John Zappia Claims World Record
By Paul Carey
John Zappia's low riding Holden Monaro is now the world's quickest steel bodied car.
Paul Carey photo
2 Mar 2003: - Western Australian drag racer John Zappia reset the record books this weekend running the Fastest and Quickest steel bodied Doorslammer in the world during the 2003 Western Nationals, at the Kwinana Motorplex, Perth Western Australia.
The new "Tin Top" Zap's Rat '71 Monaro Top Doorslammer ran a 6.252 et @ 233.16 mph on only it's fourth full pass since construction, securing a place in the top 20 All-Time Quickest Outlaw Doorslammers list by The Drag Racing List.
The 1971 Holden Monaro is one of Oz chassis guru Murray Anderson's new third generation cars, featuring the Powerlink rear suspension. Powering the low slung Monaro is Walt Austin's T/A Funny Car engine setup with 511 ci Keith Black engine, Walt Austin Racing heads, Whipple Blower and 44amp MSD Magneto. Body design, aerodynamics and construction was by John Zappia and crew, incorporating original HQ Holden steel roof, rear end, bumpers and quarter panels, and an all metal rear wing assembly.
"Woppado" '57 Chevy driven by John Scialpi
John Zappia The previous world record for all steel Doorslammers was held by American John Scialpi in his
"Woppado" '57 Chevy, set late last year at Mission, Canada at 6.299 et @ 221.02 mph.
The record run gave notice to the Doorslammer drag racing scene that Zap's Rat is back in force, after John Zappia and the crew took a break from drag racing in the late 90's. The team is competing in the 2002/2003 Australian ANDRA Top Doorslammer Championship series, run over six rounds.
The original famous Zap's Rat HQ Doorslammer was the world's first Super Stock car into the 7's, the first Doorslammer in the 6's and the second racer into the 200 mph Doorslammer Club, and gained John Zappia a cult following in Australia with his driving skills, and international recognition with his records.
Paul Carey
Webmaster
Zappia Racing Promotions - Zap's Rat
www.zapsrat.com.au
(08) 9371 5205 0418 959 892
