Stamatis appeared to come from no where last season, teaming up with the champion Jim Read Racing outfit to race at the last two rounds of the series where he ran a best time of 4.83sec.

In truth the 51 year old software business owner has a long history in drag racing including experience racing dragsters and doing computer work on the Greene Machine Nitro Funny Car.

Stamatis is now competing again in a state of the art nitro-fuelled dragster and after getting his licence and some competitive experience under the belt this season he is aiming to be at the forefront of the category.

"It was a bit of an education starting again," he said. "But after we solved some problems to do with a difficult driving position we were able to make our licensing passes which at 4.8sec. we believe to be the quickest in Australia."

Stamatis took part in the Nitro Champs event in Sydney in May where he got to the semi final. This was followed by the Winternationals in June where unfortunately he went out in the first round to Australian champion and team mate Phil Read.

Readying for his first full season, Stamatis can not wait to reach his home round in Perth in February.

"We tried desperately to be ready for the round earlier this year but it wasn't to be, you can't rush these things," he said. "It's going to be my favourite round for sure."

Stamatis will be alongside friend Allan Dobson who is also competing for the whole series with team owner Santo Rapisarda.

"I want to beat Dobbo to become the quickest and fastest West Australian," he said, building up the friendly rivalry. "Two West Australians in Top Fuel is a first."

Stamatis said he missed not having his own team based in WA, but he had been very happy with the service from his New South Wales-based crew.

"They are a rookie crew but they are servicing the car in record time between races," he said. "It made sense to have the car over there. I'm very comfortable with my crew chief Rob Cavagnino, he takes a very analytical approach to his racing. And there are no team orders either, when I had to race Phil (Read) at the Winternationals, Jim came over and told me to kick his butt."

"I'm itching to get back in the seat," said Stamatis.