Morgan set for a showdown spectacular at Willowbank this weekend
6 June 2012
The time has come for Darren Morgan and the AEG Powertools Top Fuel Dragster as the team search for back-to-back ANDRA Pro Series Top Fuel Championships heading into the 2011/2012 series final at the Willowbank Raceway this weekend.
Morgan sits just 2.5 points behind current series leader Damien Harris as the points gap prepares to set the scene for what will be a thrilling final round battle, with the driver who advances furthest to be crowned the 2011/2012 Top Fuel Champion.
“It has been a great year and now it all comes down to the final round of the championship at the Winternationals - the greatest weekend in drag racing all season,” commented Morgan.
“Damien [Harris] has had a great year but the AEG Powertools DMR team have really stepped-up a gear over the last few events and we’re taking this strong form into the round that counts the most.”
The oversubscribed field will consist of nine Top Fuel Dragsters all racing for the newly stated Mick Atholwood memorial trophy named after the iconic drag racing legend who sadly passed away in March of this year. The trophy is to be awarded to the winning Top Fuel Dragster for the event.
Sydneysider Andrew Cowin sits third in the championship and has a mathematical shot at the title, however this only becomes possible if both Harris and Morgan lose out in the first round – something the Mildura Missile certainly isn’t considering.
“We’re treating this no different than any other meeting, we are going there to win the event and the championship will take care of itself,” said Morgan
“I think for the fans the best scenario would be for us and Harris to meet in the final, the same as last year, but this year not have the rain interfere.”
Morgan will be banking on current form which is solidly stacked in his favour with last year’s Champion finishing with a win, two runners-up spots and two Top Qualifiers over the past three events in Perth, Adelaide and Sydney.
This Winternationals at Willowbank Raceway in Ipswich will see the 45th running of Australia’s largest drag racing event, hosting up to 500 racers and more than 38,000 spectators over its four big days.
The action however will not be confined to the quarter-mile however, with entertainment, trade shows and plenty of action in the facility for the whole family. Tickets start from just $20 with students (with ID) able to access discounted entry and children 13 and under enjoying free admission.
Morgan will be boosted in his quest for back-to-back championships thanks to the help of major associate partner Victorian American Imports – a long-time supporter of DMR.
DMR would like to thank its major sponsors AEG Powertools, Shannons Insurance and Kennards Hire along with their many associate partners.
ANDRA Pro Series Top Fuel (after five rounds)
1 Damien Harris 474.5
2 Darren Morgan 472
3 Andrew Cowin 415.5
4 Phillip Lamattina 400.5
5 Mark Sheehan 149
6 Cory McClenathan 143
7 Terry Sainty 107
8 Mark Mariani 88
9 Phil Read 63
10 Bob Shepherd 43