Super Comp is widely regarded as the toughest battleground in Aeroflow Sportsman Championship drag racing, where both driver and machine must perform with absolute precision to have any chance of success.
That challenge will be on full display at the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals, where 29 hopeful racers are set to battle for just 16 places in the elimination field.
With such a stacked entry list, qualifying alone will be an achievement and every run will count as competitors fight for a spot on race day.
Among those looking to survive the cut and make a serious impact on the NDRC Aeroflow Sportsman Championship chase is Ipswich’s Jai Schluter and his spectacular wheelstanding Chevrolet Cavalier.
Schluter has stayed true to the childhood passion that first drove him towards drag racing.
Nicknamed “Jumpin’ Jai”, Schluter has spent more than three decades chasing the same adrenaline rush that captivated him as a youngster standing against the fence, watching wheelstanding stick-shift race cars thunder down the strip.
Now preparing for another Gulf Western Oil Winternationals campaign in his Chevrolet Cavalier Super Comp machine, Schluter remains as passionate about drag racing as ever.
“I grew up attending drag racing events with family and friends and always knew I wanted to compete one day,” Schluter said.
“My dad raced an XW GTHO at Surfers Paradise International Raceway in A/Street, and I became fascinated with Super Stock and class racing. Back in the early 1980s, the wheelstanding, high-revving stick-shift cars were the show, and that’s what made me run to the fence. I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”
Schluter got his start behind the wheel at 17 years of age through Operation Drag at Willowbank Raceway and Surfers Paradise International Raceway, before progressing into Super Stock competition in A/MS and H/MP with his standout XC Falcon Hardtop, affectionately known as “Killer Tomata”.
The distinctive Ford delivered plenty of memorable moments, including a victory at the 1998 Nightfire Championships and multiple national records across several classes.
Schluter later campaigned a 1968 Mustang drag-and-drive car, which was also class legal for D/MSA in Super Comp and delivered silverware locally and on the show circuit.
He eventually found his way into the machine he had long admired from afar – a purpose-built Chevrolet Cavalier that had already built an impressive reputation in Australian competition under Dave Muller and Ross Sacre.
“We followed NHRA Comp Eliminator closely and understood that the Super Mod cars were the most advanced combinations in those classes,” Schluter explained.
“Being a fan of the back-half cars, and the /MS and /MP classes especially, the fact these cars predominantly leave the line with the wheels in the air, it was a given we wanted to race these.
“I remember saying to Dave Muller one day that I’d love to own a car like the Cavalier. Eventually, it became available and we were able to buy it.”
The 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier carries a rich history. Originally built by renowned American chassis builder Gary Hansen before being imported to Australia by Dave Muller, the car has claimed numerous national and track records throughout its life.
Under Schluter’s ownership, the car has continued to evolve.
The team enlisted Dylan and Scott Leo from SL Race Fabrications to update the chassis and suspension package, while one of the biggest transformations was converting the car from automatic transmission to a manual setup, featuring a five-speed Liberty gearbox and seven-inch RAM dual clutch behind a 353-cubic-inch small-block Chevrolet.
“We tasked Dylan Leo with fitting that third pedal, because before we owned the car, it had only ever been raced with an automatic transmission,” Schluter explained.
It hasn’t all been smooth racing for the team. Last year’s Nitro Champs ended dramatically at Sydney Dragway when Schluter suffered a high-speed top-end accident.
After contacting the wall twice and spinning multiple times, the Cavalier sustained extensive damage and looked unlikely to return quickly.
Thanks to the efforts of Light Vehicle Solutions and the support of the team, the repairs were completed in just three weeks, allowing the car to return in time for the Winternationals Warm Ups.
For Schluter, perseverance has become a hallmark of a racing career highlighted by numerous national records and one particularly special victory.
“Winning the 2023 Winternationals in Super Comp would have to be one of my proudest achievements,” Schluter said.
While trophies and records are cherished, the real attraction remains the challenge of class racing.
“I love the challenge of going as fast as possible within the rules of the class. Group Two racers are often called the mad scientists of drag racing, and I guess the shoe fits.
“The technical side and constant development are what keep me interested.”
More importantly, racing has become a family affair.
Schluter’s wife, Corrina, has been by his side for 33 years, while daughters Taylah and Bobbie, along with son-in-law Dylan, remain integral parts of the team.
“The successes we’ve had are only possible because of Corrina. She’s the one standing in front of the car every time we go to the line,” Schluter said.
“As everyone knows, these teams are nothing without a great crew, and we have the best group of people around us.”
Like many Aeroflow Sportsman Championship racers balancing work, family and racing budgets, Schluter enters the 2026 NDRC season with realistic expectations.
As a small family operation, the team is targeting a top-five finish in the Super Comp Championship while continuing to develop the Cavalier package.
“We have some aspirations and plans for the future, but until they come to fruition, we will keep them close to our chest,” Schluter hinted.
Before that, however, comes Australia’s biggest drag racing event.
“As Australian drag racers, I think we all look forward to the Winternationals. It’s Australia’s Big Go,” Schluter concluded.
“And a special mention to our major naming rights sponsors, Warren and Deb from Light Vehicle Solutions and Complete Mechanical Moranbah QLD.”
The Gulf Western Oil Winternationals return to Willowbank Raceway from Thursday 4 June to Sunday 7 June 2026, bringing together more than 500 cars and bikes for Australia’s biggest drag racing event.
From BLAHST Top Fuel and XPRO Nitro Funny Car to Junior Dragsters and every national championship class, it will be four huge days of horsepower, side-by-side racing and non-stop action.
Tickets are on sale now, with premium viewing, grandstand seating and “the hill” all available. For more information or to get your tickets, visit nationaldragracing.com.au.
