After a win in Round 1 of the Australian Top Fuel Motorcycle Championship, multiple Australian champion and current record holder Chris Matheson is hoping to back up his Nitro Slam winning performance.

Matheson, a Brisbane based Top Fuel Motorcycle racer, is keen to pick up where he left off at the season opener in Perth and is aiming to extend his Championship lead. 

But with only five meetings at three venues, Matheson feels his Nitro Voodoo team are the outsiders racing at the Western Australian lions lair, with no home track advantage. 

“Last time we travelled to Perth, we took on 11 Perth locals, nearly all Nitro Harley’s in a massive 13 bike field,” he said. 

“Clearly, we are focusing on maintaining our good form, but it won’t be easy.” 

Perth is the home of Nitro Harleys in Australia and a breeding ground of talented, tough racers. Legendary racers including Mark and back-to-back-to-back Championship winner Ian Ashelford, former front runner Kim Stevens and more recently current Champion Mark Drew on his Nitro Harley.

“The last round saw new young blood into the ranks including Les Holden, Wayne McGuinness and Ben Stevens, which is good news for our sport. We need to continue to grow the sport.”

Sporting a “new ride” this season, Matheson says he is feeling more and more comfortable with each outing as he looks to reclaim the title he held for three years in 2010, 2011 and 2012..

“I’m confident with a few more meetings, we will step up to push the front runners and make rounds count. I know from experience, if you want to chase a National Championship, you need to get through as many rounds of racing as you possibly can to accumulate valuable points. Top Qualifier and fastest mph puts the icing on the cake with a win.

“At the end of the season that’s what counts, along the way the limits will be pushed and records will either be re-written or at least threatened as the top guys punch it out to take the points. 

“To go rounds you need a good reliable team that knows the procedures, can think on their feet and have the will to win and I’m fortunate that’s what I have. An armoury of parts and support from sponsors, family and friends also gives you the recipe for gathering points.

“I know how critical it is to start well in a Championship and that we have, however, we need to step it up if we have any chance of progressing through to be real contenders at the important end of season. 

“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. and special thanks to Doug Vancil, Steve and Larry McBride.” 

The next round of the ANDRA Drag Racing Series will be an all nitro affair featuring Rounds 2 and 3 of the Australian Top Fuel Motorcycle Championship and Rounds 1 and 2 of the Australian Top Fuel Championship at Perth Motorplex February 28 – March 2. 

For more details and ticketing information please click here.

Image courtesy: High Octane Photos