The 44th Westernationals represents one of the few chances for competitors and fans to experience a pure Super Stock field in Western Australia.

For the majority of the West Aussie Drag Racing season you’ll find Super Stock form part of the amalgamated Super Comp bracket.

But the Westernationals, one of three events on the national Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series calendar virtually guaranteed to run Super Stock in it’s own right, is the one race in the West where the best stock production cars face off for ANDRA Gold.

“I always look forward to the Westerns for that reason,” says Errol Quartermaine. 

“It’s always hard to win the Westerns and I expect this year to be the same,” adds Jamie Chaisty. “I figure it will take national record pace or better and some good driving.”

Quartermaine is the current ET national record holder for DD/GA with a 7.850 second pass and his Ford BA Falcon has been singing of late even if he feels there is still room for improvement in the transmission. 

“It’s been a much better season for me,” he said. “The car has come together well and we’ve had a few great meetings. 

“I’m always confident the car can go quicker. The car seems more competitive in DD/GA. The manual transmission is heavier and not fully sorted yet.”

Jamie Chaisty sits behind the wheel of another record setting vehcile, an H/MSA Holden Commordore however those records came with his brother, Australian Super Stock champion Jake Chaisty in the drivers seat.

Chaisty Motorsport is in a unique situation with two more than capable drivers taking it in turns at the wheel in alternate years.

While Jake switches to crewing this year, Jamie has already stepped up by taking the win in the WA Drag Racing Championships and the two Jet Car Max events to sit fourth in the local Super Comp Perth Motorplex Track Championship standings.

If he feels any pressure to emulate his brother Jake on the national stage, he isn’t showing it.

“I think with my brother being the defending Champion, some people may think there is some kind of perceived pressure but as a team we haven’t set any expectations other than to perform at our best at every event.

“I had only done maybe 8 or 10 laps in the car a while back now, so it has taken a little to get comfortable, but I have now done quite a few laps in the last few months which has helped. But I’m still working on improving my driving.”

The 44th Westernationals begins on Friday January 30 with Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series qualifying from 3:50pm and ANDRA Drag Racing Series qualifiers from 5:45pm. The action continues on Saturday January 31 from 10am with ANDRA Drag Racing Series eliminations from 6pm. 

For full details and ticketing information please click here.

Image courtesy: Luke Nieuwhof