Willowbank News and Media
NATIONAL PRIDE ON THE LINE THIS SATURDAY
Article Date: 12 January 2010
As round two of the USA vs AUS Nitro Funny Car Challenge at Willowbank Raceway approaches this Saturday January 16, the pressure is high on both sides to take home the trophy for their country.
When Australian Damien Harris went over 310mph in Perth on Boxing Day the first gauntlet was thrown, and then quickly followed up with a second by the Glenella racer at Willowbank Raceway with a four second pass at over 300mph on January 2.
The first saw him better the Australian speed mark for Nitro Funny Car, previously held by American Gary Densham and set at the 2009 New Year Series. The second saw him triumph over Jack Wyatt of the US in round one of the USA vs AUS Nitro Funny Car Challenge.
Now with the second and final round of the Challenge fast approaching, Harris is looking to put the final nail in the Americans coffin while Wyatt is looking for retribution, and a rematch, although his advisor Densham couldn’t be happier to see the Aussies stepping up to the plate.
“To surpass Gary (Densham) in the speed mark in Perth and then to run the four at 300mph at Willowbank and come out on top for the Aussies was phenomenal,” said Harris.
“We were really happy with how things went at round one, and now we have Gary’s ET (4.86s) in our sights for round two – we are really set on claiming the USA vs AUS Nitro Funny Car Challenge for the Aussies, and will be doing everything we can to make sure that is what happens this Saturday.”
To his credit, Wyatt will not be a pushover come January 16. After dealing with an unfamiliar locale during what is his first trip to Australia and struggling with setup and car issues at round one, the Iowa native now feels ready to bring it to the Aussies for round two.
“We really struggled with set up at round one, we were thrashing to be ready between runs and we weren’t able to properly identify the issue to fix it and get on top of it at the time,” said Wyatt.
“Now we are on top of it, and confident that this weekend we will be able to put down some strong runs for the Aussie fans and hopefully secure a win for the US!
“Even if we don’t, it is going to be a great event – the Aussie fans were just spectacular at round one and the racers are top class, and I can’t wait to get back on track with a bit more knowledge under my belt.”
Densham, who is on his 12th trip Down Under and fielding his Nostalgia Nitro Funny Car at the event, couldn’t be happier to be seeing the Australians stepping up and taking away his records. Densham will have even more Aussies to watch this time around, with 2009 series standout Mark Sheehan joining the Aussie contingent of Harris, Ricky Steffens and Chris Stipanovich for January 16.
“I just keep saying, that is what it is like with the Aussies – you set them a challenge and it never takes them long to rise to it and then demolish it,” said Densham.
“I couldn’t be prouder of Damien and all of the Aussie racers here doing their thing, they are all so dedicated and competitive, and it is great to be able to be here again and helping Jack with his campaign, while showing the fans where this great Nitro burning sport started.”
The January 16 event is the second and final round of the International New Year Series at Willowbank Raceway, featuring the USA vs AUS Nitro Funny Car Challenge. The Challenge for national pride will take to the track at 6.00pm, 8.00pm and 10.00pm, while the on track action starts early with qualifying from support categories from 7.30am.
Also taking to the track will be the 16 car field of Pro Street as well as the leading names of Pro FX, the Gary Densham v Peter Leahy Nostalgia Match Races and a bumper support program.
The event will also feature fireworks and free children’s rides, with children 13 and under gaining free admission with a paying adult – making the International New Year Series the perfect family event this January holiday season.
For full details of upcoming events at Willowbank Raceway, including the International New Year Series, visit www.willowbankraceway.com.au
UPCOMING EVENT INFORMATION: INTERNATIONAL NEW YEAR SERIES: ROUND TWO – JANUARY 16, 2010
Featuring the USA vs AUS Nitro Funny Car Challenge and the Turbocharged, High Tech, 6 second 300kmh PRO FX Coupes, as well as Pro Street, Supercharged Outlaws, Dragsters, Hot Sedans and Motorbikes and a round of the South East Queensland Community Telco Willowbank Raceway Track Championship.
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