Talk about dreams coming true. A year ago Steve Read left this part of the track in an ambulance after crashing his “Spirit of Las Vegas” at over 300 mph. With an offer of fellow driver Dwayne Riley’s car the team got together and built up a winning combination. A top qualifying 4.687 was followed by low ET over every round 4.76, 4.80 and 4.779 winning times to take out a second best Martin Stamatis. As he hugged his wife on the return road he told the assembled crowd that he had to thank his crew and supporters for being able to take the win – it was one hell of a comeback.

With 10 cars vying for eight spots it wasn’t until the third qualifying session before Martin Stamatis actually turned in a good time with a 4.81 giving him third spot. A belt-throwing first round 5.69 win over a flaming Bob Shepherd was followed by an improving 4.86 to 5.74 win over a tardy 5.74 for Bob’s nephew Luke. Despite Steve Read having lane choice in the final over Stamatis, the Perth driver had the faster incrementals to half track, but a win was foiled when the chute fell out early and Read won the gold.