Hydraulink Jim Read Racing rolled out at Dragway at The Bend on Friday to much fanfare courtesy of their striking livery promoting the Snap-on Socket to Breast Cancer campaign, but sadly, this would be the highlight of their weekend.
After a successful test run on Friday, the first pass of the day on Saturday saw Phil Read suffer a fire in the show-stopping black and pink Top Fuel dragster, suffering overwhelming damage to the car.
While the team hustled non-stop after getting the dragster back to the pits to be able to fire-up by the end of Sunday afternoon’s proceedings, they were unable to get back on the track, much to their chagrin.
Reflecting on the incident, Hydraulink Jim Read Racing Crew Chief says while utterly disappointed in what has occurred, what followed has highlighted to him just how tight-knit and supportive the Top Fuel field is when it comes to the crunch.
“We are all competitors of course, but when the chips are down, we are all there for each other, and this weekend really showed that,” Bruce Read said.
“Santino always says we are all family, and he, Santo Jnr, and the entire Rapisarda Autosport International team as well as Phil Lamattina and the Lamattina Top Fuel Racing Team really lived up to that premise over the past couple of days.
“They both threw open their transporters to us to do all we could to get this car back together in the face of catastrophic damage, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
“We carry a truck load of spares, plenty of everything you could ever expect to need, but this fire was so comprehensive that we lost things that you never expect to lose such as seat belts, the seat, carbon fibre brackets, the list goes on and on, as well as all the usual things you would expect to be damaged.
“No one carries a seat, so while we were able to get it back together and fire it up by the end of Sunday, we couldn’t go out onto the track, which always hurts – we want to put on a show for the fans, and we are here raising awareness for Socket to Breast Cancer, so of course we are bitterly disappointed.
“But at the same time, our hearts are also warmed by the camaraderie and family spirit we have felt this weekend from our fellow Top Fuel teams, and we cannot thank them enough.
“I also must mention our hard-working crew – each and every member of Hydraulink Jim Read Racing dug deep over the last three days and I am forever in awe of their commitment and their passion. We can’t do this without them and I cannot thank them enough.”
Three-time Top Fuel champion and Snap-on ambassador, Phil Read, backed up his brother’s comments.
“Absolutely this fire has been a massive set-back for us and the damage has just been pervasive,” Phil Read said.
“Having said that, Friday, and also Saturday and Sunday, have been all about perspective.
“We proudly carry the colours of the Snap-on Tools Socket to Breast Cancer campaign on our Jim Read Racing dragster, and we rolled out here this weekend keen to make a difference for those suffering from Breast Cancer through fundraising for the McGrath Foundation and raising awareness.
“Yes the damage to our dragster and our morale is substantial, but we know that in the grand scheme of things, there are people in life battling breast cancer each day who are facing obstacles far more substantial than what we have faced in the pits this weekend.
“While we were unable to return to the track, we knuckled down and did all we could to bring it back together, while dedicating our weekend to those who continue to fight the good fight against this evil disease and continuing to do all we could to encourage as many donations as possible.
“Like Bruce, I want to take a moment to thank Santino, Santo Jnr, Santo and the entire RAI team as well as Lamattina Top Fuel Racing for what they have done for us this weekend to allow us to rebuild, and to all of our fans, fellow racers, and our sponsors for checking in with us and showing us their support.”
To learn more about the Socket to Breast Cancer campaign or to donate directly, visit www.pinkisthecolour.com.au/fundraisers/snapon
Hydraulink Jim Read Racing will next be on-track for the season-ending Nitro Nationals at Sydney Dragway on November 8. For event information, visit www.ndrc.tv
Hydraulink Jim Read Racing is supported on track by Hydraulink, Snap-On, FXD Workwear, Valvoline, McDonalds, Comp Cams, PremiAir Hire, Odyssey Batteries, PMP Motorsport Products, Oasis Aquatics, Oasis Heat Pumps, Speed Gas, Spa Electric Pool Lighting, Ezarri Tiles, and Pacific Pools. The team also thanks Richard Smith and Grant Stephens for their assistance with photography services. To learn more about Hydraulink Jim Read Racing, visit https://www.facebook.com/JimReadRacing
Hydraulink Jim Read Racing rolled out at Dragway at The Bend on Friday to much fanfare courtesy of their striking livery promoting the Snap-on Socket to Breast Cancer campaign, but sadly, this would be the highlight of their weekend.
