After starting on a high winning Round One of the ANDRA Drag Racing Series in Top Fuel Motorcycle earlier this year, multiple Australian Champion and current national record holder Chris Matheson has came back to Earth with a thud.
“We basically didn’t score any points in the double header at Round 2 and 3 in Perth, with the issues we had,” said Matheson.
“First Qualifier we had a fuel shut off fail on the pass, causing the motor to run at about 50% RPM, not good! Due to the engine driving, it over heated the clutch, setting fire to the wiring loom and main airline harness under the bike. That in turn caused numerous other kick on problems, which forced us out for the two day, two round meeting.”
Matheson acknowledges that mathematically, it’s difficult now to run for the number one plate in the championship, but he won’t concede the title just yet with every ounce of energy going into clawing back some points from the two front runners Mark Drew and Chris Porter respectively.
“We were scheduled to run the Santos Super 3 Extreme meeting at Willowbank over the Easter weekend as an exhibition, however, it was rained out. Instead, we totally re-wired and aired the bike, in readiness for the upcoming Nitro Champs in May.
“Everything has to be right, if you are serious about running at the top level. We still have two rounds remaining over the next couple of months and anything can happen when you’re racing these nitro bikes.”
Even with only six passes on the bike since debuting the Jack Hammer in late 2014, the Nitro Voodoo team are confident they are on top of the clutch and tune up, they just have to get the laps under their belts and go rounds.
“Our short times are as quick as the bike has ever gone, not forgetting the bike was a multiple Championship winning machine in the USA and held the Nitro Harley World ET Record up until recently at 6.220 at over 230 mph,” explained Matheson.
“The short times of 1.1 seconds, 60ft are good for the V-Twins, as they take a bit to get going off the line, due to the low engine revs, normally around 2500 RPM. Once they get going they really stretch their legs in the back half of the track.
“Sydney Dragway has been a great Track for us in the past, we have had many wins there, including three Nitro Champs, three Australian Nationals and re-set our own Track Record on our Multi Cylinder Bike on a number of occasions.
“We aim to win and collect more points to better our position from our current third place in the Australian Championship.
“The Jack Hammer Crew are really keen to make amends for the poor result at Perth and are looking forward to seeing the fans in Sydney.
“Thank you once again to our Sponsors and Supporters; GT Radiators & Machining, WebCam, Rocket Industries, CRC Industries, PDS Graphics, Kitten Car Care Products, BlackAdda, Hi-Side Leathers, Boninfante Friction Inc. Special thanks to Doug Vancil, Steve and Larry McBride.”
The Nitro Champs will be held at Sydney Dragway May 2-3. Nine Top Fuel and eight Top Fuel Motorcycle teams will battle it out for nitro glory alongside the full roster of ANDRA Drag Racing Series and Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series brackets.
For more information including ticket prices and entry list, please click here.
Image courtesy: Luke Nieuwhof / Drag News Australia