Sheehan 4.93 On Way To WA Nitro FC Win

Mark Sheehan has claimed the win over Anthony Begley in the WASHPOD Nitro & Fire event at Perth Motorplex overnight, Sheehan recording a best of 4.93-seconds in his Mustang Funny Car in his 2-1 win over Begley.

Sheehan's best run ended early with the blower belt departing, but the incremental numbers were quite stunning, the Mustang hitting 252.5mph at the halftrack markers and 4.12secs at the 1,000ft – quick enough to qualify for most NHRA fields this season.

Earlier, the pair averted disaster when Sheehan's Mustang crossed the centreline and chopped in front of Begley

South African Pieter De Wit also had a scary moment during the evening when a jammed brkae at the finish line caused him to spin Chuck Haynes' Gravity Storm jet dragster and tag the wall following his second round match-up with Canadian Andy Beauchemin.

De Wit and Haynes are still coming to terms with the all-new Gravity Storm, while the Canadian delivered consistent mid-5sec passes.

"I guess we aren't used to seeing roll-arounds like that at the finish line that is for sure," De Wit said.

"The brakes are super sensitive in that zone on the track and excessive brake force will do that to these cars ... it is something I have never done before, that is for sure.

"We are fine, however the car took a bit of a hit"

The cool conditions, with occasional delays brought on by unusual misty rain, produced many personal best performances in the support brackets, Alastair McClure taking out K-Trans Top Comp.

Six-time Australian Champion and local hero, John Zappia again used the opportunity to test for next year's Top Doorslammer series.

"Research and development was the plan [but] it has been more like research and destruction," Zappia said.

"Magneto, clutch, supercharger, driveline, electrical issues, we have had big dramas so far.

"We had to double-pedal the car today but I am happy with our top end speeds which show we are making headway, which is important for what is coming up in the New Year."

RESULTS SUMMARY:

NITRO FUNNY CAR
Mark Sheehan d Anthony Begley

JET DRAGSTER
Andy Beauchemin d Pieter De Wit

K-TRANS TOP COMP
Winner: Alistair McClure 
Runner-up: Shane Weston

HARRIS ENGINES SUPER COMP
Winner: Kyle Putland
Runner-up: Allen Puglia

COMP BIKE
Winner: Greg Durack 
Runner-up: Ross Smith

A1 HI PERFORMANCE SUPERCHARGED OUTLAWS
Winner: Justin Taylor 
Runner-up: Vince Belladonna

MODIFIED
Winner: Sam Treasure 
Runner-up: Jamie Nelmes

SUPEROO SUPER SEDAN
Winner: Brett Connelly 
Runner-up: Martin Mirco

PERTH QUAD BIKES MODIFIED BIKE
Winner: Justin Townson 
Runner-up: Tom Gartrell

SOUTHSIDE ENGINE CENTRE SUPER STREET
Winner: Peter Giles 
Runner-up: Jayme Smith

GAVIN TRANSPORT JUNIOR DRAGSTER
Winner: Monique Stewart 
Runner-up: Beau Higgins

Image courtesy Perth Motorplex