BIBRA Lake-based drag racer Adam Marchant lost to NSW racer John Cannuli in the Australian Top Alcohol Championship’s third round finals at Perth Motorplex on Saturday.
Both racers’ cars had breakdowns, but Cannuli's 3000hp funny car survived to secure his first Top Alcohol victory.
Cannuli took the trophy home after thanking his pit crew.
“This has been a long time coming,” he said.
“We hurt a piston before the final and they were really thrashing.”
His opponent Marchant had a strange night of racing, but still managed his best Top Alcohol result.
Marchant’s dragster had mechanical trouble during runs all night.
But with first-round luck, Marchant won against top qualifier Steven Ham, who fouled his start.
National champion Gary Phillips was disqualified after crossing the centre line during the semi-finals.
Marchant cited divine intervention after winning the elimination rounds.
“I don't really know who to thank, probably God,” Marchant said.
“It all scraped together in the end, but I don’t know how.”
Saturday was also the Australian Pro Stock Motorcycle Championship, which was won by South Australia’s Phil Howard, who defeated Queensland’s Michael Gilbertson.
Howard was lucky after his Kawasaki had several breakdowns before 300kmh runs on a windy day.
“It was pretty hairy-scary out there, but fortunately we managed to get it all together,” he said.
Motorplex’s biggest event, the Westernationals, including the Top Doorslammer and Top Bike tournaments, will be held on February 27 and 28.