With four of seven rounds for Benaraby Dragway’s CQDRA Championship now complete, Gladstone’s Brett Kelly and his 1976 burnt orange Ford XB Falcon Hardtop are leading the points for both Super Street and the Outright Leaderboard.

While things are certainly going well so far for the Gladstone racer, he is hesitant to count his chickens before they hatch.

“It is always good to have a few wins, I think all racers like that! There are a lot of our regular racers taking part that could still take the Super Street title out, and some from Mackay also that I hear are looking to compete at a few more of our events this year, so it is still anyone’s game,” Kelly said.

“When it comes to taking out the overall ‘number one’ position for the CQDRA Championship, the situation is the same as it is for the Super Street honours. There are just so many good racers in all of the brackets and all of them are trying to get that number one spot.

“It sure would be great to be there at the end of the year, but the year is far from over yet!

“All I can do is make sure my car is in good shape, get my dial in right, and do my best once I stage the car – hopefully it all goes to plan!”

When it comes to the secret of his success so far, Kelly says it comes down to the little things.

Photo above and at top: Brett Kelly in action – Photos by InsaneGrunt Automotive Photography/Blake Williamson

“I just try to keep my car in good shape and I like to get on top of any little issues early, so I can have the car running well and as consistent as possible,” he said.

“Add in a nice reaction time and you are three quarters of the way there already.”

While the impacts of COVID-19 have meant the CQDRA Championship has been run a little differently this year, Kelly is obviously proud of how his home track, Benaraby Dragway, has handled the challenge.

“Even with all of the COVID-19 issues earlier this year holding up the racing, Benaraby Dragway has managed to squeeze in some really good rounds in the last few months. It is a great track, with awesome people, and lots of enthusiastic members that get in and make it happen,” Kelly said.

“I think the rest of the year should be just as good, if not better.

“I want to say thank you to the bracket sponsors and all of the people that donate their time and effort to run the meets at Benaraby Dragway – without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we love.”

Round five of the CQDRA Championship will be held at Benaraby Dragway this weekend, on September 19. For more information, visit www.benarabydragway.com.au