31 March 2011

Rob Pilkington has seized back the championship lead in the WA Top Comp series from Jeffrey Clarke in what is proving to be a thrilling conclusion to the season.

Pilkington’s Force Equipment/Alutech Monte Carlo Funny Car claimed its points in style with a win in the final over a rejuvenated Alistair McClure.

Qualifying began with a tyre-shaking pass as the team got its head around the track, but after applying their knowledge and experience produced a 5.88sec. time.

“We made some gearbox ratio changes for this meeting so we were still trying to find the right clutch settings to make the new ratio work to its potential,” Pilkington said.

After studying the data from the qualifying sessions the engine was prepared for the elimination round against Debbie O’Rourke.

With an improving 5.83sec. the team was on the right track and despite tough runs from other competitors across the round the pass was enough to make it into the A Final.

“We knew the final would be a great match up as Al had gone .7 under his index and us .6 under our index so we thought it could come down to the startline,” Pilkington explained.

Pilkington unleashed a 5.80sec.time in the final to take the victory as McClure unfortunately had some mechanical dramas that prevented him from making a full pass.

“It’s a fantastic result for the team as the win now puts us back in the championship lead with a 15 point buffer which will be an exciting climax for the last meeting,” Pilkington said.

“Hopefully we can hold on and win our third championship in four seasons.”

The Grand Final on April 9 at Perth Motorplex is the last race for the season and the team hopes all their fans can make it out to support them at the track.

But following the event the team won’t be done just yet with the Winternationals and the ANDRA Pro Series on the agenda.

Rob and Jackie Pilkington would like to thank the following companies for coming onboard for their trip to the Winternationals in Brisbane in June which would not be possible without their support: CTS Transport, Direct Weld, Hold Fast Fluid Power, Shamat Diesel Services

Along with thanks to their regular sponsors:

Force Equipment service and hire, Alutech, Prestige Tile Gallery, FLN Commercial Repairers, RAE Motorsport, National Tyres, PerthMetro Builders, Appealing Signs