Round One of the NDRC season for Top Fuel at Sunset Strip, Mildura in rural Victoria on February 26-27 will see BLAHST, a local pressure washing company, unveiled as naming rights sponsor of the category for 2026.
However, the announcement has been overshadowed by the decision of the leading teams, Rapisarda Autosport International and Hydraulink Top Fuel Racing, to skip the event.
Their absence leaves a significant void in the field as the series returns to Victoria for the first time since 2022.
“We have not had time to prep the cars for the event,” said team owner Santo Rapisarda. “The crew has been incredibly busy with work over Christmas and the New Year and we simply ran out of time. It is disappointing but we are focusing on returning for round two at The Bend in late March. Even though we will not be there we wish all the teams good luck and safe racing.”
A similar situation exists with HTFR, which is in recovery mode from a fiery crash at The Bend late last year.
Sources close to the situation but not authorized to speak publicly have dismissed claims the no-shows stem from concerns over the shortened eighth-mile race distance and venue facilities not being up to standard.
According to race organizers, “Hundreds of concrete barriers for the braking area have been installed along with catch nets.”
The event marks a new era for Australian drag racing as the NDRC transitions from a split-year format to a January-November race calendar and has attracted four entries headed by local team Lamattina Top Fuel Racing, which will field two cars for team owner Phil Lamattina and Shane Olive.
Olive, who previously raced two seasons with LTFR, lost his ride when the team reverted to a single entry in 2023.
His most recent outing was with RAI at the final round of last season where he finished runner-up to champion-elect Wayne Newby.
The Olive car will also be decked out in BLAHST livery.
The other two entries are Western Australian Kyle Putland and veteran Queensland racer Steve Read.
