THE fire will be in the belly for David Priolo when he contests the WA Sprintcar Championship at the Perth Motorplex this Saturday night.

Despite being one of the form drivers in recent years Priolo has only claimed the championship once - back in the 2009-10 season and given he is now in the twilight of his career - another WA title win is on the radar.

To most drivers this Saturday night’s event is much more than a championship race - it’s a chance to pay tribute to a man who has given so much to the sport over five decades and has provided the internationally-recognised John Day push utes, that over that time, have become a show within the show.

The General’s orange utes will take pride of place in the first John Day tribute show to be held since John’s passing earlier this year.

Priolo, who painted his car in John Day colours as a tribute a few years ago, wants this race win bad….real bad.

“John Day is an icon of our sport,” Priolo said.

“What he has done over the 50 plus years and dedicating himself to the sport is unbelievable.

“To be able to pay tribute to him is something that I would really like to do by winning his event.

“He was a friend of mine and look it was very sad when we lost him and I definitely miss chatting to him at the track.

“To replace that I am sure if I got across the line I know he would be looking down on me and it would be a great victory celebration.”

Priolo is part of a strong field to contest Saturday night’s championship race at an event that also features the TW Mechanical 360 Sprinters, Quest Apartments Late Models, Harris Engines Wingless Sprints and another round of the Carbusters Demolition Derby.

Qualifying starts at 4.55pm with the main event from 6pm.