26 April 2011
No Top Doorslammer racer has ever won the Grand Slam, made up of drag racing's prestigious big three marquee events – three-day events that stage all (Australian National Drag Racing Association) ANDRA Pro Series Group One and Sportsman categories – The Nationals, Nitro Champs and Winternationals in the same season.
Perth-based Judd is the only Doorslammer racer who can win the Grand Slam after winning the first leg, the season-opening Australian Nationals last September at Sydney Dragway.
However, Judd needs to win this weekend’s Nitro Champs, also at Sydney Dragway from Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1, to have a chance at winning the Grand Slam.
It is the second time Judd has had a chance to win the Grand Slam after winning the 2009 Nationals. But then luck eluded Judd when he went out in the semi final at last year’s Nitro Champs and then lost in the final at the Winternationals at Willowbank near Brisbane.
“To win drag racing’s three majors in the same season would certainly be an achievement. No Top Doorslammer racer has ever done that,” Judd said.
“We would like to win the Nitro Champs this year. The Aeroflow/Mickey Thompson/William Buck team really want to leave Sydney after next weekend with two legs of the Grand Slam in the bank and with maximum championship points from the round.
“We have had some issues with the car’s consistency this season, keeping it glued to the track and in a straight line. The engine is making more power than ever so we keep playing with the setup in an attempt to use both to go faster. I’m confident we can get a handle on it all and when we do, look out!” Judd said.
Another achievement Judd would like to keep intact is that he has so far qualified for 22 consecutive Top Doorslammer championship events. The most since the ANDRA Pro Series came into play.
With 21 Top Doorslammer racers vying for a spot in the Nitro Champs eight-car championship field, Judd concedes there is a lot riding on this weekend’s event.
If Judd qualifies, his qualifying streak continues. If he goes to his third final in four events at the Sydney track and wins, Judd will have two legs of the Grand Slam and will also keep his ANDRA Pro Series Top Doorslammer championship aspirations alive.
“There is certainly a lot riding on this event, but the Aeroflow/Mickey Thompson/William Buck team is certainly up to the task. If we make the field the qualifying streak continues. If we go to the final and win, the Grand Slam and Top Doorslammer championship are both alive,” Judd said.
In the ANDRA Pro Series Top Doorslammer championship series, Judd has 295 points, 33 points behind leader John Zappia (328pts). Second is Mark Belleri (323pts), followed by Maurice Fabietti (317pts).