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THE BEND DRAGWAY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA (October 18, 2025)  – John Zappia wheeled his FUCHS Lubricants/Summit Racing Equipment backed Monaro to victory at the Adelaide Jamboree in Outlaw Pro Modified, defeating Johnny Ricca in the final round after Ricca red-lit by one-thousandth of a second.  John Zappia racing in the Jamboree at Tailem Bend, Adelaide The result marked the quickest side-by-side Doorslammer race in Australian drag racing history, with Zappia running 5.590 at 258.43 mph to Ricca's quicker but losing 5.446 at 269.65 mph. For Zappia, in the lane opposite sat a new rival—the new ultra-fast doorslammer in town, Johnny Ricca's menacing Camaro. Different category. Different ballgame. This weekend, Zappia was racing Outlaw Pro Mod instead of his usual Top Doorslammer home, and on paper, he was the underdog. Ricca had been unleashing 5.4-second bombs in outlaw trim since the car landed in Australia. Zappia's FUCHS Lubricants/Summit Racing Monaro was closer to traditional Top Doorslammer trim, clicking off low 5.60s.  It was also Zappia's first time competing at a Jamboree event.  But race fans all across Australia have been eagerly awaiting the prospect of Zappia and Ricca racing side by side, and this weekend delivered a preview of the 2026 Top Doorslammer wars—both cars entered in Outlaw Pro Modified trim at the Adelaide Jamboree. "I thought, 'I don't mind losing to a 5.44 when I ran a 5.59,'" Zappia said with a laugh. "Then Johnny walks over and says, 'Oh, I red lit.' I went, 'Really?' That's when it sunk in—we just won our first Jamboree!" But this wasn't a gift-wrapped victory. This was a technical siege fought across six brutal passes in one day at Dragway At The Bend, with Zappia and his team battling greasy track conditions, too much horsepower, and a ticking clock that demanded constant adjustments. The FUCHS Lubricants / Summit Racing Equipment Monaro at Tailem Bend The drama started before the event even began.  Arriving in Adelaide Thursday at 4pm, the Zappia crew pulled an 11pm thrash to install a complete rear end assembly—four-link brackets and all—that had been shipped ahead. The next morning they yanked the engine, changed the Crow Cams camshaft to their freshest ground unit, and bolted on a fresh supercharger before rolling to the starting line. Local race teams helped Zappia Racing crew rebuild the race car the day before the event. The challenge was clear from the specs alone. Zappia's Monaro sits at 2750 pounds with a D blower, and there's no more weight to remove. Ricca's combination weighs 2625 pounds with a C blower—125 pounds lighter and a larger blower package. The math doesn't lie. Zappia knew exactly what he was up against, and he'd been there before.  Eight years ago, he set the supercharged Doorslammer record at Richmond, Virginia, running 5.42 at 265 mph with a C blower and a lightweight car with a Noonan 4.9 prototype combination out of their stable—a record that stood until recently.  "I decided not to bring that car back," Zappia said. "It was too light and there was no class for that type of vehicle in Australia." This weekend, he estimated the Monaro was carrying 200 horsepower too much for the conditions on offer.  John Zappia watching other teams compete for the final "We blew the tires off in the first qualifier," Zappia admitted. "The tune-up that went 5.67 at the last meeting just wouldn't work. The track wasn't there, and we had way more power." The first qualifier produced an 0.022 reaction time—driver's job done—but the car hazed the tires. "We took shitloads out," Zappia said of the timing changes needed to tame the beast. On the second qualifying pass, Zappia hit the tree with a near-perfect 0.001, but again hazed the tyres after getting five feet further than the first attempt. After pulling massive timing out of the combination, Zappia came back for Round 1 and clawed his way down the track with a 5.68 at 254.9 mph on a lazy 0.991 sixty-foot time with an 0.028 light. "We walked her off the line," he said. "But okay, we got power." Zappia Racing Crew With the track cooling as the day progressed, Zappia felt the grip coming around in the burnout. "I needed more throttle. It was making more smoke in the burnout. I went, 'Okay, we got some traction.'" The car responded. Round 2 delivered a winning 5.63 at 256 mph with a strong 0.960 sixty-foot. As the track continued to improve, the Monaro sixty-footed harder. Round 3 clicked off a consistent 5.64 with a 0.959 short time—the tune-up was dialed, and Zappia knew it. But the lights were telling a story too. That killer 0.022 in Q1 gave way to an 0.041, then the times crept up as fatigue set in across six passes. "I think I was just getting a bit tired by the end of the day," Zappia said.  Still, he was finally getting comfortable with the automatic converter routine after years of clutch cars—a learning curve that was paying dividends. Then came the semifinals. "We're sitting there waiting to see if anyone could beat my 5.64 for a spot in the final," Zappia said. Greg Tsakiridis launched like a rocket but dropped a valve and coasted to a 7.16. "From there, we knew we were through and ready to face Ricca!" For the final, Zappia rolled to the line knowing the reality of the matchup.  "I knew I was bringing a pistol to a gunfight," he said matter-of-factly. Still, he and crew chief—also Zappia—added power where they thought it was safe and prepared to put maximum pressure on Ricca. The mental chess match was on.  "I didn't think he would risk trying to cut the perfect light," Zappia said. "He wanted to make sure I couldn't holeshot him. Obviously in his head was, 'I'm going to cut a light and leave nothing for him to get ahead of me.' He was putting pressure on himself." That pressure would prove fatal—by exactly one-thousandth of a second. The tree flashed. Both cars hammered the throttle. Ricca's Camaro was gone—quicker, faster, and pulling away with that 5.446 at 269.65 mph. But the red light had already sealed his fate. Zappia's 5.590 at 258.43 mph was his quickest pass of the weekend and a new personal best with his converter and Ty-Drive combination, within five-thousandths of his clutch-car PB from seven years ago. "Then Johnny told me he red-lit. The boys all pulled up with a smile at the top end of the track. It hadn't really sunk in—we just won!" The victory marks Zappia's third win in four events since Summit Racing Equipment climbed aboard as co-title sponsor alongside Fuchs Lubricants. Diff work and new camshaft fitted before race day "We got the monkey off our back," Zappia said. "All those little mistakes, breakages, and failures we've eliminated are now showing in our consistency and reliability." The Adelaide Jamboree also delivered Zappia his first billet 'J' Jamboree trophy—a fitting cap to his 45th anniversary season that included a national record 5.59 in Sydney and more racing than he's done in years. "Big thanks to Fuchs Lubricants Australia and Summit Racing Equipment for their support, and to all the sponsors who've supported me past and present, all the crew and helpers, all the volunteers who've helped as friends and supporters to allow me to do what I do," Zappia said. "Special thanks to Dave and Lisa Foster for parking our race truck at their place—that made the whole logistics of this event possible. And thanks to the Jamboree team for putting on a fantastic event. My crew worked very hard and under immense pressure and time constraints. Despite this, they powered on and I knew they had it in them. They always deliver”. Waiting to see if John Zappia is in the final After a season of incredible racing, Zappia can finally unload the car and breathe. The racing was killer. The car was fast. And the 45th anniversary season is officially in the books. "Once you're at the pointy end, there's only thousandths—not tenths," Zappia said. "Small steps from here. What a season it's been! I would also like to thank JP Pallets and Tony's Auto Wreckers for their support as Major Sponsors". Stay tuned by heading to   www.zappiaracing.com  and subscribing to our Newsletter. Website:   www.zappiaracing.com    Facebook:  Zappia Racing   YouTube:   www.YouTube.com/@zappiaracing NAMING RIGHTS SPONSORS  FUCHS Lubricants Australasia Summit Racing Equipment MAJOR SPONSORS  Striker Australia Pty Ltd Crow Cams Australia Pty Ltd JP Pallets Tony's Auto Wreckers Callies Performance Products CP-Carrillo NGK Spark Plugs SUPPORTING SPONSORS  Kounis Group Taylor Tyres Pty Ltd High Speed Engineering Zappia Racing Alky Pro CIC Ceramics Ty-Drive Applied Automotive Performance Engines Final Drive Engineering Total Seal Piston Rings Klik Creative Specialty Metals Velocity Sports Design Track Apparel Allpro Customs and Paint #dragracing #fuchsmotorsport #fuchslubricantsaustralasia #summitracing #dragrace #johnzappia #zappiaracing #strikercrushing #maxplant #tonysautowreckers #crowcams #jppallets #callies #hoosier #NGKSparkPlugs #cpcarrillo #noonanengineering #musclecar #dragracer #raceready #dragracinglife #andra #ndrc #motorsportsaustralia #wadra

