NHRA Aussie Shane Tucker confirmed for X-Champs Pro Stock field
NHRA Aussie Shane Tucker has confirmed that he will return to Australia this weekend, for a one-event deal that will pit him against ANDRA’s best Pro Stock racers at Sydney's X-Champs.
Tucker, who races with his family owned team in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, will join the Pro Stock field in what will most likely be his only Australian appearance of the year.
“This race is a one off deal,” Tucker said.
“I guess you could say the cards fell into place, and let’s face it, who is ever going to knock back the chance to drive a Pro Stock car?”
The Queenslander has had a successful first stint in NHRA where he became the first Australian to qualify in an NHRA Pro Stock field in Pomona, California then backing up by qualifying in Phoenix, Arizona.
Tucker is naturally excited to be returning to his homeland, though knows that he will have to be on top of his game.
“It’s always great competing in Australia,” Tucker said.
“I have a lot of great friends that race Pro Stock back here so getting a chance to line up against them is always fun.
“We will need to be near-perfect if we want to qualify and go rounds on Sunday.”
Tucker will be racing the John Galea-owned Pontiac GXP at the X-Champs, and expects it’ll be the rig to beat.
“I'm fortunate enough that John Galea has given me the opportunity to drive his GXP,” Tucker said.
“John has great equipment and my dad, Rob, has been back on the dyno with our motor that ran 6.98 this event last year.”
Tucker’s plan is to race and win at the X-Champs, just in time for round 10 of the NHRA Mello Yello series in Bristol, Tennessee, on June 13-15.
“My urge to win races doesn't change whether it be the NHRA or ANDRA series,” Tucker said.
“The aim remains the same and that’s how we will be approaching it.”
The three-day X-Champs extravaganza begins from 9:30am this Friday May 3 with qualifying in the Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Championship.
Shane Tucker and the Pro Stock field are scheduled to commence qualifying from 11:30am on Saturday May 3.
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