RISLONE 45th NZDRA NZ NATIONALS HAILED AS A SUCCESS

The season ending “big go” – the Rislone NZDRA Nationals was an event despite weather and power outages hailed as a success by racers and spectators alike. The qualifying day dramas disappeared on race day with organisers allocating an extra qualifying session early and with the main event program running smoothly all day, some fast and close racing was enjoyed by all with the finals being run slightly ahead of schedule.

Another delay on the qualifying day was due to the incident involving Graeme Bates and his much loved Vauxhall Cresta Top Streeter. The 7 second car was on his first qualifying pass and ended up in the tyre barrier with only minor vehicle damage and when First Response staff found Graeme unconscious in the vehicle he was rushed off to Hospital.

He is now on his way to recovery and already talking about future plans with his son Adam possibly driving the popular Vauxhall. Graeme wishes to thank everyone for their best wishes and in particular the First Response teams that assisted him at the scene.

2 National records were set and some personal bests recorded, notably Shane Lodges 5.85 in the final of Top Alcohol.

The pre entry system proved popular for racers and organisers with 114 pre entries recorded.

John Neilan in the Digga dragster took a holeshot win in Top Alcohol with a slower 5.90 ET over Shane Lodges 5.85.

Morice McMillin in the Shapes Roadies Top Doorslammer won convincingly over the improving Russell Lowe Camaro.

Tight racing led to close finals for all of the brackets, and the awards presentation was packed full after the race completion with many satisfied racers.

NZDRA National Champions will be crowned at the annual prize giving held on the 27^th of June – keep an eye on the website for further details.