August 30, 2025 – Hidden Valley Drag Strip, Darwin NT For decades, Australian drag racing has had a rhythm. You win your titles under cold skies at the Winternationals, and call it a season by June. But not this year. With the NDRC’s (National Drag Racing Championship) transition to a calendar-year championship in 2026, the Top Doorslammer grand final drifted north—way north—to the edge of the country at Hidden Valley Dragway in Darwin. The Nitro Up North event, presented by LMCT+ would be the decider. John Zappia Wins At Hidden Valley The championship may have been sewn up by Perth’s Russell Taylor at the Winternationals, but don’t let that fool you—this wasn’t a throwaway round. There was pride, position, and legacy on the line. The fight for second, third, and fourth was still alive. And if there’s something iconically Australian about horsepower thundering through the tropics, it’s because this place feels like a proving ground. Remote, raw, and unforgiving. Eight Top Doorslammers fronted the line for this one. A smaller field, sure—but what they lacked in quantity, they made up for in fight. And at the heart of it all was John Zappia, fresh off the announcement of a landmark co-naming rights deal with Summit Racing Equipment, looking to prove that the legendary name on the door still has plenty left under the right foot. It couldn’t have started better. John unloaded a weapon from the transporter.  By Q2, he laid down a 5.794 to top the sheets and never looked back. The FUCHS/Summit Monaro was consistent, locked in, and in a league of its own. This wasn’t just any track. Hidden Valley might be picturesque, but it’s no Sunday drive. It’s slick, unpredictable, and the air is heavy enough to choke horsepower out of the best-tuned combinations. But where others spun, rattled or pedalled, Zappia found his rhythm. “I think it’s good. It’s a challenge,” said John. “It was more humid than when we’ve raced here in June in the past. But because it was a full drag race meeting, the track was able to be prepared properly. This was the most consistent track that I’ve driven on at Darwin. The car was on rails every pass. Really happy with how this FUCHS/Summit Racing Monaro performed.” Zappia clocked a 5.820 in Round One to take out newcomer Nasser Matta, and then a brutal 5.760 in Round Two to do it again.  That set up a final against Salim Matta, another from the Matta Motorsports stable.  It was John Zappia’s first A-Final since April of 2024 at Tailem Bend. A long time between ‘big trophies’ for the West Australian. Both cars left clean and hard, but Zappia never blinked. When Matta’s Mustang broke loose after half track, the Monaro just kept digging—straight and true—stopping the clocks with a hammer-blow 5.740 at 249.12mph. Low ET of the event. Event winner. Second in the championship locked up. “I just think my car is suited to the looser tracks,” Zappia said. “It has plenty of downforce. The shape of the body lends itself to that. It makes it easier to drive. After that first run, I hardly had to steer it. It was that straight. Everybody goes fast on good tracks, but when it comes to hot, humid air and a tricky surface, that’s when we shine.” In the other lane of the Zappia Racing operation, 19-year-old Brodie Zappia came into Darwin to finish his rookie season strong. The MAX Plant Monaro has been an instant crowd favourite this year, and Brodie’s earned the respect of the paddock after a year of lighting-fast reaction times and composed driving. The MAX Plant Monaro. Photo Credit by Cackling Pipes/NDRC He backed it up in the Top End. Brodie qualified second with a 5.940 and took out veteran Matt Abel in Round One with a sharp 5.943.  In Round Two, he squared off against Peter Lovering and came within three ten-thousandths of a second at the stripe after pedalling through tyre shake. Brodie’s 6.099 couldn’t close the gap to Lovering. That loss slotted him into the B-Final against Daniel Gregorini, who had lane choice and put Brodie in the treacherous right lane. Conditions had eaten cars in that lane all weekend, but Brodie delivered his best run of the meet—a 5.899 that kept the pressure on right to the stripe. Gregorini’s 5.842 got the nod, but Brodie finished his first season in style. “Brodie qualified second, which was great,” said John. “He won the first round. In the second round, it rattled and he pedalled, and just missed out. In the final, they got the car to go down in the right lane with a PB for the meeting. It was probably the only five-second pass in that lane.” That 5.899 might not have come with a trophy, but it showed just how far the kid has come in one season. And it secured him fourth in the championship standings. Not bad for your first crack in one of the most demanding categories in the sport! Back in John’s pit, the sense of timing wasn’t lost on anyone. A new deal with Summit Racing. Second place in the points was within reach. An important weekend for the senior Zappia.  “We wanted to do well for FUCHS, Summit Racing, MaxPlant and all our partners,” John said. “Just to cement that they made the right decision. And it all came together. The car ran like clockwork, other than the first qualifier. We rectified that, and we were on our way.” Zappia Racing now heads to Alice Springs for some match racing at Red CentreNATS against the Gregorini team. One more chance to fire up the Monaros, light up the sky, and give the fans a show. “Great crowds, great atmosphere. It’s a real Aussie outback feel out there,” John said. “We’ll be firing up the Monaro alongside the Gregorini’s at Lassiter’s Hotel Casino, Alice Springs, on the Friday night (5th September) before we go into race mode on Saturday. So if you’re in the area, don’t miss out!” Event Results – Nitro Up North (Hidden Valley Dragway, Darwin NT) Qualifying 1 – John Zappia – 5.794 @ 245.72 mph 2 – Brodie Zappia – 5.940 @ 250.13 mph Round 1 Brodie Zappia def. Matt Abel – 5.943 @ 243.41 mph John Zappia def. Nasser Matta – 5.820 @ 246.35 mph Round 2 Brodie Zappia lost to Peter Lovering – 6.099 @ 248.71 mph John Zappia def. Nasser Matta – 5.760 @ 247.66 mph Finals B Final – Brodie Zappia lost to Daniel Gregorini – 5.899 @ 240.59 mph A Final – John Zappia def. Salim Matta – 5.740 @ 249.12 mph Championship Standings (Final – 2025 Top Doorslammer) 1st - Russell Taylor 2nd – John Zappia 3rd – Lisa Gregorini  Stay tuned by heading to   www.zappiaracing.com  and subscribing to our Newsletter. Website:   www.zappiaracing.com    Facebook:   Zappia Racing   YouTube:   www.YouTube.com/@zappiaracing NAMING RIGHTS SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS FUCHS Lubricants Australasia Summit Racing Equipment MAX Plant   MAJOR SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Striker Australia Pty Ltd Summit Racing Equipment Crow Cams Australia Pty Ltd JP Pallets Tony's Auto Wreckers Callies Performance Products CP-Carrillo SUPPORTING SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Kounis Group Sander Engineering Taylor Tyres Pty Ltd Zappia Racing Alky Pro ADR Engines CIC Ceramics Ty-Drive Santhuff's Suspension Specialties Applied Automotive Performance Engines SpeedFlow Final Drive Engineering Total Seal Piston Rings Klik Creative Specialty Metals VP Racing Fuels

WILLOWBANK, QLD — June 5–8, 2025 If there’s one event that defines Australian drag racing, it’s the Winternationals. The atmosphere. The crowd. It’s our Big Go. The MAX Plant Monaro - Winternationals Queensland 2025 Willowbank doesn’t hand out history — it demands it. Records fall, titles swing, and reputations are built wide open under full throttle. No one knows this better than John Zappia. He’s stood on top here before. He’s also been knocked flat — like in 2009, when he demolished the wall during a Doorslammer final at this very track. That car should’ve been junked. Instead, it was rebuilt. And now, sixteen years later, that same Monaro is back as the MAX Plant Monaro. This was also the first shot for Brodie at the Winternationals. And sharing a pit with his uncle—arguably the most decorated Doorslammer driver in Australian history. The 2025 edition of the Winternationals delivered the biggest Top Doorslammer field in recent memory—17 cars deep. A return to traditional eliminations meant the pressure was real. Every run counted. No second chances. Qualifying   On Friday afternoon, John Zappia fired the opening shot. In Q1, the Dananni Hotshots / FUCHS Monaro laid down a 5.674 at 251mph to claim the top spot. It would stand through both sessions, earning him the Crow Cams No.1 Qualifier Award. “We came into the event with the same tune-up from Sydney,” John said. “We barely touched it between runs. The car was happy, and it showed. That first pass just went straight and clean, and we knew we had something to work with for the rest of the weekend.” Brodie, making his first-ever pass at Willowbank in a Doorslammer, rolled out a tidy 5.848 at 245mph in Q1. “We’d just put in a Noonan engine package that Uncle John had run as quick as 5.601 with,” Brodie explained. “It had slightly different heads, a new cam setup, and we were also testing a fresh injector hat to try and pick up some extra performance. The car felt strong off the line and I knew we had room to improve.” Q2 wasn’t as smooth. John backed up his run with a 5.703 in the warmer conditions, while Brodie dropped a cylinder early and fell back to a 5.912. “It was only running on seven cylinders for most of the run,” Brodie said. “We got back to the pits and found that the mag caps were completely burnt out—one had even fallen off the front of the mag, which meant it was cross-firing the entire way down. Once we found the issue, we swapped the mag cap out and got things cleaned up for Round One.” Round One   On Saturday afternoon, John opened eliminations with a bang: a 5.660 at 253mph over Mick Mahoney, the quickest run of the round. John Zappia - Winternationals 2025 “The air got cooler, humidity dropped a little, and we added just a bit more to the tune-up,” John said. “The car