Length: 08:27

Bailey -v- Steffens.Those awesome Nitro Funny Cars returned to blast the massive Perth Motorplex crowd on December 29. Newly licensed Nitro Funny Car pilot Ricky Steffens rocked the place with a first round win over Ashley Bailey winning with a 5.95 to a losing 6.56.The second run for the night saw Bailey on a solo when Steffens couldn't make the round after carving every tooth off from the diff's crown wheel leaving the team frantically rebuilding it for the final round. For Bailey though, it was a different story and put on the mightiest one-man show that one could have hoped for. The car launched with header flames shooting towards the sky as he belted out a personal best time of 5.37 @ 276 mph (444 km/h), nearly blasting the Writer off his feet as he blazed past!The final run of the evening was another great-paired race. Both drivers reacted .283 to .285 and went past me in the Snakepit totally level. By the 330' timers, it was Bailey who was slightly quicker with a 2.51 to 2.55 advantage. At the 1000 foot mark, Bailey was there 4.64 to Steffens' 4.71, but as Bailey then slowed to a 5.72 @ 191.48 mph (308 kmh), Steffens scorched past for his second win to claim the event with a great 5.57 @ 258 mph (415 kmh) run. A great way to start his Nitro Funny Car career.The Bailey Team, which includes Steffens as their new second driver, were elated to have put on such a great show in front of the huge crowd while the pressure was on.The Bailey's and Steffens would like to thank all of their hard working crews for their efforts with helping to make the night a success. They would also like to thank their sponsors, including those who recently helped financially to make it all the way over to Perth from Queensland, the Quit Motorplex and it's staff for their continued support, Deb and Rob for their hospitality, Graham Jones from Southside Engine Centre and Rory Taylor from Speed Torque with helping in rebuilding the diff to keep the show a success, and finally to the fans, wives, family and friends for their continued support of keeping Nitro Funny Cars alive and well in Australia.