Bettes fastest on opening night Summer Thunder

Kelly Bettes pic: Grant Stephens/Cackling Pipes

Top Fuel rookie Kelly Bettes has set the fastest time on the opening night of Santo’s Summer Thunder at Sydney Dragway.

Bettes made the fastest pass of the night during her first run, a 3.87s effort at over 494km/h.

New Year’s Thunder winner Peter Xiberras was next best with a 3.98s pass, from reigning national champion Wayne Newby (4.02s).

Rapisarda Autosport’s Damien Harris and American Ashley Sanford were fourth and fifth respectively, followed by Terry Sainty and Phil Read.

John Zappia topped Pro Slammer with a 5.65s at 408km/h, while Top Bike pace was set by Chris Matheson’s very early shutoff 6.45s, and Pro Alcohol by Wayne Price with a 5.79s.

Santo’s Summer Thunder, Round 4 of the 400 Thunder series, wraps up tonight.