Ashley Sanford will race for leading Australian Top Fuel outfit Rapisarda Autosport International for the fifth time this season at the penultimate round of the 400 Thunder Championship at Sydney Dragway on May 4-5.

“I just can’t wait to return to Australia,” said Sanford. “Even though our last race, where we finished fifth, wasn’t the best I’m confident that our Rapisarda Autosport International team and crew are going to get it done this time in Sydney. Santo Junior and Santino Rapisarda have been working hard in the shop and I’ve been doing what I can in the states. We are ready for redemption. I can’t wait for this California girl to be back in the land down under to get after it again and hopefully hand the winner’s trophy to our team owner Santo Rapisarda.”

Sanford, will race alongside RAI team-mate Damien Harris who holds a two point lead over Queensland speedster Kelly Bettes with Sydney owner-driver Peter Xiberras, 20 points adrift in third place.

Sanford, chasing her maiden win in the elite category, occupies fourth place on the point’s table ahead of reigning 400T champ and NHRA regular Wayne Newby who remains winless this season. Rounding out the eight-car field are the Sydney duo of Phil Read and Terry Sainty along with Rachelle Splatt returning to the series after missing the previous three meetings.

Sharing the spotlight with Top Fuel will be Pro Slammer with all eyes focused on the duel between Western Australian star John Zappia and rookie sensation Paul Mouhayet. Both squads have scored two wins so far and their hotly contested rivalry has emerged as the compelling narrative in the Pro Slammer ranks this season.  

Mouhayet in front with a narrow 24 point lead over Zappia. 

Reigning champ Mark Belleri, in third place, will be chasing his first win of the year at his home track is out of championship contention trailing Zappia by a massive 223 points. Texan Frankie Taylor, round winner at Willowbank Raceway in January, will make his fourth appearance this season alongside team-mate Ben Bray and both drivers will be ready to pounce if either Zappia or Mouhayet stumble.    

In Pro Stock category stalwart Aaron Tremayne is on track to take out the 400 Thunder title going into the Sydney round with a handy 67 points lead over nearest rival Jason Hedges.

Pro Alcohol has become a two horse race between veteran Steve Reed from Queensland locked in battle with New South Wales racer Russell Mills. Reed and Mills finished one and two in the first two rounds of the year. In round three at Willowbank Raceway Mills took the honors over category legend Gary Phillips in the final. Reed finished third allowing Mills to narrow the gap to 13 points coming into this weekend.