DOUBLE THE PRO STOCK ACTION THIS WEEKEND
13 April 2010
The ENZED Australian Top Fuel Championships will have double the Pro Stock action on race day Sunday, with a 16-car field set to race for the winner’s trophy this weekend April 17 and 18.
With double the usual spots now available for Pro Stock in the elimination rounds – fans will see twice as much racing from the category.
The Pro Stock category has been growing from strength to strength over previous years, and always guarantees thrilling racing as the bracket edges closer to the ‘six second’ bracket at close to 300 kilometres per hour.
Bundaberg brothers Aaron and Tyronne Tremayne will be ones to watch, as the pair who have dominated the category in past seasons look to chase down Lee Betkash who is currently in the lead for the points chase.
While the Tremaynes have history on their side, they can be assured Betkash is more than determined to hold onto that number one spot as the championship counts down to the season-ending Castrol EDGE Winternationals in June.
“Until this point I’ve really just taken each meeting as it comes and let the points take care of themselves, I’ll be taking in the same attitude to this weekend’s event,” said Betkash.
“We’re more interested in being consistent than being outright quickest in qualifying or intimidated by other teams, we’re on top of the points table because of this attitude and if we can remain consistent the championship will take care of itself.”
Also looking to maintain their place at the top of the points sheet will be South Australian Phil Howard in Morgan & Wacker Pro Stock Bike, while reigning champion Michael Gilbertson of Queensland will be looking to upgrade from his place in third on the ladder.
With nine racers lining up for the two-wheeled category over April 17 and 18, there will be plenty of action for fans of the high-powered motorcycles.
“To win a championship you’ve really got to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, which is really what we did in the previous round at Perth to move into the points lead,” said Howard.
“It has been a bit of surprise to us as a team to be leading at this point but it is certainly something that has inspired us and we always look forward to heading to Willowbank, it is the best facility in the country – the only bad thing about it is the long drive from home.”
There will be over 260 racers lining up at the Ipswich quarter mile for the ENZED Top Fuel Championships, with seven Top Fuelers, 17 Pro Stockers, nine Pro Stock Bikes, seven Pro FX and over 200 sportsman racers all set to take part in the two-day event.
The weekend’s action will kick off with qualifying on Saturday April 17 from 12noon, with the feature categories first taking to the track from 5pm. Race Day Sunday kicks off at 9am, with feature racing from 11am and all finals from 4.00pm.