JGM: 2014 Winternationals Report
June 26, 2014: The Winternationals is the race that everyone wants to win. It’s a race that attracts a worldwide audience and gathers the best racers in the land.
After last years strong showing with two cars in the field and a string of six-second passes, rain unfortunately cut short the event and the 2013 Winternationals was cancelled.
For 2014, the reigning Pro Stock champ and ANDRA Pro Stock record holder Jason Grima, was looking to go even further in the PC Cranes Ford Mustang. The weather was fine and joining then in the pits was the return of the PC Cranes Harley-Davidson Buell. The bike had been repaired and rider Tony Hinkley was healed following his frightening fall at Calder Park earlier this year.
Friday saw the first Pro qualifying session with Grima recording a 7.122/193.07 that stood as No.10 at the close. It was also a session that saw three drivers record six-second ETs, in particular Emilio Spinnozi recording the quickest Pro Stock pass in Australian history – 6.975/196.67 mph.
Grima was a previous Pro Stock record holder when at the 2012 Australian Nationals he reset both ends with a 6.982 at 195.79 mph.
By the second session Grima picked up the pace with a 7.019/194.86, which was the third quickest of the session.
The following day Grima remained consistent with a 7.019 at 195.22 and clocked the best RT of the session at .007. The final qualifier saw the six-second passes continue and the benchmark drop to 6.964/196.67.
Later that day it was time for the first round of eliminations. Having qualified seventh, Grima faced number eight John Barbagallo in the opening race of the round. This race was decided at the tree when Barbagallo grabbed a huge holeshot with a .003 reation time to a .115 from Grima. At the finish line Barbagallo took the win by 0.0363 of a second with his 7.12 ET defeating a quicker 7.04.
“That was a tough loss and I have no one to blame except myself. It just wasn’t our weekend,” said a disappointed Grima. I just wasn’t in the right headspace and we were down on horsepower, which didn’t help. But congrats to all the Pro Stock competitors who set new PBs and national records. Pro Stock was simply outstanding at the Winternationals.
“For JGM, we now have a big break before our next round. We’ll regroup and get ready for Sydney in November.
“I’d like to thank my hard working team, our sponsors and supporters. Keep in touch with us on social media and also on our website,” ended Grima.
