Unheralded Stuart Moresby scored his first-ever Doorslammer title after defeating fellow Western Australian Pino Priolo in the 47th Annual Goldenstates meeting at the Perth Motorplex.

Joining Moresby in the winner’s circle was veteran Greg Durack, who broke a 40-year drought to claim his first Gold Christmas tree in Top Fuel Bike.

Interstate border closures continue to play havoc with drag racing in Australia. As a result, none of the powerhouse East Coast Doorslammer or Top Bike teams made the cross-country trip to the ‘Plex. 

Consequently, the event attracted eight local slammers and four Top Bike entries. 

Moresby opened his weekend with a solid fifth in qualifying, then, on race day secured his spot in the final after outpacing highly fancied Kelvin Lyle and top qualifier Daniel Gregorini who scrapped the wall.

On the comeback trail after an absence of over 12 months, Priolo qualified seventh and breezed to the final round when Australian dootslammer legend John Zappia crossed the centre line, then number three qualifier Steve Aldridge’s chutes deployed early.

In the final, Moresby, with a .045 reaction time, the best of the day, lead all the way to take an easy win over Priolo.

“This is my first ever win in Group One, my last one was back in my Comp Eliminator days, so it has been a bit of a dry spell,” said Moresby. “You can’t run these cars by yourself, you are always relying on other people to help both at the track and in the workshop, so this is for them.”

In Top Fuel Bike, Durack top qualified and on race day his breakthrough win came after his opponent Ricky Wood was sidelined with magneto troubles and didn’t appear for the final. 

“This is my first ANDRA Christmas Tree, so I am very happy to finally get one,” said an elated Durack. 

“The final didn’t go to plan for us. It got bogged down; I just did what I could to ride it through and claim the win. All in all, the run wasn't as exciting as it could have been, but that is how it goes sometimes, and overall, the bike is going well and I am looking forward to continuing to improve it over the next few meetings.”