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“Aussie Dave” Grubnic Q&A

Written by Josh Katinger · June 3, 2005

Photo: NHRA

Ypsilanti, Mich. - Zantrex-3 Top Fuel dragster driver and native Australian “Aussie Dave” Grubnic, 42, got an emotional and historic first NHRA national event win of his 11-year career Sunday in Topeka, Kans. The perpetually enthusiastic fan-favorite became the first non-North American to win an NHRA Top Fuel event. Now third-place holder in Top Fuel championship points Grubnic took a few minutes in this Q&A session to reflect on “the win” and the events that have transpired in the past few days.


Q: Has “the win” soaked in or are you still in somewhat of a state of shock?

A: Yes, it has soaked in. The main feeling was relief to finally get that first win out of the way. Don’t get me wrong though, I’ve still have a huge grin on my face. I normally have one of those though, but I think it’s a bit bigger right now.

Q: Your confidence was at an all-time high before and during the event in Topeka. Why was that?

A: Well, I was mad at myself. My driving lately hasn’t been the greatest. I caused some controversy that should never have happened with the red lights against Doug (Kalitta, teammate and Top Fuel points leader). Believe me; I was going to do what ever I could to make up for that to my Zantrex-3 guys and to myself. When all that red light nonsense was going on, everyone automatically assumed that it was intentional. Nobody stopped to think, “Hey, could the Aussie just be screwing up?” which was exactly what was happening. I had something going on in my head that I had to get rid of. That’s why in Topeka I was saying to myself and to anyone that would listen that I was not going to lose this race. Someone might beat me, but I was not going to lose it.

Q: Was there discord on your team after the red lights in Bristol and Atlanta? Does winning rectify that?

A: There were some unhappy people and rightfully so. We’re a team though. Just like in the stick-and-ball sports, you have to play as a team and work together toward one goal

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