16 YEAR OLD READY TO BRING HIS A-GAME TO EIGHTH MILE FINALE
21 September 2016
Nerang’s Christopher Schaper is leading the Diamond T Products Junior Dragster point standings as Willowbank Raceway prepares to host the final round of the 2016 JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series this Saturday September 24.
The 16 year old Nerang State High School student has been racing for eight years, after being introduced to the sport by his family – including racer father Michael Schaper, who also competes in the Series.
“I reckon the Eighth Mile Series is a great little championship. It goes between four tracks and three regions, which is pretty good for all of the racers who don’t usually go to big events,” said the year 11 student.
“It gives everyone a good opportunity to race, at different tracks and against different people, while feeling the atmosphere regional tracks have to offer.
“This is my third year in the Eighth Mile Series, in the past I was able to get three other wins but it just wasn’t enough to put me into the lead.
"This year started off not so great with a full rebuild of the rear of the car required, but from there it progressed and in the last round it all came together.
“I am feeling pretty confident heading to the final round in the lead, but at the same time, I am also feeling cautious – there are all those other races chasing me in the points, including the two that are tied for second place just two points behind me. They are both great racers so that is pretty scary, and there are double points on offer for this event as well so really, anything can happen.
“Even so, I have my confidence up and I am ready to do everything I can to win and take the championship home. I am ready to bring my A-Game.”
For Schaper, a win would be an important achievement.
“If I could win the Series it would really mean a lot – it would be something to put in my career records, something I can talk to about with potential sponsors, and just something you would never forget really.”
When it comes to his racing, it is a family affair.
“Dad has a fair bit to do with it as far as transporting to the track and in the tune-up, but as he is concentrating on his own racing at the track it comes down to my mum Veronika and I on the startline,” said Schaper.
“I have to thank both mum and dad for their support, and also to sponsors Mick’s Towing Service, Demon Mechanical, SCL Customs, Robert Coleman for entries and Mick Mundey for the tuning of the car.
“I also want to say good luck to all of the other racers for the final, I am coming with my A-Game and I am ready to take the win home!”
The 2016 season marks the seventh consecutive year of the Series, which hosts racing for not only Schaper and his fellow Diamond T Products Junior Dragster racers, but also the John William Auto Sales Super Street, RD Williams Excavator Parts Modified, FG Loy and Sons Earthmoving Eighth Mile Outlaws, Ice Slushee Super Sedan, and Queensland Nameplate Group Modified Bike Dragster categories.
For more information on the 2016 JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series, including information on rules, how to enter and the points system, please visit to www.willowbankraceway.com.au
2016 JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series
•GRAND FINAL – 24 SEPTEMBER 2016 Willowbank Raceway – Willowbank QLD
SPONSORS
•JP Racing - Series Sponsor
•FG Loy & Sons - Eighth Mile Outlaws Bracket
•RD Williams Excavator Parts - Modified Bracket
•Ice Slushee - Super Sedan Bracket
•John William Auto Sales - Super Street Bracket
•Queensland Nameplate Group - Modified Bike Bracket
•Diamond T Products - Junior Dragster Bracket
For more information or comment, please contact:
John Winterburn – Series Organiser
Phone: 0408 788 302
Email: jwinterb@bigpond.net.au
Web: www.willowbankraceway.com.au
PHOTO CREDIT blacktrack.com.au