ANFA

With the excitement of seeing 'Psycho III' run a 7.615 at 171.05 at the Nostalgia Drags on 20th November Graeme and Wendy Cowin decided it was time to bring the winged beast back out for a crack at both the 6-second and 200 mph barriers at the December Test & Tune.

The 392 cracked into life and Andrew rolled through the water, cracked the throttle for the burnout and wrestled the short wheel-based bucket as it took off to the left. Once under control, Andrew brought it to a stop, reversed, staged carefully and at the flash of the green was away for a relatively straight run and a great 7.173 at 191.21 mph on the scoreboard.

On the second burnout Andrew held the car pretty straight and it was a good, smokey burnout with the Hemi once again sounding crisp and clean. On the green the car picked both front wheels a few inches, drifted slightly to the right about mid track, straightened up and crossed with a better 7.111 at 195.85.

The air of expectancy was tangible as 'Psycho III' burst into life for its third shot down the Sydney 1320 and again the 392 sounded clean and strong. As the legendary AA/FA reversed to the line after another strong burnout eyes streamed and throats and noses stung from the unburnt 83% dose as it was discharged into the atmosphere. Excitement built, you felt things were right and this was going to become the run. Green...the left front rose a few inches again while the right front skimmed the blacktop, 392 cubes of Cowin-tuned Hemi screamed into the distance, hazing unburnt fuel out the pipes and, as the chutes blossomed and the mill fell silent, the board lit up with the hoped-for numbers...6.991 at 201.22.

Jubilation and euphoria overwhelmed the entire Cowin team, officials and fans alike. Tears of joy and pride in Andrew appeared in Graeme's and Wendy's eyes and it was hugs and kisses all 'round. This whole scene was one of those magic moments that will never be forgotten.

The hoped for 207.85 mph achieved by the original 'Psycho III" wasn't reached this time out, so that is the team's next goal and the way Andrew's handling the short, beautiful, savage monster I don't think we'll be waiting very long before those numbers are bettered.

According to Graeme, "I'm not sure when we'll bring it out again but we'll beat the 207 easily. We still have it set rich, as you could see from the fuel haze through the traps and we didn't hurt a single thing all day.

"As Andrew was slowing down after the first run we blew an oil line off the filter deep in the braking area but there was no load on the engine so no damage was done. As for the rest of the day, all we did was reset the clutch, pack the chutes and top up the fuel after each run. We didn't hurt a single part, didn't even burn a plug and didn't even need to take the rocker covers off. It was just a fantastic day and we hope there'll be a lot more of them."

Considering Graeme and Wendy have only been running nostalgia for just over a year, their commitment to the movement has brought them an enviable list of achievements, namely:

21-11-2010: 6.000 / 234.49 – first 230+ mph nostalgia pass – Andrew Cowin, "Nitro Express' 57 Chev.

21-11-2010: 5.898 / 241.02 – first 5-sec nostalgia pass and first 240+ nostalgia pass –Andrew Cowin.

31-07-2011: Andrew Cowin 5.908 / 235.93 and Shane Olive 6.081 / 226.28 – quickest side-by-side nostalgia pass.

29-10-2011: 7.628 / 153.44 – first 7-sec nostalgia fuel altered – Andrew Cowin, 'Psycho III'.

20-11-2011: 5.775 / 244.43 – first 5.7-sec nostalgia pass, new nostalgia low et and high speed – Andrew Cowin.

20-11-2011: 5.883 / 245.72 – Australia's second 5-sec nostalgia car and new high speed – Shane Olive, 'Fast Company' Plymouth Satellite.

17-12-2011: 7.173 / 191.21 – first 190+ nostalgia fuel altered speed – Andrew Cowin, 'Psycho III'.

17-12-2011: 6.991 / 201.22 – first 6-sec and 200+ mph nostalgia fuel altered – Andrew Cowin, 'Psycho III'.

That's as impressive a list as you're likely to find anywhere. Congratulations to Graeme, Wendy, Andrew, Shane, Ray Zygadlo and every other member of the Rocket team and a heart-felt thank you for your commitment to Aussie drag racing in general and our nostalgia movement in particular. Many of us are re-living our memories and dreams through your efforts.

Courtesy Steve Thomas