As the national Modified champion Craig Baker is doing pretty well. But when it comes to Adelaide International Raceway, lady luck seems to find someone else’s pit.

In recent times AIR hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Baker but he is hoping his luck will turn in Round 4 of the Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Championship this weekend.

“Adelaide seems to be a track that we struggle with and never had a lot of luck,” he said. “With the two championship rounds in Adelaide last year we red lit the first one in February the week before heading to the Westernationals, then damaged the engine first round at the Springnationals and were back on the trailer.”

“I’m really hoping we can turn that luck around. Along with a host of other tough racers, there’ll be five out of the top six in last year’s championship with the same goal.”

Baker was disappointed about the missed opportunity in the washed out Round 1 in Portland back in January and after not travelling for the Western swing, he is anxious to get back to his title defence.

“I think that the car is right on song and running as consistent as ever. Our main preparation comes in the form of more runs down the track and we were lucky enough to make to make it to the finals at Portland’s Outlaw Nitro Funny Car event in February and then again last weekend at the Inaugural John Taverna Classic at Calder Park.”

“To me, going rounds and getting the car consistently down the track is great for confidence and the best preparation you can get.”

“Even though we try to throw everything into each race, our number one priority is to enjoy what we do. Most of the time it’s just myself, my wife Audrey, and our two boys going to the track and running the car as best we can.”

“We’re fortunate that Modified is full of other great families and we look forward to any chance of catching up with that extended family; and racing is just a bonus.”

That extended family will be on show this weekend as Baker is joined by his son Josh who is competing in the Junior Dragster ranks for the first time this season.

“Josh just loves the whole thing – he’s had no choice really,” said Baker. “Ever since he was born he has been at the track whenever possible. He understands the sport and the fundamentals of drag racing.”

“Now he has his own car it has been a dream come true for him. We try to give him as much control of running the car as possible. From between round maintenance to choosing his own dial in, it’s all up to him. Even though he beats himself up when he doesn’t cut a good light, we’re trying to teach him not to be so hard on himself and to enjoy the opportunity.”

Qualifying for Round 4 of the Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Championship commences from 5:00pm Friday March 14, 2014 at Adelaide International Raceway. Qualifying continues from 9:00am Saturday March 15, 2014 and eliminations are scheduled from 3:00pm.

For full event details and race schedule, please click here.

Image courtesy: Darren Bingham