Photo by Dave Reid
Victorian Matt Czerny was able to tick another wish off the bucket list following his recent appearance for the Nitro Up North event.
Thanks to the generosity of Rob “Mad Professor” Taylor, Czerny was able to have his Robinvale Estate Dressings Modified Dragster trailered up to Darwin’s Hidden Valley Drag Strip for the first time and again at this weekends Desert Nationals.
“If it wasn’t for Rob’s offer this trip would never have happened,” said Czerny. Work is super busy and straight after the Nitro Up North event, I flew back home to keep the wheels turning at work.
“I was wrapped to have made it through to the semi finals,” said Czerny. “I went red but the positive was that I learnt a lot. I’ve only done seven meets in the car, and I’m having a ball. I had a great crew – Jess and Paul Turner and we are looking forward to some more track fun this weekend at Alice Springs.
“Darwin was good and I am learning a lot about running these cars in humidity. The Hidden Valley track and its facilities were amazing. We ended up dialling the car in well enough to be consistent and should see us go a little faster in Alice Springs.
Czerny’s Vinyl Wraps and Graphics business is flat out at the moment to the point he has had to step up production and staff to cater for his growing clients.
“Work is crazy this year but it’s also good to get away for a couple of weekends in a row away to some warmer weather and enjoy some racing,” said Czerny.
“I’ve always loved it and really enjoy it now that I get to steer my own car. This will be the last meeting with the current engine before we put our new small block. It’s making a little more power and should push us into the high 7-second zone.
“This is my first time in Alice and had some plans to check out Uluru until I found out its 500km away! You can tell where I come from!
“I’d like to thank Robinvale Estate Dressings for their support, ETS Racing Fuels Simon Ingram, Rob Taylor and crew for transporting the car to Darwin. If it wasn’t for Rob offering I would never have made it up here and will be forever grateful for that.
“Paul Turner and Jess Turner again for always lending a hand and showing me the ropes. Ray Gould and David Code, Sara Czerny my beautiful wife, John Kapiris for the jets and the snacks between rounds (congrats on the win mate), Kellie Anne our bracket marshal and my guys at work for holding the fort while I get to live out a childhood dream. Thank you all!
DESERT NATIONALS
When: July 29-30, 2017
Where: Alice Springs Inland Dragway
What: The Desert Nationals features Rd 2 of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series. The Lamattina Top Fuel dragster is set to rock Alice Springs with Australia’s quickest and fastest female – Kelly Bettes behind the wheel. And if that’s not enough, Top Doorslammer will be making spectacular runs over the two days.
GOT QUESTIONS
Desert Nationals – Email heavyduty@bigpond.com. Stay tuned to cadra.com.au or check out the Desert Nationals Facebook page.