Hydraulink Jim Read Racing has claimed third in the 2022/2023 Burson Auto Parts Australian Top Fuel Championship amidst a difficult final round at the Hidden Valley Drag Strip at the weekend.
As always, the crowd at Nitro Up North was packed, with the event held as part of the Supercars’ Darwin Triple Crown festivities.
With tricky conditions, a large number of racers struggled to get down the track, but Hydraulink Jim Read Racing never gave up in trying their absolute best to bring home some valuable final championship points.
“Nitro Up North is a great event, the crowd was awesome, and the weather was beautiful, especially for those us from down South, but the conditions were certainly tricky out there for everyone,” Hydraulink Jim Read Racing Crew Chief, Bruce Read, said.
“The track guys did the absolute best they could do with the time that they had, and it was the same conditions for everyone.
“We also had an electrical malfunction early in the event which we were continually battling throughout, and that last final run for us was certainly spectacular for anyone watching on the stream,” he said, speaking of driver Phil Read’s 4.160 second pass at 359.51 miles per hour which was punctuated by a mid-track explosion and a cooked tyre.
“All of that aside, to claim third in what is a highly competitive championship is something we are proud of. Of course, we would have liked to be further up, but Top Fuel drag racing is notoriously challenging and we know that we gave it absolutely everything we had.
“Our crew is awesome and the support of our sponsors and fans is just without compare, and we are already looking forward to coming back next season and kicking off a new pursuit for the Stan Sainty Cup.
“In the meantime, congratulations to Damien Harris and the Rapisardas on their title win, and to Peter Xiberras on taking the runner-up spot and also the Nitro Up North victory.”
Driver Phil Read was disappointed with how the event concluded, but quick to thank all involved.
“If you can’t be good, be spectacular, right?” Phil Read said after the fiery conclusion to his weekend.
“It is just one of those things – sometimes you have a real difficult weekend, and it has certainly been difficult for us this weekend, but we threw everything at it, and I couldn’t be more proud of our crew for their efforts.
“Thank you to Hydraulink, Valvoline, Snap-On, McDonalds, FXD Workwear, PremiAir Hire, Odyssey Batteries, PMP Motorsport Products, Diamond Pistons, Trend Performance Wrist Pins, Oasis Aquatics, Oasis Heat Pumps, Speed Gas, Spa Electric Pool Lighting and Pacific Pools, to all of our wonderful sponsors – we greatly appreciate their support this season and while we didn’t get the result we wanted in Darwin, I am sure we will be on the highlights reel!
“Here is hoping we can come back next season and bring home an even bigger trophy to thank our supporters, our fans and our crew!”
Hydraulink Jim Read Racing is supported on track by Hydraulink, Valvoline, Snap-On, McDonalds, FXD Workwear, PremiAir Hire, Odyssey Batteries, PMP Motorsport Products, Diamond Pistons, Trend Performance Wrist Pins, Oasis Aquatics, Oasis Heat Pumps, Speed Gas, Spa Electric Pool Lighting and Pacific Pools. The team also thanks Richard Smith for his assistance with photography services. To learn more about Hydraulink Jim Read Racing, visit https://www.facebook.com/JimReadRacing
