There are so many outstanding, talented motorcycle drag racers in Australia. One racer in particular garnering a lot of attention for his hot start to the season and unmistakable motorcycle is Edge Mallis and his striking Kawasaki H2 drag bike.
At the NDRC South Coast Rumble event in early February, part of the championship’s Western Conference, Mallis overcame a foggy start to the morning, which eventually gave way to a second day of clear skies and perfect racing conditions at South Coast Raceway. More than 120 Aeroflow National Sportsman Championship competitors made the most of the continuing brilliant conditions.
But in Competition Bike, the day belonged to top qualifier Edge Mallis who found another NDRC victory following his South Coast 660 win, this time taking the victory over Corey Scholes in the final round.
The Moonee Ponds, VIC racer took his Sabotage Kawasaki H2R all the way to the win in the three-round Chicago Shootout format, earning his place in the final with earlier wins over Joe Khoury and Gavin Dhont, while recording a loss to Scholes from which he ultimately redeemed himself. Meanwhile, Scholes ensured his place in the final match-up with round wins over Mallis, Dohnt, and Khoury.
Another tough Australian motorcycle drag racer to keep an eye on is Johnny Ireland.
‘Hog’ Ireland took the win in Modified bike.
“It has been a long time between drinks for me,” Ireland grinned.
“I hadn’t ridden for quite some time, instead putting all my effort into the Pro Stock Bike for Locky (Ireland).
“I got my licence back, and we had a bit of luck – I got a bye into the finals, and then well, winners were grinners!
“The little bike went well, it is only my street bike as we didn’t have time to prep my usual bike I run in competition.
“Now, we better get on with the job! We head to Mildura in a month’s time and then hopefully it will be a case of catch me if you can at the Western Conference finals at The Bend!” he enthused, while thanking Johnny’s Hog Shop, Twin Power Oil, and Joe and Cheryl for their support.
Ireland found himself lined up alongside top qualifier Michael Webb for the final, before an issue for Webb meant he was unable to start the final pass. Ireland enjoyed wins over Corey Gathercole (round one) and Jamie Dohnt in today’s racing before a bye in round three. Before issues struck, Webb enjoyed a bye in round one, before taking wins over Cheryl Beddoes and Derryn McGregor in rounds two and three.
For more information about the Aeroflow National Sportsman Championship and upcoming Western and Eastern Conference events, please stay tuned to ndrc.tv
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