responded exactly how we’d hoped. It was a solid pass, straight down broadway.” Brodie faced up against Russ Pavey in his match up, the win coming at a cost. “We put a bit more into the startline tune-up to improve the 60-foot,” Brodie said. “It carried the wheels, came down, shifted, picked them back up again—it was bouncing the front wheels all the way down. It felt good until about 1200 feet when the number six conrod let go and punched out the side of the block. That was the end of that motor for the event.” That kicked off a Saturday night thrash. The team swapped out the wounded Noonan for their older TFX combo. But another issue cropped up. “We also found that the trans brake solenoid on the Ty-Drive had failed,” Brodie said. “Nobody in the pits had a spare—and we didn’t either. After a bit of digging, we worked out we could modify a Powerglide transbrake solenoid to fit. We spent the whole night pulling things apart, machining bolts, and making it work. It was leaking a bit, but we filled the air bottle to the top and it held well enough to race.” Round Two   Moving on to Sunday, John faced Rob Harrington. But just as he got on the two-step, the car lurched forward. “As I went into stage and got on the two-step, the converter dragged me forward and I red-lit before the tree even activated,” John said. “The car launched with the best hit we’d had all weekend, I knew I’d red lit, so I lifted and saved the parts. It was a missed opportunity for sure, but sometimes that’s how this game goes. I’m working on a fix for this, so we don’t have a repeat of the situation in Darwin.” MAX Plant Monaro Meanwhile, Brodie met up against Ronnie Palumbo. The MAX Plant Monaro ran 5.868 at 241mph—but Palumbo dropped a 5.73, leaving the rookie trailing by a car length at the stripe. “We had nearly identical reaction times, but he just had more power and drove out of my life,” Brodie said. “This car has been protesting all season—no matter what we’ve changed, we haven’t really found the ET gains we’re looking for, outside of that good weekend in Sydney (Nitro Champs). Still, I made it to Sunday at my first Winternationals—eight other cars didn’t. That’s a win in my book, and I’ll take it.” When asked about racing a Doorslammer at Willowbank for the first time, Brodie was candid.  “Everyone talks about the braking area sloping away, but honestly, I couldn’t feel it at the speed we travel,” Brodie said. “The turnoffs were the trickier part. In a right-hand drive car, turning left, you can’t always see where the grass ends. In the left lane, it just looks like you’re driving straight into a wall. I had to stop mid-turn a couple of times to make sure I wasn’t about to hit something. But overall, the track prep was solid and the surface was really good.” John Zappia proudly welcomed Lovells Springs onboard during the event. “Lovells been around since the 1930s and they’re Aussie-made through and through,” John said. “I want to extend a big thanks to Mike Davison and the Lovells crew for jumping on board. We’re proud to represent a company built on engineering excellence and Aussie-made toughness. Their springs and suspension components are sold all over the world, and are some of the finest quality you’ll ever find.” Dananni Hotshots/FUCHS Monaro John and Brodie Zappia wish to say a heartfelt thanks to their naming rights, major and associate partners who have kept the two-car team on the championship hunt this season.“From Fuchs Lubricants Australasia, Dananni Hotshots, Max Plant, Summit Racing Equipment , Crow Cams and all our associate partners - we couldn’t do this without you. There are so many people and companies behind the scenes who contribute to the success we enjoy, and the performance we’re able to extract from these Zappia Racing Monaros - we’re grateful for all the support,” John and Brodie said. In the Top Doorslammer points chase, John Zappia remains in third overall, closing the gap on Lisa Gregorini in second. Brodie sits fourth, continuing an impressive rookie campaign. The final round of the 2025 NDRC Top Doorslammer Championship will take place at Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin, August 29–30. Zappia Racing Results Recap — 2025 Winternationals Willowbank Raceway, QLD Qualifying: John Zappia — 1st — 5.674 at 251mph Brodie Zappia — 11th — 5.848 at 245mph Round One: John Zappia — WIN — 5.660 at 253mph Brodie Zappia — WIN — 5.864 at 232mph Round Two: John Zappia — RED LIGHT — NTR Brodie Zappia — LOSS — 5.868 at 241mph Firstly, we thank Zotti Motorsport Media for our photos and videos at the Winternationals and Velocity Sports Design for our commentary, press releases and fan engagement. Stay tuned by heading to   www.zappiaracing.com  and subscribing to our Newsletter. Website:   www.zappiaracing.com    Facebook: Zappia Racing   YouTube:   www.YouTube.com/@zappiaracing NAMING RIGHTS SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Dananni Haulage FUCHS Lubricants Australasia MAX Plant   MAJOR SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Striker Australia Pty Ltd Summit Racing Equipment Crow Cams Australia Pty Ltd Pedders Suspension and Brakes (Booragoon) JP Pallets Tony's Auto Wreckers W.A. Suspensions Callies Performance Products Dananni Haulage (Hotshots) Hoosier Racing Tire CP-Carrillo High Speed Engineering MoTeC NGK Spark Plugs Noonan Race Engineering SUPPORTING SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Kounis Group AVTRAC Sander Engineering Taylor Tyres Pty Ltd Zappia Racing Alky Pro ADR Engines CIC Ceramics Ty-Drive Santhuff's Suspension Specialties Applied Automotive Performance Engines Victory 1 Performance, Inc. SpeedFlow Final Drive Engineering Total Seal Piston Rings Klik Creative Windrush Motorsport Composites Specialty Metals VP Racing Fuels Lovells Automotive

SYDNEY, NSW — May 2–4, 2025 Maybe you were there. Maybe you remember the roar of the crowd — even through your TV screen. “If that wasn’t a f****n five?!” A candid moment captured from the onboard camera as John Zappia rolled to a stop, the commentators erupting with laughter on the broadcast. John Zappia Breaking Records At Sydney Dragway It was twenty years ago this September that John Zappia stormed into the record books with the first-ever five-second Doorslammer pass on Australian soil — a 5.967 at Sydney Dragway that lit the fuse on a new era. Fast forward to the 2025 Nitro Champs, and Zappia was once again strapping into the Dananni Hotshots/Fuchs Monaro, ready to add another chapter. Now in his 45th year of competition, Zappia knows the legacy he’s built — but he’s not done yet. In Round One, ‘Zap’ uncorked a 5.591 at 256mph, resetting the national record and reminding everyone the veteran still has teeth. Still fast. Still dangerous. Still chasing championships. All done in a 17 year old Australian Built Monaro muscle car, weighing 2754lbs after the run, with the best engine components from the best Manufacturers, running through a Ty- drive and a lock up converter But this time, he wasn’t alone. He’s now got a teammate. His 19-year-old nephew, Brodie Zappia — not even 3 weeks old when Uncle John made that historic five-second pass — made his Nitro Champs Doorslammer debut in the MAXPlant Monaro and delivered a cold-blooded takedown, winning the B-Final thanks to three straight holeshot victories. It was a weekend where both Zappias had to dig deep. With 15 Doorslammers on the property and a field tighter than ever, nothing came easy. John was chasing points, trying to close the gap on Lisa Gregorini. Brodie was looking to prove he belonged — and he did. Qualifying Q1 was aggressive — John rattled the tyres when he hit the green track too hard, requiring a quick pedal and then broke the spline in the converter, going into high gear, and coasted to a 5.828 to get a number on the board. John and crew went off to Al’s Race Glides Friday night and had the convertor rebuilt with new parts. Brodie was trying some new parts to see if they made a difference to his performance, so when he smoked the tyres twice on the startline, Brodie and crew were excited to see what difference these changes made and just needed to tame the MAXPlant Monaro down a little. But in Q2, the gloves came off.John ripped off a 5.630 at 256mph, launching the Dananni Hotshots/Fuchs Monaro into second place on the ladder behind Russell Taylor. Brodie answered with a career-best 5.813, slotting the MAXPlant Monaro into 10th and showing the kid was ready to play. Round One John squared up against Peter Kapiris, a name that needs no introduction in the Doorslammer world. The match-up felt like a rewind to the early 2000s Doorslammer wars. Zappia hiked the wheels and charged to a 5.591 — straight as a die and officially setting a new NDRC record, with the 5.630 from earlier backing it up. The crew erupted into celebration back on the starting line. As Wade Aunger put it over the commentary: “59! Holy Cow! John freakin’ Zappia!” Meanwhile, Brodie faced Emilio Spinozzi — and did what he’d do all weekend: beat him at the tree. A .010 reaction time and a 5.784 at 248mph held off Emilio’s 5.744 at 251mph by just fifty-three ten-thousandths of a second (0.0053). Brodie’s first 5.7 second pass, the first time that the 23 year old ZapsRat Chassis has been into the 5.70s, and a huge confidence booster for the MAXPlant rookie. Round Two Brodie met Peter Lovering in a run that looked like it could go either way. The MAXPlant Monaro hooked up clean and Brodie sailed down the track to a 5.793 at 246mph, sneaking by Lovering’s 5.788 with another holeshot — his second