There was a time a handful of years ago when the Pro Modifieds across the pond – known as Top Doorslammers to the Aussie’s – were quicker and faster than their American counterparts and had a definitive leg up on cracking the five-second barrier first. A surge in spending and technology here in the states made for massive jumps in performance, but the Australian “tin tops” are charging back.
John Zappia and the Zappia Racing Team claimed their third consecutive Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) Pro Series Top Doorslammer championship after grabbing a win at the final event on the 2009/2010 season schedule, the Winternationals at Willowbank Raceway. In the process, Zappia also eclipsed his own class national record of 5.814 with a stellar 5.805 elapsed time at 246.08 miles per hour. John set both records in his Zappia’s Striker Holden Monaro that rides on Mickey Thompson 34.5/17.0-16 ET Drag tires and Pro-5 Drag Wheels. Twenty cars attempted to qualify for the 8-car field, which Zappia led into eliminations on the heels of a 5.810 at 247.02 miles per hour. John defeated Stuart Bishop in the opening round with a 5.852 and advanced to the final round with a win and record-setting pass, 5.805 to 6.307. In the final, John was never headed by #2 qualifier Robin Judd, winning handily with a 5.817 at 246.93.
“John Zappia has a long history of success on Mickey Thompson tires,” said Carl Robinson, Motorsports Manager, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels. “As a major sponsor, it’s very exciting for Mickey Thompson to see John win championships and continue to break records on our tires.”
“Thanks to everyone that has given us a hand with the car, including Mickey Thompson,” said Zappia. “This has been a great racing season.”
You might also like
Accuracy Matters: Why Digital Tire Pressure Gauges Are a Drag Racer’s Best Friend
Accuracy is very important when it comes to tire pressure in drag racing. Here's why a digital tire pressure gauge provides the best reading.
