WHYATT LOOKING TO LOSE BRIDESMAID TAG AT WILLOWBANK THIS WEEKEND
20 April 2015
Pine Mountain racer Tony Whyatt is hoping this weekend’s round of the 2015 JP Racing Queensland Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series will go some way towards his goal of ditching his self-proclaimed ‘bridesmaid’ tag in the Ice Slushee Super Sedan bracket.
It could be a case of third time lucky for the 41 year old proprietor of Pine Mountain Performance, with the two-time runner-up for the series honours currently leading the points standings for his class after taking out victory at the first round of the series earlier this year.
“It is good to be leading the points for my bracket so far in the JP Racing Eighth Mile Series, I have been a bridesmaid two years now!” laughed Whyatt, who thanks Jeff Paroz from Australian Crane Engineering, his father Merv, Pine Mountain Performance and his crew for their support.
“In 2012 I was runner-up as well by half a point and in 2013 I was just one point behind as we headed to the final round. It was then rained out which was a real shame, as we were running pretty well heading to the final and had a real shot of taking it out.
“With two bridesmaid results now under my belt, the guys around me are starting to give me a bit of a ribbing about it!
“In 2014 I wasn’t able to run the full series due to work commitments, but in 2015 we are back for the full program and will be doing everything we can to take home the big trophy at the end of the year.”
The 2015 campaign is off to a strong start for Whyatt, with the racer of fifteen years claiming maximum points at the opening round at Warwick Dragway in February.
“I am feeling good so far, last year I had just started my business Pine Mountain Performance so it took priority, but to be back with a vengeance this year is really great,” said the VS Commodore racer.
“Outside of the Eighth Mile Series we have also taken out the first round of the Queensland Drag Racing Championship at Willowbank Raceway, so things are on the right track.
“The Eighth Mile Series is a really great Series, there is nowhere near the pressure you feel at some over events, and there is a good group of people that travel to the rounds which helps create a nice atmosphere.
“The racing is really enjoyable as well – with eighth mile racing it all happens really fast so you have to make decisions very quickly. Some people think that eighth mile racing is easier but I honestly think it is a bit harder.
“I don’t think I will have a home track advantage as this kind of racing sees you either on your game or off it, but having said that we have done a lot of racing at Willowbank so maybe that will help us.”
The JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series celebrates grassroots drag racing at some of South East Queensland’s great regional tracks. After kicking off at Warwick Dragway on 21 February, the series now heads to Willowbank Raceway on 25 April for round two. Ironbark Raceway will then host round three on 1 August before the final round gets going at Benaraby Raceway on 26 September 2014.
For more information on the 2015 JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series, including information on rules, how to enter and the points system, please visit to www.willowbankraceway.com.au
SPONSORS
• JP Racing - Series Sponsor
• FG Loy & Sons - Eighth Mile Outlaws Bracket
• RD Williams Excavator Parts - Modified Bracket
• Ice Slushee - Super Sedan Bracket
• John William Auto Sales - Super Street Bracket
• Queensland Nameplate Group - Modified Bike Bracket
• Diamond T Products - Junior Dragster Bracket
Photo Credit: blacktrack.com.au