Team Name - United Tools 63 Corvette
Driver: "Big Russ" Pavey
Crew Chief: Ken Lowe
Crew name and position: Brett Roberts - Engine LH side, parachutes
Crew name and position: Mark Bourke - Engine RH side, wheelie bars, tires
Crew name and position: Pete Richards - Clutch, transmission
Sponsor: Our major sponsor is United Tools, an Australia wide group of
52 specialist power tool stores. To see all they have to offer or a store
nearest to you, go to www.unitedtools.com.au.
Associate Sponsors: Lowe Fuel Systems - specialists in constant flow mechanical
injection for all sorts of applications. Run by Ken Lowe, Ken has a lifetime
of knowledge and experience that has made his name in professional drag
racing. Ring him on 0411 699 535
Paint Depot - a Gold Coast based paint supplier that specialises in automotive
paints and panel shop supplies. Ring them on 07 55 911 922
History of the driver
Russ has a life long passion for cars and drag racing. His early efforts
were all street cars that he raced in the early nineties. In 1996 built
his first "serious" drag race car, an XE falcon, with the help
of his friends. The car was a mild steel tube frame, fibreglass front, doors
and boot and powered by a big block Ford engine. Russ enjoyed racing the
car and featured in the top ten nationally each year that he raced Super
Sedan.
In 2001, the plan to go much faster was hatched and work started on a 1955
Morris Minor. The Morrie was fitted with a blown Keith Black Hemi engine,
Lenco transmission and required a completely custom body. The unique body
took many months of difficult and slow sculpting and tested Russell's resolve
to finish the car. Russ persisted and the car was debuted in 2004. The Morrie
was a hit with the fans who loved the wild looks and "on the edge"
handling. The Morrie was fast with regular six second runs and a 6.76@206
best.
In 2007, Russ decided to join the other professionals in Top Doorslammer.
Russ built the 63 Corvette with the help of his friends using a Vanishing
point chassis kit and a BSR fibreglass body. The Corvette debuted the following
year using the engine and transmission from the Morrie. The mid six second
runs were no match for the class so Mark Brew from Proforce Motorsports
helped out with sourcing the right parts for a competitive engine. Ken Lowe
put together a safe and reliable fuel system and the team has enjoyed moderate
success while learning to tame a 3000 horsepower beast. The Corvette has
run a number of 6.0 passes with 1/8 mile best of 3.97@190.