Jim Ioannidis' on track performance has improved to a new level in recent months, even more so at the 2015 Fuchs Winternationals.
After qualifying sixth Ioannidis went on to a semi finals finish and a new B/MSA national record of 9.121 smashing the previous mark of 9.257.
Unfortunately, Ioannidis felt cooling conditions after the sun break meant the track lost its temperature and he lost traction about 30-feet out, costing him the win and a finals appearance.
It was a tight race, beaten by only .05 of a second at the finish line, and had it been a clean run it would have been Ioannidis’s second consecutive final.
Nevertheless it was a great achievement to reach the semi finals and set a new record at the 2015 Winternationals, the largest championship drag racing event outside the USA.
“Competing against the best racers from around the country under beautiful blue skies over four days in front of a near capacity crowd of 35,000 spectators was an awesome feeling,” said Ioannidis.
“The raceway was buzzing all weekend with lots of positive feedback from racers and spectators.
“I can positively say I am very happy with the result and the performance I put on for my sponsors and supporters.”
And it’s that performance level Ioannidis felt sent out a warning to his rivals.
“I always knew we had the power to go quick, but we couldn’t get the car to work, now its all coming together and the results speak for themselves,” he added.
“The current combo still has some more left in it, then we have a few things we want to try along with some new engine updates. Put simply I’m excited about things to come!
“We just need to keep the momentum going, continue to refine the suspension and R&D the engine in search of more power so we can stay at the front.
“I put a lot of my success down to the extensive homework and thorough research and development on the whole race package especially in the engine department.
That research and development part of the equation is made easier by the fact Ioannidis is a Crane Cams employee, something he feels gives him a leg up.
“My position as Sales Manager at Crane Cams Australia has given me that extra edge over my opponents.
“Crane’s continued camshaft development is paying dividends on the track and having them in my corner we have also managed to put together a reliable matching valve train package.
“A big thank you must go to Gabby and the team from New Age Caravans for coming on board as the major sponsor for the Winternationals. If your shopping for a caravan, you need to experience the New Age Caravans Difference – ‘Fresh design ideas, quality components and a stunning finish every time.’
“The contribution from New Age Caravans along with supporting sponsors Crane Cams, Cibo Espresso O’Connell Street and Mogas Golden Grove allowed me to test at the Winters Warm Up and then return for the main event the following weekend.
“The two-day test session proved to be very valuable as the excellent data gathered put me on the front foot come the first qualifying session on Thursday.
“Importantly a thank you must also go to my loyal crew Jason Gregorace and Joe Fontanelli, without their dedication and commitment it wouldn’t be possible, its a team effort and I couldn’t run without them.
“They are always there to assist come dyno session, engine R&R and more, then on race day the boys are on their A-game making my job easier and allowing me to focus on tuning and driving duties.
“Lastly I need to acknowledge the contribution from the following; Rhemac Precision Machining & Balancing, Autoverdi Racing Oil Pumps, Bullet Cylinder Heads, Speedflow, SCM Performance, Quickfuel Technology and Infinity Signs along with support from Braswell Carburetion, Sherry Competition Engines, RC Performance Engine Dyno, Coan Transmissions/Converters and Motorsport Database.
“All together they complete the race package.”
Images: dragphotos.com.au