straight. John lined up opposite Nasser Matta with a 5.6-something loaded up after watching Russell Taylor lay down a 5.602 moments earlier. But the Dananni Hotshots/Fuchs Monaro cut out twice in first gear. Zappia held the throttle flat, a 5.735 at 253mph was stout but not enough to chase down Matta’s 5.720. Finals The B-Final delivered one of those classic Doorslammer races — Brodie vs. Matt Abel. On paper, Abel had the quicker car. But at the tree? Brodie slammed the door on Abel with a .032 light, muscling the MAXPlant Monaro to a 5.801 at 247mph, enough to get there first over Abel’s 5.758. “I’m feeling more and more comfortable in the car, getting a better feel for what it wants and how it reacts. Honestly, we’ve been so close to the 5.70s this season, and I’m glad we’ve got this MAXPlant Monaro to that next level,” Brodie said. “I was happy with the way I drove this weekend — I’ve got my reaction times on lock, and those holeshots saved my butt from a loss on every occasion,” Brodie laughed. “Good momentum to take into Willowbank for the Winternationals now, and Uncle John and I are separated by just 4 points, so this could get very interesting in the Zappia camp, especially considering I missed the first round in Adelaide due to the car not being finished, and I hadn’t even driven a Doorslammer yet!” John would take the C-Final victory on a solo after Ronnie Palumbo couldn’t front. The Monaro was hopped up, and launched quicker than previous runs, but out to the left with the wheels in the air, but he got off the throttle, and carefully reeled it back in and ran a conservative 5.843 at 247mph — taking the long way to the finish line. “We’ve been creeping up on the set-up of the Dananni Hotshots/Fuchs Monaro all season. We saw what the car was capable of at Tailem Bend, and with the good air and fast tracks over here on the east coast this time of year, we were confident we could get close to the 5.50s again if it all came together. Overall a good weekend, and more to take away as we prepare for the Winternationals at Willowbank,”  John said. Next Up: The Winternationals The team now heads to Willowbank Raceway for the 2025 Winternationals on June 5–8, the 7th round of the NDRC championship. The final round being run at Darwin at the End of August.    It’ll be Brodie’s first Top Doorslammer appearance at the iconic event, and both Zappias are locked in a tight points battle for third. Points After the Nitro Champs: John Zappia — 3rd (484 points)Brodie Zappia — 4th (480 points) Zappia Racing Results Recap — 2025 Nitro Champs Sydney Dragway, NSW Qualifying: John Zappia — 2nd — 5.630Brodie Zappia — 10th — 5.813 Round 1: John Zappia — WIN — 5.591 at 256mphBrodie Zappia — WIN — 5.784 at 248mph (Holeshot) Round 2: John Zappia — LOSS — 5.735 at 253mphBrodie Zappia — WIN — 5.793 at 246mph (Holeshot) Finals: Brodie Zappia — B-Final WIN — 5.801 at 247mph (Holeshot) John Zappia — C-Final WIN — 5.843 at 247mph (Solo) Stay tuned by heading to   www.zappiaracing.com  and subscribing to our Newsletter. Website:   www.zappiaracing.com    Facebook:  Zappia Racing   YouTube:   www.YouTube.com/@zappiaracing NAMING RIGHTS SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Dananni Haulage FUCHS Lubricants Australasia MAX Plant   MAJOR SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Striker Australia Pty Ltd Summit Racing Equipment Crow Cams Australia Pty Ltd Pedders Suspension and Brakes (Booragoon) JP Pallets Tony's Auto Wreckers W.A. Suspensions Callies Performance Products Dananni Haulage (Hotshots) Hoosier Racing Tire CP-Carrillo High Speed Engineering MoTeC NGK Spark Plugs Noonan Race Engineering SUPPORTING SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Kounis Group AVTRAC Sander Engineering Taylor Tyres Pty Ltd Zappia Racing Alky Pro ADR Engines CIC Ceramics Ty-Drive Santhuff's Suspension Specialties Applied Automotive Performance Engines Victory 1 Performance, Inc. SpeedFlow Final Drive Engineering Total Seal Piston Rings Klik Creative Windrush Motorsport Composites Specialty Metals VP Racing Fuels

Picture this: You’re nineteen years old, and you’ve just been given the chance to drive an iconic Top Doorslammer under the watchful eye of your legendary uncle. You’d be forgiven for wanting to stay low-key—expecting a steep learning curve and a slow climb toward success. Fast-forward a few short months, and you’re exiting the car at the end of the Perth Motorplex return road. Reality hits: “Did that really just happen?” Brodie Zappia wins Westernationals On Sunday, March 2, 2025, in front of the biggest hometown crowd of the year, Brodie Zappia won the 54th Westernationals in Top Doorslammer. Not only did Brodie become the youngest professional-category winner in National Drag Racing Championship (NDRC) history, he’s also the second-youngest Doorslammer winner of all time—behind only Ben Bray’s age-17 record. “Honestly, I’m still pinching myself,” Brodie said. “I went through the finish line, pulled the chutes, and coasted into the braking area, hardly believing what I’d just done. By the time I saw my crew jumping up and down on the big screen, it finally sunk in: I’d won.” On Saturday, John Zappia set an imposing benchmark in qualifying, rattling off a 5.67 at 254 mph in the Dananni Hotshots/Fuchs Monaro—good enough to secure the top spot and win the Crow Cams Top Qualifier prize.  Brodie, meanwhile, had tested a new Crow Camshaft on the Thursday test day and was establishing his baseline in the MAX Plant Monaro. This showed during Qualifying on Saturday, clocking consistent 5.847 and 5.851 passes. “Once we reset our baseline, I felt comfortable with the setup”, said Brodie. Brodie Zappia and the Zappia Racing MAX Plant Monaro Crew When eliminations began, Brodie kept the pressure on. He dispatched Frank Taylor in Round 1 with a 5.871 at 241.15 mph, while John laid down a strong 5.733 at 250.82 mph on a solo pass despite the warmer conditions. In Round 2, Brodie again faced Frank Taylor, turning in a 5.859 at 240.71 mph to secure another win. John’s second run ended in frustration: “I rolled forward, looked up at the Christmas tree and realised I had double-bulbed. I got ready for the run and left with Lisa Gregorini. As I got to the finish line and saw the Camaro poke its nose in front and realised I got beaten. When we got back and looked at the data we realised that the lock-up clutch didn’t activate due to a limit switch malfunction,” he explained. “We still ran a 5.763 at 246.50 mph, but it wasn’t enough to chase down Lisa Gregorini.” Heading into the finals, Brodie went to wish Maurice Brennan good luck—only to learn Brennan had snapped an axle and withdrawn from the event. “He said, ‘Congrats on winning the Westernationals,’ which caught me off-guard,” Brodie recalled. Then, a points calculation mix-up revealed Steve Aldridge would actually face Brodie in the A Final, while John would once again meet Lisa Gregorini in the C Final. John rebounded with a 5.721 to win the C Final in the Dananni HotShots/Fuchs Monaro. But all eyes were on Brodie, who lined up against Aldridge with everything on the line. Despite Aldridge’s quicker Plymouth, Brodie welded his opponent to the Christmas Tree and ran 5.899 at 239.58 mph to claim a thrilling holeshot victory. “I looked over at half-track expecting to see at least the nose cone of Steve’s car, but there was no purple anywhere in sight,” Brodie said. “I pulled the chutes, shut it off, and as I rolled through the shutdown area, I saw my crew jumping up and down on the big screen. That’s when it hit me—I’d won!” A Dream Realised for Brodie Zappia A Dream Realised for Brodie Zappia The rookie sensation was candid about his rapid rise. “I came into this year thinking it would just be about learning the car—no traveling, no full championship,” Brodie said. “Then I made the A Finals at the Blown Alcohol round, another A-Final at the Golden States, and then Summit Racing Equipment came on board. Everything just fell into place.” Emotions ran high in the Zappia pit after the final round. “Mum and Dad were close to tears when I got back,” Brodie said. “I’ve wanted to be like Uncle John since I was three—and now it’s happening. They know what I’ve sacrificed and how hard I’ve worked to get here, and it means the world to share this moment with them.” For John, now celebrating 45 years in racing, the weekend had both highs and lows. “Almost perfect for Brodie—great for him and our sponsors, but not so great for me with (Russell) Taylor pulling away in points,” he said. “We’ll freshen up this Dananni Hotshots/Fuchs Monaro and get ready for the Direct Mining WA Doorslammer round later this month, then aim to swing for the fences at The Bend in Adelaide for the next NDRC round. Everybody runs fast there.” Brodie and John both extended their gratitude to their supporters. “We had MAX Plant and Fuchs Lubricants trackside with some of their clients this weekend, which was awesome,” Brodie said. “And a special thanks to Danni from Dananni Hotshots who is always at these events and supplying lots of free pink merchandise for the fans, Summit Racing Equipment, Striker Crushing and Screening, High Speed Engineering, Tony’s Auto Wreckers and all our partners—their support makes this all possible.” The MAX Plant Monaro Crew 54th Westernationals Top Doorslammer Results Round 1 Brodie Zappia – WIN – 5.871 / 241.15 mph over Frank Taylor John Zappia – WIN – 5.733 / 250.82 mph (Bye Run) Round 2 Brodie Zappia – WIN – 5.859 / 240.71 mph over Frank Taylor John Zappia – LOSS – 5.763 / 246.50 mph to Lisa Gregorini Round 3 (Finals) Brodie Zappia – A-FINAL WIN – 5.899 / 239.58 mph over Steve Aldridge John Zappia – C-FINAL WIN – 5.721 over Lisa Gregorini Stay tuned by heading to   www.zappiaracing.com  and subscribing to our Newsletter. Website:   www.zappiaracing.com    Facebook:  Zappia Racing   YouTube:   www.YouTube.com/@zappiaracing NAMING RIGHTS SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Dananni Haulage FUCHS Lubricants Australasia MAX Plant   MAJOR SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Striker Australia Pty Ltd Summit Racing Equipment Crow Cams Australia Pty Ltd Pedders Suspension and Brakes (Booragoon) JP Pallets Tony's Auto Wreckers W.A. Suspensions Callies Performance Products Dananni Haulage (Hotshots) Hoosier Racing Tire CP-Carrillo High Speed Engineering MoTeC NGK Spark Plugs Noonan Race Engineering SUPPORTING SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Kounis Group AVTRAC Sander Engineering Taylor Tyres Pty Ltd Zappia Racing Alky Pro ADR Engines CIC Ceramics Ty-Drive Santhuff's Suspension Specialties Applied Automotive Performance Engines Victory 1 Performance, Inc. SpeedFlow Final Drive Engineering Damiani Racing Total Seal Piston Rings Klik Creative Impact Heavy Equipment Maintenance Windrush Motorsport Composites Specialty Metals VP Racing Fuels

