John Zappia Aims for Unprecedented Seventh Doorslammer Title

John Zappia kicks off his campaign for an unprecedented seventh successive Australian Top Doorslammer title this weekend.

The ANDRA Drag Racing Series returns to Zappia's home track, Perth Motorplex for the Pro Showdown and the opening salvo of both the Top Doorslammer and Top Alcohol crown for 2014.

Zappia said he is looking forward to the start of the season and is expecting some stiff competition.

"Peter Kapiris is going to be a threat but any of the others can stand up at any time," Zappia said.

"They are all capable of running the numbers; it's only whether they stumble on their consistency.

"Some teams are going to automatic transmissions, if that works it gives them a reaction time advantage. Stuart Bishop has got one and he's running 5.80s and low 5.90s.

"If they can get that working right they've got the reaction advantage. They're only dropping a button instead of a clutch."

After winning the national title, Zappia entered the local Perth events at the end of last season, learning a valuable lesson when the spindle broke off the rear diff, causing him to lose a rear wheel.

"The only thing that saved a serious crash was the quarter panel, which held the tyre in," Zappia said.

"Had the fibreglass let go the tyre and axle would have been gone and I would have been on three wheels at 250 mph."

"It opened our eyes and made us realise parts had to be replaced. We could have been caught out had that happened through the championship rounds."

The Top Doorslammer and Top Alcohol cars will be joined by the Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Championship as part of an exciting show for fans.