Townsville, Queensland Suzuki rider, Michael Gilbertson qualified second in the Pro Stock bike field with a 7.496 174.03 that put him up against Mark Hancock’s similar mount in the first round. Gilbo cranked out a wicked 0.016 reacted 7.948/169.30 that ended up hole-shotting his opponent’s quicker 7.911/166.87. The semis saw him not able to return for his race after damaging his engine in the win over Hancock and thus his day ended on a sour note.

Veteran Pro bike Kawasaki rider, Phil “Bluey Maggot” Howard qualified third in the seven bike field thanks to a best of 7.518 in qualifying. He started race day with an improving 7.381/169.23 over the Suzuki of Northern Territorian, Scott White who was back on a 7.797/155.47. In the semis Howard was supposed to race Michael Gilbertson’s Suzuki but he didn’t show and down the track his bike blew out a lot of smoke in taking a slowing 7.949/126.54 win. The writing was on the wall as Howard also could not return for his spot in the final and thus his day ended early to give Allen the win.