John Zappia had an eventful and successful weekend at the Nitro Max Blown Alcohol Allstars bracket race at Perth Motorplex on January 18th. His performance in the Dananni Hotshots / FUCHS Monaro was a mix of overcoming technical challenges and showcasing impressive driving. In the first qualifying pass, John took a conservative approach, recording a 5.72-second run, focusing on a smooth, trouble-free pass. John Zappia pilots the Dananni Hotshots/FUCHS Monaro During the second qualifying attempt, John pushed the car harder, resulting in a strong launch before the car unexpectedly shut down. Investigation in the pits revealed broken studs on the supercharger, which were swiftly replaced and had the car ready for round one. Despite the setback, John qualified first with a 5.72 and earned himself a solo first round where he recorded a 5.680 at 251 mph, a strong performance that encouraged the team to increase engine power for subsequent runs. In the A Final against Costello in the Altered, John faced a slight handicap advantage but stayed focused and maintained his lane after Costello briefly crossed into his lane. As John approached the finish line, a blower belt came off, but he still managed a 5.69-second run to secure the victory. John acknowledged Costello's corrective driving after heading into his lane and credited the strong Dananni Hotshots/FUCHS Monaro performance to "...recent upgrades, including new Callies twist forged crankshaft, CP-Carrillo pistons and rods and High Speed Engineering sleeves fitted by Applied Automotive Engineering ". Looking ahead to the Westernationals , John is hoping for further improving his performance. "A new engine with upgraded components is being prepared, and the team aims to push the car harder to find its limits", said Zappia. John also highlighted the contributions of the talented crew for both Top Doorslammers, emphasising their dedication, problem-solving skills and team spirit. Following the Westernationals, Zappia will "...compete in the final round of the Summer Slam and then prepare for the Tailem Bend event, where both my nephew Brodie Zappia and I will race our Top Doorslammer Monaros". John expressed excitement for the upcoming events, including the launch of new merchandise and the anticipation of pushing his Dananni Hotshots/FUCHS Monaro into new PB’s. The team is meticulously preparing both cars for the upcoming races, ensuring all components are in top condition and spare engines are readily available. This past weekend at Perth Motorplex was a bit of a rollercoaster, but more of a learning curve for the Brodie Zappia Team. "We started by testing a new fuel system in the MAX Plant Monaro, and it showed some real promise. However, I encountered a few hiccups with the supercharger lifting off the car during the 2-step launch", said Brodie. The MAX Plant Monaro piloted by Brodie Zappia Back in the pits, they discovered a misfire. The crew went about replacing several parts of the ignition system but kept the tune-up the same as the previous pass. On the next run "...the car practically left the ground – we definitely found some missing horsepower! Now, the challenge is to tame this beast and find a new baseline for consistent performance", he said. Despite these issues Brodie was still able to win the B Final (when Franky Taylor shutdown at the start) and gain more valuable point towards the Blown Alcohol Allstars Championship giving him a narrow 5 point lead over Costello. "Looking ahead to the Westernationals, I'm hungry for more improvement. We're still learning the nuances of this combination, and I'm working closely with Aaron Deery from ADR Engines , one of my sponsors, to bring this motor closer to the level of Uncle John's". Expect some serious behind-the-scenes upgrades as Brodie's crew aim for even more power and a shot at new PB’s. Both teams are preparing for the upcoming Westernationals, with a focus on maximizing performance and reliability in the coming races. Stay tuned by heading to www.zappiaracing.com  and subscribing to our Newsletter. Website:   www.zappiaracing.com    Facebook:  Zappia Racing   YouTube:   www.YouTube.com/@zappiaracing NAMING RIGHTS SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Dananni Haulage FUCHS Lubricants Australasia MAX Plant   MAJOR SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Striker Australia Pty Ltd Summit Racing Equipment Crow Cams Australia Pty Ltd Pedders Suspension and Brakes (Booragoon) JP Pallets Tony's Auto Wreckers W.A. Suspensions Callies Performance Products Dananni Haulage (Hotshots) Hoosier Racing Tire CP-Carrillo High Speed Engineering MoTeC NGK Spark Plugs Noonan Race Engineering SUPPORTING SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Kounis Group AVTRAC Sander Engineering Taylor Tyres Pty Ltd Zappia Racing Alky Pro ADR Engines CIC Ceramics Ty-Drive Santhuff's Suspension Specialties Applied Automotive Performance Engines Victory 1 Performance, Inc. SpeedFlow Final Drive Engineering Damiani Racing Total Seal Piston Rings Klik Creative Impact Heavy Equipment Maintenance Windrush Motorsport Composites Specialty Metals Velocity Sports Design

Brodie Zappia's latest NDRC Series outing was a rollercoaster of emotions. In the first qualifier, his MAX Plant  Top Doorslammer roared down the track, a 5.84-second blast that matched his personal best. But the victory was bittersweet as he popped the blower and broke all the blower studs. "Despite not causing major damage it left the team scratching their heads as there was no visible reason for this to happen”, said Brodie. Brodie Zappia Driving The MAX Plant Monaro The second drag racing qualifier resulted in a melted piston and required an engine teardown between rounds to replace a piston, rod and gudgeon pin. Back on the track, Zappia faced a solo run after his opponent, Frank Taylor, couldn't make the race. He clocked a respectable 5.91 seconds with a safe tune to make sure there was no further damage to the engine. The second round saw him matched up against Maurice Brennan. Both cars launched well, but Brennan's Commodore proved quicker crossing the finish line with a 5.837 seconds ahead of Brodie's 5.875 to win by 0.047 seconds. The close race, however, was overshadowed by a nerve-wracking moment – a single parachute deployed and Brodie was required to skilfully wrestle the car under control before the sand trap. John Zappia Driving The Dananni Hotshots/FUCHS Monaro Snapping the blower belt on the hit in the B Final against Daniel Gregorini ended up being a lucky escape. “Back at the pits we found a blocked oil hole with a piece of piston obstructing a crank journal, causing a loss of oil pressure”, said Brodie. Had the belt remained intact, catastrophic engine failure would have occurred. This week, Brodie and his team are rebuilding the engine with fresh components. “The goal is to recapture the momentum from the previous round and continue pushing the car's limits”. A six-week break provides a valuable opportunity to refine the car's setup and address the lingering steering issue. While the car still tends to pull right, it's significantly improved, allowing Brodie to confidently apply more power. John Zappia In The Pits At Perth Motorplex With The Dananni Hotshots/FUCHS Monaro This Saturday, the excitement returns as Brodie and John both compete in the USA Nitro Max event at Perth Motorplex , in the Blown Alcohol Allstars class. "Last race meet at the Motorplex, I qualified with a 5.80, but the car spluttered a bit at the start, said John, “…running on seven cylinders for a couple of seconds before recovering to eight. That cost us a shot at qualifying into the 5.70s in the Dananni Hotshots/FUCHS Monaro”. In the first round, John ran a 5.73, so things were looking good. He bumped up the tune for the second round and got a great .059 light against Lisa Gregorini. Unfortunately, the gearbox broke, sending the car into neutral and over-revving the engine. He coasted down the track for an 11-second pass, losing valuable points and knocking him out of the A Final. “That put me in the C Final against Lisa. Sadly, I red-lit by just -0 .003 seconds and ran a great 5.70” straight down the middle of the track. This week, “…we're completely rebuilding the engine and performing all the necessary maintenance. We're