Brother and sister duo set for more success at Benaraby Raceway
Queensland-based brother and sister duo Jessie and Alexis Barbeler are all-set to continue their run of success, when the JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series hits Benaraby Raceway this weekend.
Moranbah locals Jessie and Alexis, accompanied by father Michael Barbeler, have become Benaraby Raceway regulars under the BARBZ Racing moniker, following their introduction to drag racing last year.
16-year-old Alexis is currently leading the Diamond T Products Junior Dragster category after taking the win at the second round of the Series in April.
Although she has only been racing for one year, the Moranbah State High School year 11 student has dreams of racing in Top Fuel one day.
“The Eighth Mile Series is great fun, has some good racing and lots of competition while still being friendly,” said Alexis.
“I am having some good success as well. I think I’m in with a good chance of winning (the title) this year if I can keep the good results happening.
“I hope my brother Jessie can too, as he’s second in his category. It’s good having him racing alongside me, as we try and help each other out. It’s good to have his support, as well as my dad, on-track with me.”
23-year-old Jessie is second in the points for the Queensland Nameplate Group Modified Bike category.
Jessie began the season aboard a 2003 Suzuki Turbo Bandit, but after incurring piston damage during the Winters Warm-Up event at Willowbank Raceway, will complete the season on a 1984 GSX.
“It is pretty cool to be runner up in the category so far in what is only my first full year of racing,” Jessie said.
“If we can get the GSX bike running consistently then I think I could be in the running to take out the Series for the bracket which is exciting,” he said.
“Hopefully I can even go ahead and set a record one day. That would be really great. My mates tell me I am mad for going as fast as I do though!”
“Having the family involved is really great. It is heaps of fun helping each other out and being there for support.”
Alexis and Jessie’s dad Michael said the pair gets on famously, with none of the sibling rivalry issues you might expect.
“I love seeing the kids taking part in this sport, and seeing them happy with what they do as part of a friendly Series is just great,” Michael said.
“I sometimes get asked if it is hard balancing the needs of both of the kids when they are racing, but it is all good – they are always happy and pleased when the other goes well.
“I think Alexis has a really good shot at winning the Series this year and Jessie will too if we can get his spare bike running consistently for the next two meetings.
“We have been involved in a few forms of racing over the years, but we got into drag racing last year and it has been really great for all of us.
The action is set to heat up at Benaraby Raceway this weekend, with five classes competing on Saturday August 2nd.
Diamond T Products Junior Dragster and Queensland Nameplate Group Modified Bike are to be joined by RD Williams Excavator Parts Modified, Ice Slushee Super Sedan and John William Auto Sales Super Street brackets.
Gates open at 7.00am this Saturday, with time trials from 10.00am to 3.00pm and racing from 4.00pm.
For more information on the 2014 JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series, head to:
www.willowbankraceway.com.au
Images supplied. © dragphotos.com.au
