Mark (the Shark) Mariani is seen here at left with his dad, Mario. Mario Mariani was a Top Fuel racer of note back in the 70s and 80s but when the Castlereagh track closed he sold up his and raised his family. Mark started driving for the Rapisarda Motorsport International and won the Nitro Champs before looking at building his own team. He painted the car in his father’s old colours as a tribute to him. While Mario was taken aback by the gesture he explained that this team was all about family and a later 4.83 demonstration run confirmed they are on the right track.

Gary Phillips has dominated the Top Alcohol bracket down under with sixteen Australian titles so for long time rival, Steve Reed its been a long time between drinks. After qualifying sixth on the cold skaty track Reed stepped up when he got past an out of shape Wayne Price in the first round then ran a solid 5.53 to make his way to the final where he met Steve Ham (near lane). Ham had taken out Phillips in the first round -  5.479 to a way late 5.583 then used a 5.761 to take out top qualifier, John Cannuli. Here Reed took a handy lead off the line while Ham took off in pursuit then sped to a 5.569 to outdo a fading 6.254. “We hopped the car up for the final but it couldn’t take it”, Ham admitted. Reed said. “We initially had some problems getting down the track yesterday but today we stepped up and took the win”.