NHRA News: It's true! Dunn to don firesuit once again (12/16/2003)

It's true! Dunn to don firesuit once again

By Rob Geiger, NHRA.com
12/16/2003

Mike Dunn

NHRA.com has confirmed that Mike Dunn will be driving a Top Fuel dragster in 2004, just not on the POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Although the deal is yet to be confirmed, Dunn has been invited to New South Wales, Australia, to help open the country's latest and greatest drag racing facility, Western Sydney International Dragway. The plans call for Dunn and fellow American-based racer Glenn Mikres will team-up for a two-car attempt at winning Australia's prestigious Summernationals in early February.

"I'm excited to have this chance," Dunn said. "Mikres has raced down there quite a bit over the years and he and his team owner, Santo Rapisarda, recently bought Darrell Russell's old car to add to their team. Before they shipped it out I drove over to [Joe] Amato's shop, which is just up the road in Exeter [Pa.], and got fitted in the car for this race."

Construction at Western Sydney International Dragway in New South Wales, Australia, is nearing completion.
Photo courtesy of www.wsid.com.au

Despite the multitude of rumors that had him driving for several different race teams on the POWERade series, Dunn insists that his journey to the other side of the world won't interfere with his regular job as lead analyst for all of ESPN's pro-level drag racing coverage.

"My buddy Bob Frey knew I had stopped by Joe's shop and that I was sitting in the car and he had a little fun with me in one of his stories," Dunn said. "Then the rumor mill revved up and quickly got out of control. I guess I should be flattered that people are still thinking about me as a driver.

"For the record, I am very happy to be coming back to ESPN and calling all the action once again in 2004. It should be a great season of drag racing."

Mikres, who moonlights as crew chief for Keith Jackson and Bob Bode whenever they race on the POWERade circuit, is attempting to win his third Australian National Drag Racing Association championship with Rapisarda. The duo won back-to-back Aussie crowns in 1997-'98.

Glenn Mikres

"Prior to this season I hadn't been down for a couple of years," Mikres said. "But Santo called and wanted to make another run at the title this year so I took him up on his offer. I love racing down there and the people of Australia are exceptional.

"We started talking about adding a second car and I knew right away that I wanted Mike to come down and help us break in this new track. It's a great looking place and we're all excited about the grand opening in February."

Dunn, who last drove a car during the 2001 NHRA season, has raced in Australia before, although it was some time ago.

"Gosh, that was probably 23 years back, I guess," Dunn said. "From the looks of this new track and from what Glenn tells me, the facilities are much more state-of-the-art nowadays. I think we're going to have a real nice stay down there and hopefully one of us can win this race."

The plan is for Dunn to meet up with Mikres and prepare for the Summernationals with a full day of testing on Wed., Feb. 4, which is the designated Test-and-Tune day at the racetrack. The event will set an eight-car Top Fuel field after qualifying sessions scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Eliminations will run Sunday. For more information on the event or photographs of the construction process at Western Sydney International Dragway, click here.

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