was heading for a runner up finish.
Congratulations to Theo and Phil Lamattina on their win, it was a
great race.
Although we finished in the runner up position it was still a great
weekend for all our crew on the Jim Read racing team.
We came out with a whole new fuel system and to get ready and run the
way we did on race day is a credit to the entire JRR crew.
I would like to acknowledge all Jim Read Racing’s great sponsors, Auto
One, Valvoline, MTU Detroit, Snap On Tools, Wynn’s, Champion Spark
plugs and to our newest corporate sponsor McDonalds, welcome to our
team and thank all of you for your faith and support.
This great support enabled us to make the final round in Perth and we
look forward to our next race at Sydney Dragway, the Summernationals
on February 12th and 13th in front of my home town crowd I’m confident
of going one better and getting the win in Sydney.
Remember on your way to buy Valvoline, Wynn’s or Champion products
from your nearest Auto One store call into a McDonalds drive thru and
order a meal deal.
Talk soon
Phil Read