also experimenting with some new ideas to further improve the car's performance”, said John. “Our primary focus this weekend is reliability. The car is already incredibly fast, capable of running in the 5.70s and the 5.60s, but we need to ensure it can consistently make it down the track without any mechanical failures. We're hoping we have found a reliable combination for this race weekend and we'll be able to gather some valuable data before the Westernationals". “…We are looking forward to seeing many of our sponsors and supporters coming down to the pits to say hello to both teams”, said John. Zappia Racing will have Brodie’s new sub shirts for sale in the merchandise tent and they are available online at https://www.zappiaracing.com/category/all-products Website:   www.zappiaracing.com    Facebook:  Zappia Racing   YouTube:   www.YouTube.com/@zappiaracing NAMING RIGHTS SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Dananni Haulage FUCHS Lubricants Australasia MAX Plant   MAJOR SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Striker Australia Pty Ltd Summit Racing Equipment Crow Cams Australia Pty Ltd Pedders Suspension and Brakes (Booragoon) JP Pallets Tony's Auto Wreckers W.A. Suspensions Callies Performance Products Dananni Haulage (Hotshots) Hoosier Racing Tire CP-Carrillo High Speed Engineering MoTeC NGK Spark Plugs Noonan Race Engineering SUPPORTING SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Kounis Group AVTRAC Sander Engineering Taylor Tyres Pty Ltd Zappia Racing Alky Pro ADR Engines CIC Ceramics Ty-Drive Santhuff's Suspension Specialties Applied Automotive Performance Engines Victory 1 Performance, Inc. SpeedFlow Final Drive Engineering Damiani Racing Total Seal Piston Rings Klik Creative Impact Heavy Equipment Maintenance Windrush Motorsport Composites Specialty Metals Velocity Sports Design Images by On The Limit Photography

Press Release bought to you by Fuchs Lubricants Australasia Media and graphics by Velocity Sports Design For a few heart-pounding seconds, the Dananni Hotshots/FUCHS Monaro looked unstoppable in the A Final of the Summer Slam on Saturday, December 7th at Perth Motorplex.  John Zappia driving the Dananni Hotshots/FUCHS Monaro John Zappia had the lead, the car was pulling away incrementally, and the crowd was ready to erupt. But just past 1,000 feet— boom —the burst panels let go, cutting short what could have been a statement win. In the other lane, Lisa Gregorini edged through with a 5.74-second run to John’s coasting 5.97, taking the victory. Meanwhile, in the B Final, Brodie Zappia was crafting his own comeback story behind the wheel of the MAX Plant Monaro. After a challenging start to the night, the young driver delivered a composed and gritty performance, closing out the night with a confident pass and a well-earned victory. THE ROAD TO THE SUMMER SLAM FINALS John Zappia started the night true to form. His 5.78-second pass at 246 mph during qualifying set the bar high, locking in the number one spot.  "It was a good, clean, safe run," John said. "We put down a strong number to start, and that gave us a great foundation for the rest of the event." On the other side of the pits, Brodie’s start to the night was anything but straightforward. The team opted to skip the non-compulsory qualifier, knowing the hot track heat would not give us any valuable data.  "The track was quite hot (120 degrees F) for that early session," Brodie explained. "If we had gone out, we might’ve overpowered the track and not seen what it really had in the later session. So we left the car alone and came out for the compulsory qualifier at 5:30PM." But when the MAX Plant Monaro finally hit the strip, trouble struck almost immediately.  "Unfortunately, we banged a blower as soon as it shifted into second," Brodie recounted. "We came back to the pits and found out that one of the cylinders gained 250 degrees in 0.2 of a second, which caused it to go bang. We fixed the problem, richened up a few cylinders, and came out for E1." "We found a couple of spark plugs that looked a little hot—like they could’ve been glowing," John added. "A glowing spark plug ignites the incoming charge, and that’s what makes the supercharger go bang. It doesn’t take much." The Zappia Racing crew, never one to back down, sprang into action. Bearings were replaced, cylinders were checked, and aluminum blower studs (Thanks to High Speed Engineering) were swapped out. "We didn’t find melted pistons, but Brodie’s car had a few bearings that were squashed, so they were replaced and re-torqued the caps," John said. "We also replaced the aluminum blower studs, which are designed to break in such situations to prevent further damage. After checking the cylinders with a leak-down test, we made sure everything was healthy before heading back out." ROUND 1 John’s first elimination pass was the statement run the team was looking for. The FUCHS/Dananni Hotshots Monaro launched hard and charged down the track to a 5.70-second pass at 249 mph, the quickest run of the night.  "We tweaked the tune-up and put more in off the line to get the car to leave harder," John said. "The first run had a 0.990 60-foot time, but this one was a 0.953—considerably faster. The front wheels were up, and it felt really good." Meanwhile, Brodie lined up against Daniel Gregorini for his first elimination round, knowing the challenge ahead.  "I asked John if I could turn it up a little, and I turned it up a lot," Brodie admitted. "It worked up until 60 feet, but then it started shaking the tires at about 1.2 seconds because it had too much wheel speed and was trying to drive over itself. I pedaled it and went through for a 6.05 at only 238 mph, which showed just how rich we made it to prevent it from hurting itself again. Fortunately, we got the win, as Daniel had electrical gremlins." FINAL ROUND DRAMA The A Final pitted John Zappia against Lisa Gregorini in a matchup the crowd had been waiting for. When the tree dropped, John was razor-sharp, cutting a 0.004-second reaction time and taking the early lead.  "We were a hundredth quicker at every increment," John recalled. But just past 1,000 feet, disaster struck. "Boom—the burst panels blew, and I coasted through for a 5.97, while Lisa ran a 5.74 to take the win," he said. For Brodie, the B Final against Matt Abel brought its own kind of drama.  "This was our third time matching up," Brodie said. "After I did my burnout, I started backing up and saw he wasn’t moving. I thought, ‘That’s not good.’ I just saw him idle down the track, and at that point, I knew I’d won. I wanted to make a clean pass and give the tree a red-hot go. I went double-0-seven red and went through for a 5.91 at 242 mph." Even with a small spark issue keeping the car on seven cylinders for part of the run, Brodie still took home the B Final win.  "Reviewing the data showed we were on seven cylinders for one and a half seconds before the eighth cylinder kicked in," he explained. "It’s nothing major, and we still came away with the win." Reflecting on the race, John said, "In hindsight, maybe a touch less would’ve made the difference. You’re always walking that fine line between improving and overstepping the mark."  Despite the setback, the team remains in a strong position in the Direct Mining and Industrial Summer Slam Series points standings. For Brodie, the B Final win was a testament to his rapid development as a driver.  "He’s learning a lot," John said. "He’s getting the car down the track, pushing the boundaries, and figuring out when to pedal, when to back off, and how to manage tyre shake. The results are speaking for themselves." John also highlighted the challenges of fine-tuning the MAX Plant Monaro’s handling. "Right-hand-drive cars can sometimes want to turn right if the suspension isn’t dialed in perfectly," he explained. "But Brodie’s handling it well and hasn’t had to abort a run because of it. He’s eager, he puts the hours in, and he’s improving every time out." BRODIE’S REPORT CARD For Brodie, the Summer Slam was another important step in his growth as a driver. "I feel like I’ve adapted to the car pretty well," he said. "I’m reacting to what the car needs and wants at the right times on track and pedaling the car just before it blows the tyres off when it’s shaking." His crew, including his father and uncle, have been quick to recognise his progress. "Dad, Uncle John and Aaron (Deery) watched the video of my run against Daniel and said, ‘Oh, you could’ve driven through that.’ But I caught it before they even saw the tyres start to chatter. It turns out it wasn’t going to drive through it whatsoever," Brodie said. Brodie Zappia driving the MAX Plant Monaro LOOKING AHEAD With the Summer Slam in the books, Zappia Racing now prepares for 2025. The Dananni Hotshots / FUCHS Monaro will undergo a motor refresh at Applied Automotives, while the A1 motor is being readied for its return at the NDRC Doorslammer round on January 4th at the Perth Motorplex. Brodie will also compete in a blown alcohol event on December 27th, continuing his rapid development. "We’re constantly learning and pushing forward," John concluded. "The goal is to stay ahead of the pack, and we’re ready to bring everything we’ve got into the next round." For more information, visit Zappia Racing's official website and follow their social media for updates and behind-the-scenes action. Website:   www.zappiaracing.com    Facebook:   Zappia Racing   YouTube:   www.YouTube.com/@zappiaracing NAMING RIGHTS SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Dananni Haulage FUCHS Lubricants Australasia MAX Plant   MAJOR SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Striker Australia Pty Ltd Summit Racing Equipment Crow Cams Australia Pty Ltd Pedders Suspension and Brakes (Booragoon) JP Pallets Tony's Auto Wreckers W.A. Suspensions Callies Performance Products Dananni Haulage (Hotshots) Hoosier Racing Tire CP-Carrillo High Speed Engineering MoTeC NGK Spark Plugs Noonan Race Engineering SUPPORTING SPONSORS BOTH DRIVERS Kounis Group AVTRAC Sander Engineering Taylor Tyres Pty Ltd Zappia Racing Alky Pro ADR Engines CIC Ceramics Ty-Drive Santhuff's Suspension Specialties Applied Automotive Performance Engines Victory 1 Performance, Inc. SpeedFlow Final Drive Engineering Damiani Racing Total Seal Piston Rings Klik Creative Impact Heavy Equipment Maintenance Windrush Motorsport Composites Specialty Metals Velocity Sports Design

