Team Mopar Pro Stock driver Lee Bektash is expecting to see some fast times this weekend at the Southern Nationals presented by Fiat Professional & Essendon Chrysler Jeep Dodge on April 4-5, 2014.
Pro Stock finally makes its 2014 ANDRA Drag Racing season debut in a welcome return to Calder Park Raceway for the first time in a championship event since 2001.
And with Crew Chief Tomi Laine on board again this season, Bektash said he is confident of running in the low 7s right out of the gate.
“Based on the weather conditions that time of the year it will be fast,” said Bektash. “Three years ago I ran 7.10 and have run 193.8 mph. “Since then we have a better car, better suspension package thanks to Penske and around 50 more horsepower. I’m confident of low 7.0s.”
Fans can expect a tight Pro Stock field in addition to Bektash with defending champion Jason Grima, four-time champ Aaron Tremayne, the returning Jason Hedges and a string of up and comers ready to shake up the standings.
“Pro Stock is such a close bracket that you can’t be too confident on the outcome for each meeting let alone the season,” Bektash added. “But we are going in with the confidence that our team and preparation combined with great sponsors we will be strong.”
“After our last round at the Nationals last year ?I’m looking forward to the challenge of how our off season preparations have gone and to try and maintain that gap that we had on our competitors last round, (it) would be nice to go into that first round with that up our sleeve.”
Bektash thanked Mopar Australia, Fiat Professional, Fiat Chrysler Jeep, Retreat Caravans, VP Racing Fuels and Global Traffic Management for their support in 2014 while two new Junior Dragsters in Jordan Spencer and Kylie Youngberry have joined the ranks.
“That’s five in total and I’m really excited about the kids and the Mopar Junior Dragsters this year.”
Team Mopar will take the track in Pro Stock and Junior Dragsters this Friday and Saturday at Calder Park Raceway for the Southern Nationals presented by Fiat Professional & Essendon Chrysler Jeep Dodge.
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Image courtesy: Hayley Turns