Dream Debut for Ben Bray’s Nissan Altima

For Ben Bray the 2012 Brisbane Jamboree was a dream come true. Only taking delivery of the Ness Racecraft chassis four and half weeks ago, Ben, his crew and some loyal supporters worked over time just to get the car finished and ready for qualifying for the largest Hi-Tech drag racing and import car event.

Jumping into a new car with a smaller cubed engine, a turbo charger, a four speed gear box, plus competing against the best racers in the country on your second full pass in the car was a big ask.

But Benny did it - he qualified at the Jamboree and pulled off the biggest upset in the history of Pro Compact to come away with a win.

When qualifying wrapped up on Saturday Ben was 2nd after recording This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Round 1 got under way on Sunday with an air temp of almost 30 degrees. However, after some tuning adjustments Ben and his new Nissan Altima got better and better with every pass, going undefeated. Ben felt the clutch slip in low gear in the third round so a new clutch was fitted before the final. Ben took the win light in the final with a PB 7.100 @196.64 and only 1.04 MPH short of Collin Willshire's record of 197.68mph.

"If you had said to me on Tuesday night when we were in the work shop at midnight still trying to get the car finished so I could test it on Wednesday, I would have told you, you're dreaming", Ben said.

"My goal this weekend was to put down some good passes and get a handle on the setup. I only got to run 1 full powered pass before the weekend - a 7.49. That is a good time but in this sport you cannot take one run to the bank. As for winning the final that is a dream come true. Now I can't wait for the Sydney Jamboree".

The next outing for Team Bray will be in their burn out cars as part of the on track entertainment for the 50 year celebration at Mount Panorama Bathurst 4-7 October.