ROCKET INDUSTRIES ANNUAL HOT ROD OPEN DAY

[Darrell Conrad]

ROCKET INDUSTRIES ANNUAL HOT ROD OPEN DAY
Nov 21, 2009 – Blacktown NSW, Australia

What might possibly have been Australia’s first ever Cacklefest took place at the Rocket Industries Annual Hot Rod Open Day on Nov 21, 2009? It was a day to celebrate not only the aftermarket Performance industry but the Hot Rod / Street Machine culture in Australia as well. In addition to an amazing array of high performance vehicles from A to Z, there was live entertainment, lots of great food, drink and good old down under fun in the summer sun!

In a serious display of raw horsepower, mingled between a handful of blown alky dragsters was Ross Preen along with his wife Jude and their recently restored “Banshee” Front Engine Dragster. Not only were they out there participating in the festivities, they were promoting the Nostalgia Drags at WSID the following day.

Throughout the event Ross and crew brought the “Banshee” to life and giving individuals like Aaron Savaro (pictured below) the experience of a lifetime behind the butterfly of this historic masterpiece!

Australia’s best known AA/FC pilot Graeme Cowin (and Rocket Industries owner) debuted his recreated “Psycho 3” Fuel Altered which was absolutely perfect to the original he campaigned in 1973 (see photo below).

Also pictured below is Ross Preen, his wife Jude and Walt Rhoades.

Thanks again Ross for sharing your special day with AAFD News and the FED fans world wide!

Darrell & Pam


Special thanks to Fred Dwyer at Flat Pick Photography for allowing us to use his photos.




Ross Preen, his wife Jude and Walt Rhoades




Ross Preen's old friend Col Shields is taking his turn behind the wheel of the "Banshee".



They say the first time is the best... Aaron Savaro (of Orange) was totally blown away by his first Nitro Cackle. After all was said and done he elected to sit a while and take it all in!




Graeme Cowin's perfectly re-popped "Psycho 3" Fuel Altered!







Psycho 3 as it was in 1973...