New-look Monaro Doorslammer unveiled

Ahead of the first drag racing event at ‘Dragway’ at The Bend Motorsport Park in October, Chevrolet Racing unveiled a Top Doorslammer contender with a new look, but a long history in the sport.

This past August, the team at Chevrolet Racing used the OTR Supersprint Supercars round at The Bend to preview a refreshed Monaro Top Doorslammer drag car that’ll be sponsored by ACDelco and campaigned by Fabietti Racing with Ronnie Palumbo driving.

“The ACDelco all-makes auto parts brand has been involved in the sport of drag racing and with the Fabietti team for 18 years,” said Chris Payne, General Manager Chevrolet Racing.

“It has proven to be an ideal environment to raise local awareness of this global brand and also showcase the comprehensive range of products available, especially to drag racing fans and the automotive trade in particular.

“We’d like to wish the Fabietti Racing team and driver Ronnie Palumbo every success in the coming championship.”

The Monaro Top Doorslammer has a new look, but it’s not a new car, having been a longtime campaigner in its class and a championship winner with Fabietti Racing six years ago.

The car’s return is an homage of sorts to Sam Fenech, who died in an accident while competing in the Chevrolet Racing Camaro Pro Slammer at Willowbank in January. Fenech raced the Monaro Top Doorslammer back in the day and was a close friend of Fabietti Racing principal, Maurice Fabietti.

“The re-emergence of the ACDelco Monaro drag car is a fitting tribute to Sam,” Fabietti explained. 

“His family believe it’s the right thing to do, as that’s what he would have wanted. It’s an appropriate legacy to a sport he loved so much and was himself such a big part of."

Debuting at the Spring Nationals in October, the new-look Monaro made the A Final, but problems for both finalists will see the Goldenstates round in Perth this November determine the winner.