Joe Khoury has been chasing a national championship for more than a decade, and at the ANDRA Grand Finals at the Perth Motorplex in April, he finally achieved his dream by claiming the 2022/2023 Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Australian Championship for Competition Bike.

How did you get into drag racing?

It all started for me at street meetings 20 years ago.

Now that some time has passed, has it sunk in that you are the 2022/2023 National Champion?

Yes, it has, especially when people are still congratulating you.

Above and at top, Joe Khoury (Credit: High Octane Photos)

What does it mean to you to have achieved the championship?

It is something we all strive for; we all want to be our best. People say you race for the fun, but deep down we all want to be a champion. I am very happy to have won. It is always a nice feeling to be able to say you are number one!

How long have you been pursuing the championship, and how does it feel now to have achieved it?

I would say I have been chasing it seriously for about 10 years. I have won track championships but never a national championship, I even came runner-up a while back, but this is my first national win and it is great, and as the good old saying goes, now the monkey is off my back!

What are your plans for the upcoming season?

I would like to chase the title again, but unfortunately work commitments are making it hard. So I will do the meetings I can and hope for the best.

Why do you choose to compete in the Competition Bike category?

I like the Chicago Shootout format. I also like racing to an index and stepped up from Modified Bike dial your own racing two years ago.

Joe Khoury (Automotive Event Images)

What was your favourite event of the 2022/2023 season and why?

I would have to say the ANDRA Grand Final at the Perth Motorplex. I love racing in front of big crowds.

What was the highlight of your season aside from taking out the title?

Every race meeting is a highlight. Especially when you win or come runner up at those meetings.

Who would you like to thank for the roles they have played in your title season?

My sponsors: K&S Autosports in Southport Queensland, VP Racing Fuels Australia, Johnny’s Hog Shop in Hoppers Crossing Victoria, and my own Business, Joe Khoury Motorcycle Transport.

My crew: Evan McCann, Dylan Wales and Johnny Ireland.

My racing travel brothers: Edge Mallis (Comp Bike), and Sean Ricketts and Brian Alvisio (Mod Bike)

 

For the complete listing of ANDRA champions, please click here