Chris Matheson endured mechanical issues and a strong challenge from the record setting Mark Drew but that wasn’t enough to stop ‘Matho’ lifting the ANDRA Gold Christmas Tree at the Fuchs Winternationals.
Matheson, multiple Australian Top Fuel Motorcycle Champion, was ecstatic after the win.
“My Team are the best in the game,” he said. “They never gave up, we broke a lot of gear from testing the weekend before, all the way to the final on race day, I guess that’s just ‘Nitro’.
“It’s a great result for me personally and the team, as this time last year, I was still recovering from a high speed crash (370kph) in Sydney. To come here and win against the best Australia has to offer is very encouraging in our quest to get back to where we were before the accident.
“The weather, track conditions and a huge crowd were just the deserved reward to the staff and officials at Willowbank Raceway, especially following rain conditions in previous years.”
A field of nine Top Fuel Motorcycles entered, but that was quickly reduced after many teams suffered irreparable damage from qualifying.
The Nitro Voodoo Team struggled all weekend with mechanical issues, but got the win when it counted against giant killer Graeme Morrell in the final with a 6.374 to a 12.441.
Matheson added he was grateful to James Noonan and his staff of NRE (Noonan Race Engineering) for repairing a damaged cylinder head, in time for the main event.
“People don’t realise without the support from behind the scenes, experts such as NRE, we just don’t get down the track.
“I am looking forward to the next round at Hidden Valley, Darwin next month, as we continue little steps to regain our Championship winning mojo.”
Image courtesy: Dragphotos.com.au