Outlaw's Rick Gauci sets US star Tommy Johnson Jnr in his sights
Defending Night of Fire Aeroflow Nitro Funny Car winner, Rick Gauci has admitted his sole goal on 29th November will be to defeat NHRA driver Tommy Johnson Jnr.
Johnson Jnr will be the only US based driver competing at the Sydney Dragway’s Night of Fire and will have a dozen locals to fend off
Gauci savoured competing against Ron Capps in 2013 and says the chance to race Johnson Jnr will eclipse that moment.
“Racing Ron Capps was one of the highlights of my racing career,” Gauci said.
“To have the opportunity to race Tommy is even better.”
Gauci carries strong form into the event coming off the back of a 5.69 second pass exceeding 400km/h.
“My ‘Nitro Express’ ’57 Chev is getting quicker and quicker every time I race it. I have the quickest Aeroflow Outlaw Nitro Funny Car pass for when we get to Sydney,” he said.
Funny Car series manager Steve Bettes says Johnson Jnr will have stiff competition when he arrives in Sydney and he hopes to see more American drivers at the event in coming years.
“He’ll arrive here with a target on his back. They all want to race him!” Steve Bettes said.
As broken by Just Drag Racing.com, Leah Prichett was to make an appearance but the deal fell through.
“We were also in talks with Leah to join us but it hasn’t worked out for this year but it’s something we’d love to try and do for 2015.”
