Simon Barlow put himself in the box seat for his maiden Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Modified Australian Championship with a penultimate round victory, but with a number of racers nipping at his heels, he had an anxious wait to see if he would successfully claim the title after going out in the first round of the ANDRA Grand Final, throwing a red light by one thousandth of a second. With the chips eventually falling his way, Barlow was celebrated as a very well-deserving Australian Champion in Modified after many years in the hunt.

How did you get into drag racing?

Since the day I got my licence and purchased my first car, an LC GTR Torana, I have always been fascinated about how they work. I moved on to an LX Torana which was built for show, with some extra go. One car show involved a day at the drags to see what it would do, and that’s where it all started.

Now that some time has passed, has it sunk in that you are the 2022/2023 National Champion?

It hasn’t really sunk in yet. I have been very busy with a lot of off-season preparation, but it probably will when the number one goes on the car

What does it mean to you to have achieved the championship?

We race each meeting just with the goal of getting past the first round, and we have done that enough times to win the championship. So, it is pretty cool and was definitely one of those ‘bucket list’ items.

How long have you been pursuing the championship, and how does it feel now to have achieved it?

We have had a few runs at the championship over the years, twice going in on maximum points but getting overrun in the final rounds, so it was great to close this one out.

What are your plans for the upcoming season?

We plan to start at Alice Springs in July and from there it will be taking it meeting by meeting as myself and my crew all work for ourselves, so getting away to race every meeting can be very hard.

Are you planning on defending the title in the new season, and how confident are you of being able to go back-to-back?

Hopefully yes, if we can get to enough meetings.

Why do you choose to compete in the Modified category?

I feel Modified is one of the hardest classes to run in. It is highly competitive; both driver and car have to be on their game, or you will be on the trailer. With Modified the rivalry is on the track; off the track we all help each other when needed and after racing it is just like a family catch up with beers and bragging, or in the case of my crew Jacks, jokes and more Jacks.

Do you have plans to try other classes? Why/why not?

No plans on moving class unless someone offers me a seat in a Top Fuel dragster.

What was your favourite event of the 2022/2023 season and why?

The Mildura Twilight Nationals was probably my favourite. Kingsley and his crew always put on a good event and that one was no different. It was stinking hot conditions, but it was cool to be racing the final after midnight against my old mate, Neil Dyson. Thanks for the red light, Neil!

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

My thanks go out to my team, and by team, I mean everyone who has helped me make this happen.

Firstly, Reads Transport: Mick and Phil have been a huge help over the years and their support really is appreciated.

Also, MV Automatics: Mike Vidau is one of the best transmission builders in the country. I keep trying to break it, but it is too good.

Thanks also to Town and Country Solar; Lawrence and Hanson Gawler; Wades Automotive Refinishing; and Just Muscle Cars; they all help out.

Finally, thank you to my crew, Anthony Grivell (the chief), Damien Cheatle, Anthony Raschella, Simon Mckean and Justin Biala – I couldn’t do it without them – and also my little chief, James, and of course my partner, Sonia.

For the complete listing of ANDRA champions, please click here