While the 2023 Nitro Champs might not have gone the way that the Hydraulink Jim Read Racing team might have hoped, the team are steadfast in their commitment to fight to the very end when it comes to the Burson Auto Parts Australian Top Fuel Championship.
The highly decorated team and its three-time championship winning driver, Phil Read, are currently equal second on the title standings with Peter Xiberras; 65 points adrift of title leader, Damian Harris.
Just one more round remains in the 2022/2023 title chase, with the championship to be decided at Nitro Up North at the Hidden Valley Drag Strip across June 16 and 17.
“The Nitro Champs was a great event, with a great crowd – it was a fantastic show that we were proud to be a part of,” Hydraulink Jim Read Racing Crew Chief, Bruce Read, said.
“We absolutely had the performance in the car, and the crew did an amazing job all weekend long, but we unfortunately had a number of part failures which kept catching us out.
“Particularly, the round two run where we had quite a large fire which ultimately ended up seeing us miss the final – we haven’t had a fire like that for years, so it is very out of character for us.
“While in the end we didn’t make the final, I am so very proud of our crew for their hard work. Together we rebuilt the car from the rollcage back under immense time pressure and we had it fired up ready for the final, but unfortunately there was no oil pressure.
“The crew really deserved to have that final run, and to have that oil pressure issue, which was none of their faults, thwart them at the last minute is just unfair and I really felt for them.
“They did such an amazing job to get it there and I was so proud of them when the car started and there wasn’t one leak, it really was a huge effort. So, while things didn’t go our way, my absolute respect and thanks goes to each member of our team, they really gave it their all.”
Hydraulink Jim Read Racing driver, Phil Read, echoed Bruce’s comments.
“The efforts of our team over the weekend were just phenomenal, and we are all so disappointed that we weren’t able to roll out for that final and really put on a show,” Phil said.
“Missing the final of course hasn’t done us any favours in the championship heading into the final round, but we are still in with a chance, and we won’t be giving up.
“We will give it our absolute best shot and hopefully, we can bring home a result for our fans and our valued sponsors.
“We were so pleased to host not only plenty of race fans through the pits on the weekend but also 130 guests from Hydraulink as well as representatives from Snap-on and Valvoline, and their ongoing support and enthusiasm for what we do even when things don’t go exactly the way we want is greatly appreciated.”
As they now cast their eyes forward to Darwin’s final round, the team wants to take a moment to send their well wishes to a fellow member of the wider drag racing family who was unfortunately injured at the weekend.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Hydraulink Jim Read Racing are with the injured crew member and their family,” Bruce said.
The final round of the Burson Auto Parts Australian Top Fuel Championship will be held at the Hidden Valley Drag Strip across June 16 and 17, with Nitro Up North to form part of the official action of the Supercars’ Darwin Triple Crown event on the same weekend. For event information, visit www.topfuelchampionship.com.au
Hydraulink Jim Read Racing is supported on track by Hydraulink, Snap-On, McDonalds, Valvoline, FXD Workwear, PremiAir Hire, Odyssey Batteries, PMP Motorsport Products, Kalitta Motorsports USA, Diamond Pistons, Trend Performance Wrist Pins, Oasis Aquatics, 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