Media by Velocity Sports Design The whispers, the hints, the social media buzz—it’s all true! The iconic Zap’s Rat is roaring back to life, and at the helm will be Brodie Zappia, ready to make his mark in the world of Top Doorslammer racing.  Under the mentorship of his uncle, the legendary John Zappia, Brodie is stepping up to join a formidable two-car Zappia Racing team, set to compete in the Direct Mining & Industrial Perth Top Doorslammer championship season, which includes three rounds of the NDRC Top Doorslammer Championship. While Brodie may be new to the ferocity of Doorslammer racing, he’s far from a rookie when it comes to drag racing, with 11 years of experience at the age of 19. The national drag racing champion from Western Australia has racked up an impressive list of accolades: 2021/22 Australian National Junior Dragster Champion, three-time Junior Dragster WA Track Champion, and the 2022/23 WA Rookie Driver of the Year. But now, he’s ready for his biggest challenge yet, stepping into the ultra-competitive Top Doorslammer ranks with the MAX Plant Monaro, fully aware of the steep learning curve ahead. With MAX Plant—a leader in Mobile and Modular Mineral Processing Solutions—as his Naming Rights sponsor, Brodie’s ride brings together the raw power of drag racing and cutting-edge mining tech. Based out of Henderson, Western Australia, MAX Plant’s dedication to precision and power makes them a natural fit for a sport where every thousandth of a second counts. “This is a huge moment for me,” said Brodie Zappia. “I’m incredibly excited to drive the MAX Plant Monaro and line up alongside Uncle John on the track. Zap’s Rat has such a rich history, being the first Doorslammer to run a 5 second pass, and also the car Uncle John won his first championship with. To be the one bringing it back to the strip is a dream come true. I’m very thankful to have MAX Plant on board as my naming rights sponsor; their support is invaluable, and I can’t wait to represent them this season. I’m also very grateful to my sponsors who have stayed with me from last season. Thank you Dananni Hotshots, JK Construction, Pedders Booragoon, Crow Cams, JP Pallets, High Speed Engineering, Tony’s Auto Wreckers and ADR Engines.” John Zappia, a name synonymous with success in Doorslammer racing, is excited to see Brodie take on this new challenge. “Brodie’s been following my racing and supporting me for years. I’ve watched him progress through Junior Dragster, to Super Sedan, to Supercharged Outlaws, winning numerous State and National Championships and meetings in the process, so it’s great to see him step up to drive the MAX Plant Monaro. We’ve got a lot of potential here, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together this season,” said John. For fans of Zappia Racing, the wait is nearly over. Brodie’s debut in the MAX Plant Monaro begins with testing at Perth Motorplex on Sunday, October 27, setting the stage for his official race debut on November 2nd in the Blown Alcohol Allstars followed by his Doorslammer debut at The Goldenstates on November 22-23. Zap’s Rat is back, and the next chapter of this legendary story is about to be written! Stay tuned to Zappia Racing’s social media channels and official website for all the latest updates. NAMING RIGHTS SPONSOR MAX Plant MAJOR SPONSORS JK Constructions Pedders Suspension and Brakes (Booragoon) High Speed Engineering Tony's Auto Wreckers JP Pallets Dananni Haulage (Hotshots) Crow Cams SUPPORTING SPONSORS Fuchs Lubricants Australasia ADR Engines Sander Engineering Kounis Group Klik Creative Taylor Tyres

Media by Velocity Sports Design John Zappia proved once again why he’s a force in Top Doorslammer, piloting his Dananni Hotshots/FUCHS Monaro to a hard-fought B-Final victory at the NDRC Spring Nationals season opener. Celebrating his 45th year of racing, the veteran racer showed that his passion and skill are as strong as ever, fighting his way to crucial early-season points and laying down a performance that sets the stage for an intense championship run. Rolling into Tailem Bend with a fresh setup, including a new Ty-Drive (thanks to Todd Tutterow), and no pre-event testing, the big question was: how would the Monaro perform? “We changed a lot of stuff on the car, so there were a lot of unknowns,” Zappia said. “We went out there for a test run on Saturday but that first pass was anything but smooth—overpowering the track, the Dananni Hotshots/FUCHS Monaro snapped left and nearly kissed the wall. “We looked at the data and took lots of power out off the line,” he added, and in Q1, the car responded with a solid 5.72second pass. In Q2, the Monaro left the line on seven cylinders but still thundered through the traps at 5.718 seconds and 254.36 mph. “One cylinder was really cold and took a second and a half before it picked up,” explained Zappia. “But at 254.36 miles per hour, we knew the power was back.” Sunday brought no shortage of high-stakes drama.  Round 1 saw Zappia matched against Mick Mahoney, and the iconic ‘71 Monaro was on a mission. With a blistering 5.693 at 252 mph, Zappia claimed the win and lane choice. “The weather was warmer, so we didn’t try to overstep the mark, but we got it from A to B, and everything looked good,” he said.  Round 2, however, delivered a sting—Zappia red-lit against Adam Tassone, ending what should’ve been a comfortable victory, wasting a 5.705second lap. “I pushed too hard and pre-empted the tree,” Zappia admitted. “It was disappointing, but that’s the pressure we’re under in Top Doorslammer competition.” But the weekend was about to finish on a high.  In the B Final of Top Doorslammer, it was an all-Western Australian showdown against Daniel Gregorini. Zappia was ready to seal the deal, and with the tune-up in a solid window for the track conditions, he delivered—launching off the line with a razor-sharp 0.024 reaction time and powering through to a 5.656 at 253 mph, Gregorini trailing with a 5.73. “That run against Gregorini, it was game on. We pushed hard, and the car responded,” said Zappia. “That 5.65 felt great, and it showed we’re on the right track. We underestimated the track which kept improving and was very well prepared, producing some tight and record setting runs.” The weekend was about more than just racking up wins; it was about getting the setup right for the season.  “To finish in the points above Russell Taylor was huge,” Zappia emphasized. “It sets us up for a good start.”  With valuable data now in hand, the team is fine-tuning the setup, getting the car ready for the next three championship rounds in Perth. Hopefully we can step up our performance and push for the Crow Cams top Qualifier prize money. “We'll analyse the data and see where the improvements can be made and change some ratios around in the B&J transmission to improve our overall performance.” None of this would be possible without the incredible support behind the scenes. “A massive thank you to our co-naming rights sponsors - Dananni Hotshots and FUCHS Lubricants, and welcome back to Striker Crushing and Screening as a major partner. And thanks to our supporting partners for all you do to get us to the start line,” said Zappia. The NDRC Top Doorslammer Championship now heads to Perth Motorplex for the Goldenstates on November 22-23, where Zappia Racing will look to build on their solid outing in Tailem Bend. For more information, visit Zappia Racing's official website and follow their social media for updates and behind-the-scenes action. Website:   www.zappiaracing.com     Facebook:   Zappia Racing   YouTube:   www.YouTube.com/@zappiaracing NAMING RIGHTS SPONSORS Dananni Haulage FUCHS Lubricants Australasia MAJOR SPONSORS Striker Australia Pty Ltd Crow Cams Australia Pty Ltd Tony's Auto Wreckers W.A. Suspensions Callies Performance Products Hoosier Racing Tire CP-Carrillo High Speed Engineering MoTeC NGK Spark Plugs Noonan Race Engineering SUPPORTING SPONSORS Kounis Group AVTRAC B&J Racing Transmissions Taylor Tyres Pty Ltd Alky Pro CIC Ceramics Ty-Drive Santhuff's Suspension Specialties Applied Automotive Performance Engines Victory 1 Performance, Inc. SpeedFlow Final Drive Engineering Damiani Racing Total Seal Piston Rings Klik Creative Impact Heavy Equipment Maintenance Windrush Motorsport Composites Specialty Metals Velocity Sports Design

