Barbagallo’s pass, which was also within a whisker of the national speed record at 313.99kph, was enough to sneak ahead of Sydney round winner Peter Ridgeway’s 7.03sec and championship leader Denis Whiting’s 7.04sec.

Despite it being Barbagallo’s first run in ANDRA competition since the 2011 Winternationals with his Ford, the north Queenslander demonstrated he had lost none of his horsepower edge over the competition.

The news was not as good during the day for fellow north Queenslander Dallas Everett.

Everett, who towed from Mackay for the event, crashed his Modified dragster at speed during an early qualifying session. Fortunately for Everett the roll cage and other safety equipment did its job and Everett emerged unharmed.

Racing continues at the Fuchs Winternationals tomorrow. For more information on the event click here.

Image courtesy Fred Dwyer.