January 16, 2019: Australia’s No.1 Top Fuel Champion has been notably quiet
since his spinal injury at last November’s East Coast Thunder championship
round.
Matheson injured his spine on his first pass at
Sydney Dragway and was sidelined from further competition in Sydney.
The defending Top Bike champion made the final
at Rd 1 last July at Darwin’s Hidden Valley, only to not pick up any points at
the Sydney round in November.
This is a tough sport that shows no mercy,” said
Matheson. One day you can be on top and the next fall down the ladder.
Matheson lines up this weekend in Sydney hopeful
to resurrect his points chase as he focuses on an unpreceded sixth national Top
Bike title.
Matheson said he has been climbing the walls
literally trying to recuperate to the point where his spine can withstand the
forces and challenges a nitro-burning 1500 horsepower Top Fuel Motorcycle
represents.
“Certainly, the heart and mind are fine,
however, the body is not as it was,” said Matheson. The Queenslander is
confident he and his Nitro Voodoo crew will put up a fight and hopefully
provide some stiff competition.
“I’m super excited coming into Sydney as we have
eight bikes in the field. That’s a first in our bracket for some time,” said
Matheson. We are seeing a resurgence of Top Fuel motorcycle racing worldwide,
and the effects are flowing through to Australia.
“This weekend we have six four-cylinder bikes,
and two V-Twin Harley-Davidsons. Normally it’s the four-cylinder bikes that are
outnumbered by Harley’s.
“Last round we saw the return of Jay Upton, and
the final was a classic between Gavin Spann and local rider Adam Layton. I know
that Gavin wasn’t planning to attend this event, but he’s got some championship
points in the bank now, so I’m sure he will be pushing hard for another win.
Layton, on the other hand, is nudging closer to the breaking the Australian
V-Twin national record, and weather permitting he just may well do it this
weekend,” said Matheson.
“Newcomer John Zahra has made the long trip from
North Queensland early to get in some test runs, which brings another fast bike
to the mix.
Matheson said,” We hold the track record at
Sydney Dragway at 6.07 and will aim to re-set it this weekend, providing we can
hook up and go. The weather no doubt is going to be tricky with high temps on
Friday, however, Saturday is looking more comfortable in the high 20s.
Matheson will be attending the Santo’s Summer
Thunder Media Launch and Fan Day on Thursday (January 17th) at
Blacktown Civic Plaza. The event starts at 12 noon and finishes at 2 pm. On
display will be one of the Rapisarda Autosport International Top Fuel
dragsters, the AC Delco Pro Slammer, and Top Fuel Harley-Davidson of Adam
Layton Motorsports.
Come and say hi with LIVE streaming, ticket
giveaways and autograph signing.
Later that night the Australia Top Bike Group,
along with Sydney Dragway will be hosting a welcome BBQ for all racers and crew
at the Santo’s Summer Thunder event. “We did this last November in Sydney and
it was quite successful, explained Matheson.
“The purpose was to bring together racers for a
relaxed social get together before the big race. So please drop over at 8 pm
for a cold drink and a bite to eat. The BBQ will be located at the front of the
pits near the Sydney Dragway scrutineering shed. Hope to see you there.
Follow Chris and like his Nitro Voodoo Top Fuel
motorcycle on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/chrismathesonracing/
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