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magnificentmildura Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series WORLD CLASS fastlane PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS Mildura Sunset Strip 22-23 OCT More first time winners dominated the storylines once again in the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series at Mildura Sunset Strip while some familiar faces went back-to-back. SUPERCHARGED OUTLAWS Mark Zauch won his first ever ANDRA Christmas Tree with a win over Justin Russell in the Supercharged Outlaws final despite a fuel leak between the final two rounds a makeshift temporary fix. “I came up here just to get the car down the track,” said Zauch. “I wasn’t planning on winning, we just wanted to test a few things – I did some maintenance on the car myself so I was a little bit sceptical if it was going to be alright and yeah, we went and pulled this out. “We had a little fuel leak (before the final) that we didn’t have enough time to weld it up so we duct taped a few rags underneath the tank to soak up the fuel to give it our best shot. I cracked a good reaction time and came out with the trophy. “I’d like to thank my old man, he drives me around everywhere, pays for all the transport so thank you Dad. And to all the crew for the weekend, Chris, Donna, my brother Chris, Colleen and a special thank you to Dave Baines who has always been on the phone and helped me out where he can. I can’t thank him enough.” Russell was competing in his second straight final following a runner up in the Desert Nationals at Alice Springs Inland Dragway in July. But his wait will continue, as it was a fairy tale finish for Zauch. As the 7th placed qualifier, Zauch had the handicap advantage lighting up b the lense Photos by: Drags SA, David Hope, Outlaw Images. against all his elimination opponents however he would face quicker opponents as a result. He held on in all three rounds defeating Doina Day and Steven Walker before getting the jump with a huge holeshot advantage on the start line to win the final. Reacting in .043 seconds to Russell’s .214, Zauch stayed the course for an unexpected victory on a winning 4.974 at 140.92 mph and a 4.95 dial in to 4.311 at 164.61 mph on a 4.28 dial in. TOP SPORTSMAN Defending Top Sportsman Champion Jason Stares went 2:1 in final rounds this season defeating Michael Braggs who was making his debut in the bracket. Stares was a late entry to the event and the decision paid dividends qualifying 2nd and setting him on another winning path past John Zappia & crew. 9 time Australian Top Doorslammer Champion. b 03 9357 0469 www.crowcams.com.au