This weekend’s Nitro Up North event at the Hidden Valley Drag Strip will host an epic championship finale for the Australian Drag Racing Championship Top Doorslammer and Top Fuel Motorcycle categories, as well as the Burson Auto Parts Australian Top Fuel Championship.
In Top Doorslammer, Kelvin Lyle (636 points) leads the way over 11-time champion John Zappia (521 points), and reigning champion, Daniel Gregorini (458 points).
“It has been a really fantastic season for us and we are so excited to be heading to Darwin’s finale in the box seat to take out the title,” Lyle said.
“Our first win of the season came in Darwin, so if we can go up there and repeat that, that would be just fantastic.
“To raise the championship trophy would be a great honour and something we have worked hard for, and a great way to thank all of those who have helped us along the way, including my crew chief, Stuart Rowland and my entire crew – without all of their support and assistance over the years through thick and thin we wouldn’t be in this position.”
In Top Fuel Motorcycle, Rob Cassar (334 points) has a 47 point buffer over Benny Stevens (287), with Chris Matheson in third place.
“We are looking forward to the championship decider at the Triple Crown in Darwin,” Cassar said.
“With a lead of 47 points, Benny Stevens is hot on my tail with his 287 points to my 334.
“I am just going to go to Darwin doing what I have been doing– being consistent and cutting good lights. I will be trying for some more six-second passes and if everything goes to plan it should all fall into place.
“As the season draws to a close, I would like to say special thanks to my wife Katie for being there for the last 23 years of my racing and thanks to all my crew; my nephew Shaun, the Sobolewskis in Sydney, and our cousins in South Australia.
“I also want to say thank you to all our sponsors who have supported us this season; POWERPLUS Race Fuels, Denso Auto Parts Australia, Force Wear Group, Ballistic Performance Parts, Shinko Tyres Australia, Lucas Oil Nolan X-Lite, EK Race Chains, Lectron Carbs Australia, Firecore50, Andrews Automotives, ABS Moorabbin, Cabworx, and Nitrous Express – I can’t thank you all enough for your continued support.”
Nitro Up North – hosting the final rounds of the 2022/2023 Australian Drag Racing Championship and the 2022/2023 Burson Auto Parts Australian Top Fuel Championship – will be held on Friday June 16 and Saturday June 17 at the Hidden Valley Drag Strip, alongside the Darwin Triple Crown Supercars event being held at the neighbouring Hidden Valley Raceway.
For event information, visit www.topfuelchampionship.com.au