After a successful test run on Friday, the first pass of the day on Saturday saw Phil Read suffer a fire in the show-stopping black and pink Top Fuel dragster, suffering overwhelming damage to the car.
While the team hustled non-stop after getting the dragster back to the pits to be able to fire-up by the end of Sunday afternoon’s proceedings, they were unable to get back on the track, much to their chagrin.
Reflecting on the incident, Hydraulink Jim Read Racing Crew Chief says while utterly disappointed in what has occurred, what followed has highlighted to him just how tight-knit and supportive the Top Fuel field is when it comes to the crunch.
“We are all competitors of course, but when the chips are down, we are all there for each other, and this weekend really showed that,” Bruce Read said.
“Santino always says we are all family, and he, Santo Jnr, and the entire Rapisarda Autosport International team as well as Phil Lamattina and the Lamattina Top Fuel Racing Team really lived up to that premise over the past couple of days.
“They both threw open their transporters to us to do all we could to get this car back together in the face of catastrophic damage, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
“We carry a truck load of spares, plenty of everything you could ever expect to need, but this fire was so comprehensive that we lost things that you never expect to lose such as seat belts, the seat, carbon fibre brackets, the list goes on and on, as well as all the usual things you would expect to be damaged.
“No one carries a seat, so while we were able to get it back together and fire it up by the end of Sunday, we couldn’t go out onto the track, which always hurts – we want to put on a show for the fans, and we are here raising awareness for Socket to Breast Cancer, so of course we are bitterly disappointed.
“But at the same time, our hearts are also warmed by the camaraderie and family spirit we have felt this weekend from our fellow Top Fuel teams, and we cannot thank them enough.
“I also must mention our hard-working crew – each and every member of Hydraulink Jim Read Racing dug deep over the last three days and I am forever in awe of their commitment and their passion. We can’t do this without them and I cannot thank them enough.”
Three-time Top Fuel champion and Snap-on ambassador, Phil Read, backed up his brother’s comments.
“Absolutely this fire has been a massive set-back for us and the damage has just been pervasive,” Phil Read said.
“Having said that, Friday, and also Saturday and Sunday, have been all about perspective.
“We proudly carry the colours of the Snap-on Tools Socket to Breast Cancer campaign on our Jim Read Racing dragster, and we rolled out here this weekend keen to make a difference for those suffering from Breast Cancer through fundraising for the McGrath Foundation and raising awareness.
“Yes the damage to our dragster and our morale is substantial, but we know that in the grand scheme of things, there are people in life battling breast cancer each day who are facing obstacles far more substantial than what we have faced in the pits this weekend.
“While we were unable to return to the track, we knuckled down and did all we could to bring it back together, while dedicating our weekend to those who continue to fight the good fight against this evil disease and continuing to do all we could to encourage as many donations as possible.
“Like Bruce, I want to take a moment to thank Santino, Santo Jnr, Santo and the entire RAI team as well as Lamattina Top Fuel Racing for what they have done for us this weekend to allow us to rebuild, and to all of our fans, fellow racers, and our sponsors for checking in with us and showing us their support.”
To learn more about the Socket to Breast Cancer campaign or to donate directly, visit www.pinkisthecolour.com.au/fundraisers/snapon
Hydraulink Jim Read Racing will next be on-track for the season-ending Nitro Nationals at Sydney Dragway on November 8. For event information, visit www.ndrc.tv
Hydraulink Jim Read Racing is supported on track by Hydraulink, Snap-On, FXD Workwear, Valvoline, McDonalds, Comp Cams, PremiAir Hire, Odyssey Batteries, PMP Motorsport Products, Oasis Aquatics, Oasis Heat Pumps, Speed Gas, Spa Electric Pool Lighting, Ezarri Tiles, and Pacific Pools. The team also thanks Richard Smith and Grant Stephens for their assistance with photography services. To learn more about Hydraulink Jim Read Racing, visit https://www.facebook.com/JimReadRacing
