2018/19 Kiwi Thunder Series. Round 2

Masterton Motorplex, 16-17 February, 2019

The Auckland Invasion meeting, at Masterton Motorplex on February 16 & 17, incorporated round two of the Kiwi Thunder Group One National Series.

Nigel Dixon recorded a 6.478, in the Kruzin Kustoms Falcon, to top qualify out of the five Top Doorslammers present. Adam Prestney in the Pirtek Grand Am was second with a 6.770. Barry Plumpton's 6.812 saw him in third spot, in the Focus Construction Group Camaro. Gavin Green in the Pro Parts 68 Firebird was next with a 7.345. Rod Benjes had repaired his paint job after loosing both doors the last time he raced at Masterton. Unfortunately the Childs Play Beretta broke the blower belt on the launch.

Benjes then found that his injector hat was starting to collapse as the blower tried to suck it in, so he was out, allowing Prestney to cruise to a 7.9 round one win. Green improved to a 7.087 but it wasn't quick enough to defeat Plumptons 7.072. Dixon got low ET of round one with a 6.362 bye.

Rod Benjes found that his injector hat was starting to collapse as the blower tried to suck it in.

Nigel Dixon and Barry Plumpton opened round two. Nigel got the start and his 6.287 accounted for Barry's 7.330 run. Adam Prestney had a 7.185 bye to advance to the final.

In the final, Adam Prestney won the start line battle 0.091 to 0.181, but Nigel Dixon drove around him to take the win with a 6.258 at 230.78 over a 6.774 at 202.30. The Kruzin Kustoms Falcon's pass was low ET and top speed for the meeting.

Nigel Dixon wins round two of the 2019 Kiwi Thunder Series at Masterton and set Low ET with a 6.258 [Photo by: SV Photos]

Gavin Green had two testing passes behind the bracket. His first pass was a 6.562 at 201.87. His second was a 6.305 PB at 223.82 mph.