Fish Top Fueller headlines 2016 Meremere IHRA Nationals
Quarter-mile nitro thunder makes another appearance at Meremere Dragway this weekend as an added attraction at the 2016 IHRA New Zealand Nationals.
Ramarama’s Reece Fish driving the Fish Family Racing Top Fuel dragster will continue his quest to join the Kiwi Four Second Club during this weekend’s Nationals — a performance that has narrowly eluded him on several occasions in recent years with a best effort to-date of 5.044secs.
It’s expected to be solo runs for the FFR machine as nitro rivals Marsh Motorsport will be chase IHRA Nationals competition honours racing in the Top Alcohol category with Anthony Marsh piloting the naturally aspirated A/Fuel nitro dragster.
Pukekohe’s Chris Johnston won the Top Alcohol title at the 2015 Nationals in his big block Chevrolet powered dragster. Red Beach racer Shane Lodge is also expected to be a leading contender for Top Alcohol honours with both cars capable of running in the mid 5-second range at 250mph.
There’s another nitro attraction this weekend with Pokeno’s Athol Williams piloting his wild Top Fuel Bike on which he set a new 6.443secs/227.61mph national record back in January.
The Nationals bring together strong fields across at the competition classes chasing both Nationals honours and additional points to count towards the season-long IHRA Series.
Top Alcohol, Top Doorslammer and Competition Bike will provide some of the fastest action with close competition expected from the Supercharged Outlaws, Super Sedan and Top Street categories.
Saturday qualifying action is scheduled for a 10.30am start while Sunday’s elimination rounds will start at 9.30am.