The Australians drew first blood in round one of the USA vs. Australia Nitro Funny Car Challenge at Willowbank Raceway Jan. 2, where Aussies Damien Harris and Ricky Steffens took on American Jack Wyatt and crew chief Gary Densham. Harris was the standout with a 4.96 at more than 300 mph on his first run, the first 300-mph nitro Funny Car pass by an Aussie racer at the track, and he followed with a 5.02, 289.76. Wyatt struggled for traction on a pair of seven-second efforts, but he has an ace in his corner as Densham still holds the track record at 4.86, set last year at the event.

“Tonight was good," said Harris. "To take the American on and come out on top was very enjoyable, and hopefully we can go further. Densham’s elapsed time is definitely something we have in our sights.”

Densham also took to the track in his nostalgia Funny Car, taking on Australian Peter Leahy in his front-engine nostalgia dragster. Densham and Leahy entertained the fans with two runs; the nitro-running Densham crossed the line ahead of the methanol-burning Leahy in both with a 6.30, 202.36 and 6.14, 227.80 to Leahy’s 7.43, 178.57 and 8.17, 172.81.

The challenge is part of a two-round series; the next round is set for Jan. 16, when Harris and Steffens will be joined in their battle with Wyatt by New South Welshman Chris Stipanovich.