(October 11, 2021) Just over a week ago, current Australian Top Fuel Motorcycle Champion Chris Matheson and John Zahra, put on a crowd-pleasing, nitro-burning grudge face-off at Palmyra Dragway’s PDRC Rd 5 event on October 2nd.
Matheson travelled some 12 hours from his base in Brisbane to attend the event to help raise funds and awareness of men’s mental health.
“On arrival John and I walked the track and shutdown area as we always do before any event. The entire facility and track presented first class and was a credit to the track staff, officials, and volunteers.
“We set up in readiness for Friday night’s two test runs scheduled for around 6 pm, however, a heavy downpour put an end to that,” said Matheson.
Saturday was a beautiful sunny day; however, the heat and humidity were going to be a big challenge.
“John knew the track and had run there on many occasions as it’s his home track.”
Both teams were set up under a large marquee so there was plenty of banter all weekend.
“After a quick check of the track, the temp was 147 degrees so we dialled in a tune, and went out for a shakedown pass. This was also a test for our new Fuel Tech 1500 FT spark ignition so we were keen to get on with it,” said Matheson.
“The bike cracked open in the burnout and came to life despite the 90 plus percent humidity. We wiggled around on the hot track and towed back to prepare for the next run. John hazed the rear tyre towards the finish-line, but made a good pass.”
After a short opening ceremony and some encouraging words from the local Mayor, Zahra and Matheson blasted down the track, thrilling the fans on the spectator hill.
Unfortunately, the next pass was to be the last as Matheson made heavy impact into the wall at high speed which put an end to racing.
Despite the early stop to the proceeding, both Matheson, Zahra and the officials where happy with the show and ticked off the event as a great success for both the track and local community.
Matheson is recovering from his injuries and will be ready for the next event.
END
