Day one of the 51^st annual MacTrack Westernationals was successfully run and done on Saturday March 5, with more than 180 racers now readying for race day this afternoon at the Perth Motorplex.

In the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series, the Competition, Super Stock and Supercharged Outlaws brackets completed their qualifying, with Jeff Lewis, Errol Quartermaine and Vince Belladonna taking out the Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier Medallions respectively for these classes.

Qualifying will continue tomorrow for the remaining Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series classes, with Beau Ferguson (Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster), John Szabo (Super Street), Paul Nieuwhof (Modified Bike), Luke Guppy (Super Sedan), Paul Ryan (Modified), Colin Davis (Top Sportsman) and Phill Paton (Competition Bike) currently topping the time sheets and the chase for their Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks Top Qualifier medallions in their respective classes heading into day two.

For Jeff Lewis, his Top Qualifying result in Competition Eliminator was unexpected but exceptionally welcome.

“We had heaps of boost problems and manifold problems – all teething problems with the new car. So, it was definitely unexpected that we top qualified in this 16-car field with all of that happening, it is a bit unbelievable really,” Lewis said.

“We are very happy with that result. We are only just starting to get used to the new car and I think we are getting on top of it now, so hopefully it can go smoother tomorrow and we can have somewhat of an easy day.

“I would like to thank my crew, ANDRA, the Perth Motorplex and everyone that makes the Westernationals happen.”

Jeff Lewis’ father and crew chief, Greg Lewis, echoed Jeff’s statements.

“This is a low budget family affair and we have been preparing the car for the last couple of years in a shipping container and painted it in the paddock! But we are having fun!” Greg Lewis said.

“In this configuration this is the first event for the car – we had one pass at the Friday test and tune and one pass on Saturday and that was the top qualifying pass. So, we are pretty happy with how we sit at the moment, especially as it looks like we may have a solo pass in the first round of eliminations on Sunday.

“Anything could happen, but I think we have got a pretty good chance! Thank you to everyone that helps us out!”

Also taking to the track at the Perth Motorplex on Saturday was qualifying for the Australian Drag Racing Championship (ADRC). Daniel Gregorini claimed the Crow Cams Top Qualifier Award presented by Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks and the accompanying $1000 cheque for the Top Doorslammer category, while Jay Upton finished the night on top of the time sheets for the Top Fuel Motorcycle class. For more information about the ADRC proceedings, please click here.

Also joining the SRESS and ADRC on-track to the delight of race fans was the BME/Speedtorque Nitro Slam Series, with Andrew Katavatis topping both sessions in his Beach Bomb Nitro Funny Car.

For results from today’s action at the Perth Motorplex, please click here

The MacTrack Westernationals action at the Perth Motorplex will continue tomorrow (Sunday March 6) with the final round of qualifying from 1.00pm ahead of the start of eliminations racing from 2.20pm. The finals are expected to be held at approximately 9.00pm (all times local). For event information including entry lists and full schedules, please go to www.motorplex.com.au

For more information, visit www.andra.com.au

PICTURED: JEFF LEWIS, CREDIT HIGH OCTANE PHOTOS