Modified racer Angelo Locantro is hoping he can secure back-to-back Goldenstates victories when what is round four of the 2019/2020 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series hits the Perth Motorplex next Saturday (9 November).

“Last year we had to repair a damaged engine just to make it to the Goldenstates and we headed there coming off a win that everyone was saying was just lucky, so we had a lot to prove,” Locantro explained.

“We did just that by winning the event and taking home the Silver ANDRA Christmas Tree Trophy!

“I am very confident that we can take out another Goldenstates victory this year, we just need to ensure that we don’t beat ourselves out of the race. I am also feeling confident on the tree heading into the event, as last event off the trailer we ran a 0.00 reaction time.

“The Goldenstate titles have been around for as long as I can remember, I grew up watching at Ravenswood Raceway and it is an honour to just be competing at such a classic event in Perth at such a world class facility right here in my backyard.

“And with 50 percent bonus points on offer, it is a must win event and we will be doing all we can to lock down the victory.”

This will be Locantro’s first Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series event of the season, following his runner-up result at the last season’s ANDRA Grand Finale event – also held at the Perth Motorplex.

“The ANDRA Grand Final earlier this year was the one that got away for us! We blew a head gasket in the final round against the Australian Champion and missed out on our first ANDRA Gold Christmas Tree trophy in the process,” he said.

“We have since dotted all of our Is and crossed all of our Ts with that ANDRA Gold Christmas Tree on our minds and hopefully we can make up for lost opportunities moving forward.

“We will be competing at all of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series rounds that are held at the Perth Motorplex this season, as we try and back up our ANDRA WA Divisional Championship win of last year.”

Locantro and his team have big plans coming up for future events.

“The Kwinana Performance Dragster is the same as it was last season aside from a slightly smaller cam shaft. It is powered by a Holden 202 six cylinder two-speed powerglide,” he explained.

“We are in the process now of getting a J.Zed Holden 6 aluminium cylinder head combo together for the Westernationals in March, so we can have a go at breaking the ANDRA national record!” said Locantro, who currently holds the Perth Motorplex track record for BB Modified Dragster.

“I would like to thank everyone that has supported me with my racing journey to this point. Firstly my fiancé Casey for allowing me to go racing and supporting my passion – even though she is not really into racing, she still gets involved and is a major part of the team.

“Thanks must also go to my pit crew – Curtis Spadaro, Brock Hamersley, Izak Tozzer and Melissa Spadaro – as well as major sponsors Kwinana Performance, Penrite Oil, Avtrac Maintenance Tracking, J.Zed Holden 6 and supporting sponsors Indulgent Hair Studio, AAA Windscreens and Tinting, Nelgs Ally Modz Allfast Convertors, Fat Transmissions and All Torque Engineering.

“Finally we would also like to thank everyone from the Perth Motorplex, from the track safety crew all the way to the management – it is like a big family here in Perth and we are looking forward to seeing everyone at the Goldenstates!”

Round four of the 19/20 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series, the Goldenstates, will be held at the Perth Motorplex on November 9. For more information, please visit www.andra.com.au or www.motorplex.com.au

IMAGE: ANGELO LOCANTRO IN ACTION DURING THE 2018 GOLDENSTATES EVENT.  IMAGE BY MIKE SPRYLAN.