John Zappia endured a somewhat cursed Nitro Champs at Sydney Dragway, with his Dananni Hotshots/Fuchs Lubricants Monaro Top Doorslammer encountering problem after problem. The event began with a bad omen, as Zappia’s car broke a blower belt right on the start line during the first qualifying session — a rare occurrence. The team replaced the belt and returned for Q2 where they unleashed a super-quick 5.65 pass.“I had to use up the whole lane, from the wall to the centre line,” Zappia said. “That 5.65 was the number one qualifying pass and took out the Crow Cams Top Qualifier Award. The bad news was that when the car got to the finish line I felt the motor vibrate and I knew something had gone wrong.” The team decided to skip the third qualifying session so they could dive into the high-horsepower Noonan motor. With more damage than could be repaired overnight, the B motor was called into service. A first round solo would allow Zappia to get some valuable data and set his weekend straight. At least, that was the plan.“We came out for the run and I realised the auto shift box had no power,” he said. “We only had first gear. I decided to do a first gear burnout and then do what I could on the run. The car left well, it revved up through first gear and then I got off it and coasted, knowing I had no more gears.” After the pass, the team found a power wire had been pulled out of the crimp. The same issue was likely what caused the engine damage the previous night.“We were up against Jeremy Callaghan in the second round of racing. He’s also got a Noonan engine and all the right equipment to run quick. We hadn’t seen what he was capable of until our race when he went 0.007 on the tree and 5.69! I was slower on the reaction times and even though we ran 5.66 we wouldn’t get the win light. We were happy with the performance of the B motor but it was certainly a lost opportunity.” In the final round, Zappia was hoping to salvage some championship points, but the event remained cursed as a transmission leak saw the Dananni Hotshots/Fuchs Lubricants Monaro shut down on the start line. With that, all there was left to do was to return to Perth to begin the turnaround process ahead of a trip back east for the Winternationals at Willowbank Raceway.“It was always the plan to come back to Perth, we just have more work than we planned on,” laughed Zappia. “We got everything out and we are going through the A motor now, along with changing all the seals and o-rings in the Ty-Drive and torque converter. “We are now 24 points behind Russell Taylor in the Australian Top Doorslammer Championship, which is going to make it tough. It’s his championship to lose right now, so we just need to put the pressure on and make no mistakes from here.” “Thanks to all our sponsors and supporters who are there for us at every meeting, whether in person or cheering for us watching live on Seven Plus (7+). We will be giving the Championship our best shot at Willowbank Raceway (June 6 – 9) and hope we can make our sponsors and supporters proud.” Website: www.zappiaracing.com Facebook: Zappia Racing YouTube: www.YouTube.com/@zappiaracing Joint Naming Rights Sponsors Dananni Haulage (Hotshots) FUCHS Lubricants Australasia Major Sponsors Crow Cams Australia Pty Ltd Tony's Auto Wreckers W.A. Suspensions Noonan Race Engineering MoTeC Hoosier Racing Tire Striker Australia Pty Ltd NGK Spark Plugs Callies Performance Products CP-Carrillo High Speed Engineering Supporting Sponsors Santhuff B & J Racing Transmissions Avtrac Maintenance Tracking Kounis Metal Industries Taylor Tyres Pty Ltd Alky Pro Klik Creative CIC High Performance Coatings Final Drive K Craft Bullbars Speedflow Total Seal Piston Rings Victory Valves Impact Heavy Equipment Maintenance Applied Automotive Damiani Race Parts Specialty Metals

One of the greatest Top Doorslammer events of all time saw John Zappia defeat Russell Taylor in the final round of a record-filled Riverbend Nationals at The Bend Motorsport Park. Near perfect weather conditions, a capacity crowd of spectators and tremendous racing from all four National Drag Racing Championship categories combined for an event many have declared one of the best ever seen in Australian drag racing. Zappia approached qualifying with a conservative mindset before gradually powering up the Dananni Hotshots/Fuchs Lubricants Monaro Top Doorslammer to take advantage of near-sea level air. “We were looking at 600 feet of density altitude and 53 water grains in the air which are excellent numbers,” he explained. “We used a safe tune to start with, similar to what we used in Perth at the Westernationals, and we went 5.67 straight away. We chose to skip the second qualifying session, which saw the competition close in, as Russell Taylor went 5.67 as well. “We put more of a tune-up in for the third qualifying session. Ahead of us we watched Daniel Gregorini go 5.65 to take the top spot, but then we came out and went 5.642! That held for number one qualifier and earned us $1000 thanks to the Crow Cams Top Qualifier Award.” Conditions continued to improve for race day. With most of the field deep into the five second zone and personal bests falling in almost every race, Zappia Racing was fortunate to have a bye run in the first round to nail the setup.“Overnight we put some valve springs on the motor as they were a little low. The air was now down to 500 feet and 49 water grains, so pretty powerful. We watched Russell Taylor go 5.63 ahead of us. Our bye run left hard, then it went right so I had to drive it back to the groove but it corrected out to the left. We got to the end despite the not-so-straight run and then they told me I had just gone 5.606 at 256mph! That was motoring. The crowd was going wild as the numbers just kept tumbling with every pass they saw.” Between rounds, the Zappia Racing team noticed one of the new valve springs was not performing as well as the others, which had caused a couple of valve train mishaps including a broken pushrod. With time against them, Zappia decided to drop the shift point by 200rpm to reduce stress on the valve train.“We fixed it up as best we could with the time we had,” he said. “We had Adam Tassone in the second round. I lost my head on the tree and had a terrible reaction time — over half a second after the green. Adam was so far in front it looked as if we didn’t have a hope, but the Noonan horsepower in our Dananni Hotshots/Fuchs Lubricants Monaro got us there with a 5.601 to his 6.055, taking the stripe by just a few hundredths of a second in what I’m sure was an entertaining race for the fans. That was our quickest time ever at a national round.” With time to now tackle the valve spring issue, once again the Zappia Racing team was under the pump.“We pulled a cylinder head off to change the springs properly and put all new intake springs on along with one exhaust spring. As we were torquing it up we were running out of time and one of the head studs pulled the thread out the block on cylinder one! I couldn’t get it to nip up at all and so we had to tighten the rest and hope for the best.” Zappia would be taking on Taylor (who had just run a 5.598 pass to take the national record) in an important final round with big championship implications. “The issue with the head stud was weighing on me. I took a moment as I was suiting up to really observe where the fire extinguisher was, just in case the motor torched a head gasket. We added some fuel to that cylinder to be safe but it was still a potential issue. As the lights came on in the final Russell got out on me by seven hundredths and it was on. I saw him at first, but then I didn’t see him and we powered through for a 5.602 to his 5.707 for the win. It was an amazing race, an awesome way to top off one of the best events we have ever been to. It was like we had a bracket car. As we were throwing more at it, the track was getting better and better. They did an amazing job at prepping the track. The air stayed consistent through the weekend too, enabling us to really dial in the car. The Dananni Hotshots/Fuchs Lubricants Monaro was running on song all weekend.” "A huge thank you to our sponsors who have stood by us all these years and the hundreds of supporters who came to the pits to say hello, buy merchandise and give us their support. We look forward to being back at Tailem Bend in October for the start of next season." Zappia will return home to Perth Motorplex this weekend to take part in the Blown Alcohol Allstars class as part of the WA Grand Final. Even though he has wrapped up the WA Top Doorslammer Championship, Zappia said he wants to be at the final event of the WA season to put on a show for sponsors, fans and the Perth Motorplex management and staff who support us throughout the year.“We’re going to race against guys like Craig Glassby and Nigel Johnson in their Top Alcohol cars which is pretty cool,” he said. And as for that lost national record? Don’t be ruling out the Dananni Hotshots/Fuchs Lubricants Monaro just yet.“When someone else takes the record it just gives us the motivation to go after it once again. We’ve been five-fifties before and I’m sure we can get there again. I love the chase.” Photography: Cackling Pipes Website: www.zappiaracing.com Facebook: Zappia Racing YouTube: www.YouTube.com/@zappiaracing Joint Naming Rights Sponsors Dananni Haulage (Hotshots) FUCHS Lubricants Australasia Major Sponsors Crow Cams Australia Pty Ltd Tony's Auto Wreckers W.A. Suspensions Noonan Race Engineering MoTeC Hoosier Racing Tire Striker Australia Pty Ltd NGK Spark Plugs Callies Performance Products CP-Carrillo High Speed Engineering Supporting Sponsors Santhuff B & J Racing Transmissions Avtrac Maintenance Tracking Kounis Metal Industries Taylor Tyres Pty Ltd Alky Pro Klik Creative CIC High Performance Coatings Final Drive K Craft Bullbars Speedflow Total Seal Piston Rings Victory Valves Impact Heavy Equipment Maintenance Applied Automotive Damiani Race Parts