Rodney Hansen will make his first appearance at Mildura Sunset Strip next week as the Queenslander looks to build on his Fuchs Winternationals victory with an Australian Supercharged Outlaws Championship.

Round 9 of the Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Championship will be a pivotal moment for many racers as several of the brackets on show look set to go down to the wire.

In Group Three, Mark Kuhn sits on top of the Supercharged Outlaws standings by 30 points from Hansen as both try to get a stranglehold on the title in Mildura.

“(It’s) a very tough bracket,” says Hansen. “All other drivers are there to win as well which makes for a tough and enjoyably competition. 

“Our cars having short wheelbases and fitted with a supercharger sometimes makes for an unpredictable run which adds to the challenge – but I couldn’t think of another class I would rather be in.”

Thanks to a runner up placing at the X-Champs in Sydney followed by his first Winternationals win, Hansen finds himself in a strong position influencing his decision to travel to Mildura for the first time. 

“Yes, runner up at the X-Champs in Sydney was very exciting but the win at the Winters was the icing as I have been chasing a Gold Christmas Tree for about 20 years now,” he adds. “Unfortunately I didn’t do too well in Alice (Springs) but glad I made the trip.

“Having the car running consistently and having a crew that knows the car and what needs to be done all makes for a successful outcome on race day. I just put on the suit and steer the car and try hard to cut a good light. 

“I have never raced Mildura before but do look forward to racing on a track I’ve never raced – so we will need to be on the ball in having the car set up right for the track conditions. Every track is different and has its challenges which makes for good racing.” 

Round 9 of the Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Championship will be held at Mildura Sunset Strip on September 13-14. Qualifying begins from 11am on Saturday and Eliminations commence from 10am Sunday. Tickets are available at the gate. For more information please visit: www.sunsetstrip.org.au

Image courtesy: Joe Maday