Both teams ventured down to the Tin Tops for two days of exciting racing. The first round of qualifying in Carpenter Ford Supercharged Outlaws produced our second quickest run ever and first seven second run in nearly two years. Nathan was in against Colin Burke from Gladstone in the 378 Chevy powered T Bucket and our little 240 cubic inch hot rod pounded down the track a 7.97 second run and we were extremely happy with it being our second seven.

There was a nice solid burnout from both Colin and Nathan with the Lexus out first and first through the lights. Qualifying round two saw both team Capricorn cars racing together. Another good run for Nathan with a great time of 8.045 seconds. Russell Mackay along side Piranha with a barnstorming burnout from both sides of the track, short wheel stand from Nathan and Mackay leaves the dreaded cherry on the tree but still a good run and both cars in the field at that stage.

Round three of qualifying - 6.00 p.m. and unfortunately we had to miss as we had a water problem with cylinders 3 and 5 but with the help of Lionel Durrie (our super crew chief) were able to lift the supercharger and the head off and repair. Also extreme thanks to Air Liquide who had a booth at the track and on two occasions they saved our bacon. The professional service provided for no charge was certainly greatly appreciated.

For Round four qualifier at 9.38 p.m. - up against John Cannulli from Sydney in the Crossroads Torana - this one was quite eventful. Cannulli with the Torana did a wild strong burnout with the Lexus Hot Rod keeping up with him and this was Nathan third qualifier and last chance to get into the field with the conditions good. Cannulli has been shut down on the start line with an oil leak, Nathan brought the revs up and was out of shape off the line with a water leak putting water under the right slick and he had a great look at the wall on two occasions but managed to keep it off the wall. There were several experienced racers that commented that they all thought he was gone for all money and Zac was certainly running down the track showing the true brotherly love that exists between the pair of them, before Nathan finally got control of the monster and putted down the track to a 30 second run.

As it was a two day meet, we had another chance to practice on Sunday but it did not alter the qualifying positions. At that stage we had run three of our four quickest passes ever and we were still number 17 on the outside looking in.

Again we lined up against John Cannulli and again he had an oil leak and was shut down, we then pounded out our second 7 of the weekend (our third ever) at 7.95 with a photo of the score board set up by Darryl Smith to prove it at 166.60 MPH, our best ever MPH and our second best ever time.

One thing about the drag racing, we all have an extended family there and part of that extended family of friends are Bill Fletcher and his family. Unfortunately he pulled a head stud but he took the time to walk half a mile down to our pit to advise us that he was out which would put us in, shook both our hands, wished us luck and was delighted that if he could not race than we could. It really is very pleasing to see such great friendship and sportsmanship.

We headed out with great anticipation in the first round and you guessed it, we were up against John Cannulli in Crossroads Torana yet again. Unfortunately John left the dreaded red light, ran one of his best times ever - 7.38 seconds, however Nathan's 8.087 was excellent. They both did excellent burnouts and the team were ecstatic to get into the second round of racing.

Russell raced Bevan Buckby in the first round and Russell was first to stage but Bevan unfortunately red lighted, handed the win to Russell who broke out with a 6.83 second run on a 6.9 handicap, his first lucky break of the day. Russell ended up with a bye in the second round, second lucky break of the day. Solo pass, car was impressive, sounded great, out like a shot on a mission with a 6.86 at over 200mph, whilst we were up against Jon Sting in his USA imported blown dragster. It was a good race and Jon even came over in the breaking area and told Nathan he thought he did not catch him but he did by 9000th of a second which is about 60cm. At the speed Jon was going through at we were still pretty happy with 8.007 second pass backing off.

Semi final was definitely Russell Mackay's best race. He was up against Russell Schafer - multi time track champion, twice winner of the 10,000 to win Supercharged Outlaws meeting at Mackay. A real hard nut to crack and Russell was right on his game with a .414 reaction time - .400 being perfect, 6.87 ET on a 6.85 dial in and he pushed Russell Schafer into a break out as he ended up running 7.316 from a 7.34 dial in. Great run, well won Russell.

The final was held late at night and most of the crowd were gone unfortunately but it did not dampen the enthusiasm of Russell, Melissa, James and the entire crew, especially crew chief for both cars - Lionel Durrie. Russell again put a good run in at 6.856 on a 6.83. .526 reaction against John's 6.586 and even though John was quicker and faster, he unfortunately broke out by 23000th of a second.

Next meeting for Team Capricorn will be both the Supercharged Outlaws cars at Willowbank on the 14th May and the third Team Capricorn car driven by Dave Ferricks and crewed by Noel Smith modified rail will be going to the Nitro champs at Western Sydney International Dragway. A chance to add to his 100 points earned in Mackay to try and take out the National title.

Best of luck to Toolie and the crew as we will have fun at home. The best news of the week prior to the meeting was the added passion by ANDRA to convert the Supercharged Outlaws to a National class where we will all be running for the Australian Number 1 on the side of the car next year and we intend to be in Sydney September 16th to 18th 2005 to try and get some points and head towards that exclusive number 1.

Thanks to everyone that helps, especially my hard working crew - Adrien Lang, Zac Peirano and first time down there Anthony Milne who will soon be crewing on yet another Supercharged Outlaws car - young Wayne's blown commodore - the ex Lionel Durrie car which is currently in Lionel's Alexander Street extended workshops putting a blown small blown Chevy with all the goodies in it.

Catch you at the drags.

PETER A PEIRANO.

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