Pilko “the Most Confident Yet.”

Pilko “the Most Confident Yet.”

Defending Goldenstates Top Alcohol Champion, Rob Pilkington is the most confident he has ever been, after a stunning season opener last weekend.

“We can’t wait for next event , as it’s probably the most confident the team has been leading into a championship round in all our previous attempts,” the Oakford based racer said with just two weeks remaining in the lead up to the race.

“Basically we were using the meeting as a test bed for the Goldenstates, but we ended up with some great data after our 5.58 run and we bumped our best speed up to 258mph (415kph) in the process, which means that what we’re testing is working, and you can’t ask for more than that!”

The team’s stunning first outing for the 2012-13 calendar carries on the momentum from last season where Pilkington’s maiden Pro Series event win was backed up by a 12-3 win/loss ratio and two Top Qualifier spots.

“In a complex sport like drag racing, we’ve resolved to keep everything as simple as possible and “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” so we’re not surprised the car maintained the form from last season, but to run a bigger top end speed was huge for our confidence and affirms that we know what we’re doing.”

Pilkington was also elated to have all of last year’s racing partners rejoin the team for the new season, with long time supporters Alutech stepping up their support to claim the naming rights to the car.

“The Alutech Funny Car has a nice ring to it doesn’t it!” Pilkington said, acknowledging the overwhelming response from the fans to the car’s new livery.

“Alutech have been amazingly supportive of our efforts in the past and to have them return at a new level is more than just a shot in the arm; it’s a statement of confidence in us as a team and we couldn’t be more grateful to have them and Force Equipment and CTS Low Loaders partnering with us, along with our other supporters as well.

Pilkington’s defence of the last year’s Goldenstates win begins on qualifying on Friday November 16 and eliminations on Saturday November 17 at the Perth Motorplex.