Read sweeps Santo’s Cranes Super 3

Photo courtesy ANDRA.

Brisbane-based Englishman Steve Read has capped off one of the most memorable victories of his career at the Santo's Cranes Super 3 event at Willowbank Raceway, QLD on Saturday 30th March.

After winning Day 1, Read completed a dream weekend for his RSR team, defeating Darren Morgan in the final on Day 2 with a 4.76.

"This weekend has proven that old dinosaurs can still win", chuckled Read, referring to his 20 year old engine combination. "This win means so much to me for so many reasons – running 6 straight 4 second passes this weekend, taking home the Louie Rapisarda Memorial Trophy and for my team that have given me a great race car all weekend".

Read started Day 2 with a 4.76 to 4.77 qualifying duel with Darren Morgan, followed by a Round 1 win over Victoria's Phil Lamattina and a final round victory over Morgan with another 4.76.

"I raced for Santo for 11 years and to win the Louie Rapisarda Memorial Trophy holds a great deal of meaning to me", Read said. "We came here to get the job done this weekend and show our fans that we still know how to contend with the bigger teams".

NHRA star Larry Dixon put the field on notice with an opening shot of 4.503 at 332mph over the quarter mile. The only regret Read has from the weekend is not having the opportunity to match up against Dixon.

"Unfortunately, we never matched up with Dixon over the 2 days. I certainly hope there's a next time for that to happen, but for now, this is all about celebrating a job well done this weekend and letting it all sink in", Read smiled.

Following the Santo's Cranes Super 3 event, Read moved back up to 3rd place in points.