The margin in the 2021/2022 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series title fight for the Supercharged Outlaws bracket was razor thin heading into the ANDRA Grand Finals, and when the top two in the title chase both went out in the first round, it would be a technical infringement from his rival which saw Mark Hunt ultimately triumph to claim his maiden ANDRA National Championship.

How did you get into drag racing?

I was introduced to drag racing at Adelaide International Raceway at a very young age by my older brother. I attended all the meetings with him and fell in love with the super charged cars.

What does it mean to you to have been awarded the 2021/2022 Supercharged Outlaws Championship?

In the past couple of years, I have come close to winning it. Being awarded the 2021/2022 Supercharged Outlaws Championship was a great accomplishment for me. I did win on a technical error and it wasn’t the way I would have liked to have won it, but this is why we have a ANDRA rule book.

Your maiden Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series title has been a long time coming – what was different about this season that enabled you to take the win.

I had a few good events at different tracks which inspired me to try and win, and my commitment to travel and supporting the sport we love played an important part.

Why do you choose to compete in the Supercharged Outlaws category? Do you have plans to try other classes? Why/why not?

I chose Supercharged Outlaws because I was always interested in Supercharged cars from a very young age and it’s my favourite bracket. I don’t really want to try any other bracket as I find Supercharged Outlaws an exciting class to be in and there’s nothing like a supercharged motor. Having said that, my new car has been tech’ed as a Doorslammer – just in case I wish to step up!

What was your favourite event of the 2021/2022 season and why?

My favourite event would be Darwin/Alice Springs Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series rounds. It is the start of the season so for us it is two race events and a holiday. I do enjoy attending all the other SRESS rounds as well.

What was the highlight of your season aside from taking out the title?

The highlights of the season for us is attending all of the meetings in the different states and catching up with all our racing friends. It is a close-knit family of people.

Are you planning to defend your title in 2022/2023? How confident are you that you can go back-to-back?

Yes, I have every intention of defending my title! I started the season this year at round one in Darwin but unfortunately, I couldn’t race in Alice Springs, but I am attending all the other meetings. I enjoy travelling all over Australia to all the meetings and I am feeling confident considering my car is in a good position – it is always consistent and reliable.

Who would you like to thank for the roles they have played in your title season?

None of my success would be possible without the support of the following people, so I would like to thank:

• ANDRA and Summit Racing Equipment for their ongoing support of the sport and the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series;
• Dave Baines and Carol Baines for my engine and being my crew chief;
• The rest of my crew, Maxine Oppes, Kym Hunt and Mark Hugo for their continued support and help;
• My wonderful wife Marisa Hunt for her support and understanding of my passion for drag racing;
• Performance Wholesalers for their prompt delivery of all the parts I order;
• All the Supercharged Outlaw Competitors, they are a great group of people, and their friendship is always amazing, they are always willing to help each other;
• The NT Government (Hidden Valley), Alice Springs Inland Dragway, the WA Government (Perth Motorplex), the Sunset Strip (Mildura) and South Coast Raceway (Portland) – without these tracks drag racing would not exist; and finally,
• All the staff and volunteers at all the events, they do an exceptional and wonderful job.

For a full listing of ANDRA champions, please click here.