Stefan Lainas is looking forward to taking his Commodore out for the upcoming South Coast 660, the latest round of the 2022/2023 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series.
The January 7 and 8 event will be held at Portland’s South Coast Raceway, with more than 150 competitors anxious to get into the racing action after a number of weather interruptions to the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series calendar.
The son of a racer and engine builder of more than 30 years, Lainas says it is no surprise that he has the “racing bug.”
“I am a product of my environment,” he laughed.
“I spent plenty of time at Adelaide International Raceway as a kid, and then at Whyalla’s Steel City helping with clients’ cars.
“I started out by entering Whyalla’s street challenge class to join in on the fun around ten years ago, and I have been hooked ever since.”
The 33-year-old mechanic with Northside Performance in Munno Para Downs, South Australia, will compete in Super Street at South Coast Raceway this weekend.
“My Commodore still retains the naturally aspirated V6 engine, and has undertaken plenty of old school hot rodding,” he explained.
“It has been a very satisfying project to work on, as it is a bit different to what everyone else has out there.
“So far it has been 7.45 at 89 miles per hour over the eighth mile and 11.90 at 110mph over the quarter-mile, hopefully we can better our PB this weekend!
“So far we have had a few local event wins, but I am really keen to hopefully grab an ANDRA Christmas Tree!” he grinned.
“I really like the accessibility of the Super Street class, and how it brings together new and old muscle cars with no electronic driver aids. And like all the classes, it has a great community of racers within it.
“South Coast Raceway is a superb track with lovely green grass. I went there for the first time a few years ago with another car, and I loved it. I can’t wait to be back there and hopefully we can get some good results.
“It is really satisfying seeing the fruits of your labour when my car or another I have built performs well and the competition within yourself to drive consistently.
“In the meantime, I want to send a big thank you to our new sponsors for helping make this trip possible. And I also have to thank my wife Bianca and my new baby Georgie for being very supportive of the drag racing bug I carry! And also, my mum and my brothers Sam and Manuel for towing, crewing and always being a huge help.
“I also want to give a special shout out to all the great people and tough cars still coming out of Northside Performance in SA – rest in peace Kon,” he concluded.
The South Coast 660 will be held at Portland’s South Coast Raceway across January 7 and 8. For event info, go to www.southcoastraceway.com.au
For more from ANDRA, visit www.andra.com.au
PHOTO THANKS TO DARREN SHAW PHOTOGRAPHY