TBR readies for Perth birthday hit-out
Following the conclusion of testing at the Perth Motorplex earlier this week, Team Bray Racing's Victor and Ben Bray are currently making their final preparations for this weekend's Westernationals event, which will kick off on Saturday 2 March – Ben's 29th birthday.
The three time ANDRA national champion has been experiencing some difficult times of late due to a new car combination, however is hoping to make further advances on the problem at this weekend's third round of the 2012/2013 ANDRA Top Doorslammer title chase.
"What a great birthday present that would be – to get these tyre shake issues sorted out and put down some great passes at the Westernationals this weekend," said Ben Bray.
"The power is there, we are just unfortunately having some issues getting the set-up right to transfer that power to the race track. In testing this week we have definitely made some advancement on the issue, which build on improvements we were able to make in the lead-up to and during Portland's Slamfest event two weeks ago.
"During pre-Westernationals testing here in Perth we were able to run a 6.047 second pass at 243.24 miles per hour on Wednesday which is shows we are definitely making steps in the right direction."
Seventeen Top Doorslammers have entered for this weekend's Westernationals event at the Perth Motorplex, with only eight spots open in the eliminations field.
"With 17 cars fighting for just eight spots the competition is certainly going to be fierce right from the get go this weekend; but hopefully we can continue to improve, make it into the eliminations field, and just take it from there," said Ben Bray.
Ben's father Victor Bray, currently third in the Top Doorslammer national title points, heads to this event as the winner of the last round, also held in West Australia.
At that event – the Perth Motorplex's Goldenstates held in November 2012 – the six-time national champion not only triumphed over local hero John Zappia to take the event win but also broke his 'five second pass hoodoo' with two five second passes across the weekend.
"The last time I was in Perth it was a fantastic event for us – we won the event and claimed my first and second five second passes," said Victor Bray.
"We have been very consistent of late, and with the data and set-up from the Goldenstates we are feeling quietly confident we are moving in the right direction for this weekend's event.
"Having said that though, you never know what is going to happen. In Perth you have a wide range of elements to deal with, not least of all the 17 cars battling it out for just eight spots and the almighty 'Fremantle Doctor' which brings hot breezes across the desert during the day and then cold winds from the ocean in the evening.
"Drag racing is an unpredictable sport at all times, you certainly have to be on your toes and I can assure you that the entire Team Bray Racing team is going to be working hard to try and put down some good results here in Perth.
"Not only is it the third round of the ANDRA championship, it will also be the last time the Top Doorslammer class visits West Australia in 2013, so we want to give it everything we've got!"
Saturday 2 March will host qualifying for the 42nd Westernationals at the Perth Motorplex, with Top Doorslammer taking to the track at 6.00pm, 8.00pm and 10.00pm local time. Sunday 3 March will host eliminations racing, with Top Doorslammer to battle it out at 6.00pm, 8.00pm and 10.00pm local time. For full event information, please visit www.motorplex.com.au.
