Cruising the pits at Indianapolis Raceway Park, it is difficult not to run into Australians. For the world’s second biggest drag racing market, the world’s biggest drag race has a strong attraction.
The sound of an Australian accent is instantly recognisable and the teams from down under are looking to make big statements at the 60th running of the US Nationals.
Dom Lagana might earn a title of honourary Australian this weekend, doing the driving for Rapisarda Autosport International. A family-driven racer himself, Lagana understands well the reasons why the Rapisarda family continue to compete in Top Fuel. Lagana said that it might take a couple of runs for everyone to settle in again but expects big things from the Australian team who are returning to the NHRA Mello Yello Series for the first time since last year.
Rapisarda Autosport International’s perennial Gus gives some love to the tow car alongside Ray Treasure who has made the trek from Western Australia.
Shane Tucker is another returning Australian and comes into the event with high confidence following some positive results in testing at St Louis this week from the Rob Tucker Racing/Auzmet Camaro. Tucker has a national record holding Elite Performance motor under the hood for the US Nationals. In the top image of this article, Shane’s father Rob Tucker ponders some of the finer points of Pro Stock with just over 24 hours to go until the team makes their first hit at Indianapolis.
Shane has been given some simple advice on the dash of his race car.
Steve Harker (right) is a legitimate shot at an NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car championship this season and is currently the man to beat. Here he talks all things methanol with two times ANDRA Top Alcohol Funny Car event winner Rob Pilkington and son Brodie (left) as well as Aussie expat Keith ‘Rooman’ Burgan.
Following a walk of many introductions around the Indy pit area, we followed Keith to Walt’s Hot Rods where there was a mini car show of sorts going on with some cool rods and street machines. All part of the atmosphere that builds around the US Nationals!
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