The 2018 MacTrack Westernationals was certainly an event that had plenty of nail-biting excitement, especially in the 400 Thunder Championship Pro classes. For Chris Matheson, the current Top Bike champ came into the event with a to-do list and was hopeful of ticking a few boxes.
Looking to improve on his recent 6.10 ET performance from the previous round in Sydney, Matheson had his sights on breaking the current Perth Motorplex Top Bike track ET record held by Jay Upton at 6.11. It’s the only major track missing from his list and with limited opportunities to make an attempt, he wanted it bad!
The Perth track is one of his favourites on the championship tour because it always brings together a strong field of local riders. As he was the only interstate entry, Matheson knew he had a big target on his back.
“Western Australia has always given me some of the best competition,” said Matheson. “For me the better it is, the harder I play.
“The last time I was here was in 2016 for the Nitro Max event. It was held over two days and ran under the three-round format. I won the B Final on Saturday with a 6.33 ET, and the following day put away Mark Drew in the A-Final with a 6.35 ET.
“While Mark had some issues in the last Sydney round, he’s tough and always bounces back quickly. I was also excited to see Jay Upton in the mix, as he was showing lots of performance potential during pre-event testing. Along with the other riders, I knew I needed to be on my game.
“The weather was brilliant, and the track was in good shape thanks to the staff and officials. In the first session, I was paired up with Jay. This was something that a lot of people were pumped to see, creating plenty of hype. Unfortunately for me I broke a sprag in my gearbox and wasn’t going anywhere fast. Despite the best efforts from the crew, we missed the second session.”
In the final qualifier, Drew came into the session holding the top spot with a 6.69 ET. Matheson snatched it off him briefly with a 6.667-time slip, before Drew returned serve with a 6.63.
With seven bikes in the field, Drew scored the bye run in the first round of eliminations and ripped off a 6.61. Matheson then lined up against Les Holden in what was a nail-biter from the start.
“On the launch, the bike went into tyre spin and broke my primary belt, leaving me stranded with no power,” said Matheson. Les Holden looked to be on his way to certain victory when he crossed the centerline and was automatically disqualified.
“I couldn’t believe it. That was a get out of jail card right there.”
In the semifinals, the ‘Nitro Voodoo’ magic started working with a 6.32 defeating McGuinness, while Drew defeated Greg Durack with a 6.83.
The final saw Drew out the gate first but Matheson’s bike started hauling and went on to take the win with a quick 6.15 ET to a 6.66.
“I had a lot of bad luck in qualifying and good luck when it counted. Had Les not crossed the centre line in the first round, I would have been packing up early. I’d also like to congratulate Mark for giving me a good race in the final.
“I was lucky, but I’ll take it anyway it comes. My crew worked hard and got me back in the zone.
“Overall it’s been a great weekend and while the win has extended my points lead, it’s still too early to talk about championships. The bike is still lazy in the front half of the track but I’m confident we will sort it out and get back on the pace.”
The next round of the 400 Thunder Top Bike Championship will be at Willowbank Raceway on March 30 for Santo’s Super Thunder.
– Media release
