Shane Weston Aims for Westernationals Success in Competition Eliminator

21-year-old Shane Weston is aiming to take the Competition Eliminator honours at next weekend's 43rd Westernationals at the Perth Motorplex.

Weston has previously been top qualifier in his Junior Dragster and has finished runner-up on three occasions, but is yet to taste success.

"With my surname, 'Weston wins Westerns' has the right ring to it!" Weston said.

"It (the support) feels fantastic. I feel very honoured and proud, but I can't take all the credit because I'm just the driver. If it wasn't for my family and my crew it would not be possible."

The Westernationals doubles as the third round of the Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Championship and alongside the electrifying Top Fuel and Top Doorslammer categories, fans will be treated to a deep Comp Eliminator field featuring dragsters, funny cars, altereds and sedans all vying a spot in the 16 car face off.

The 43rd edition of the iconic meeting is shaping up as a stellar field of WA talent in Comp Eliminator including Rob Pilkington, Adam Marchant, Craig Glassby, Kyle Putland, Alistair McClure and David DeQuen.

"The whole field is going to be challenging, just qualifying will be the main goal and then round by round from there," Weston said.

After stepping up to full Top Alcohol specifications this season, Weston Racing has experienced a quick learning curve to get the car running consistently fast times.

The recent Pro Showdown in Perth saw Weston top qualify by three thousandths of a second from six-time Top Alcohol champion Gary Phillips with a 5.562 at 252.80mph (407kph). He made his way through to the semi-finals before losing to Craig Glassby.

"That boosted the whole team spirit. We knew the car had these times in it, but I wasn't expecting to be there this quickly."

"No changes have been made with the combo (for the Westernationals). It will be left the same to see if we can repeat from the Top Alcohol round."

"We will be without our tuner Aidan Duncan whom has just had back surgery, and is not allowed to fly so we will be tuning over the phone which will make things a little harder on the team."

Competition Eliminator qualifying is scheduled for Friday night (28 February) and Saturday afternoon (1 March). Eliminators commence Sunday afternoon (2 March).