Australia’s quickest man on two wheels has been quietly working behind the scenes with his team to perfect his Nitro Voodoo Top Fuel Motorcycle.
“We have had a couple of wins in the 400 Thunder Championship and are leading the points, however our real focus is ET,” said Matheson. “We have been experimenting with a number of combinations over the last couple of seasons – none of them really working that well – so we plan to go back to what we know is proven and step up from there.”
The Santo’s Super Thunder event on April 14 is one of Matheson’s favourite events, and Willowbank Raceway is home of his best elapsed time.
“It is a short format – the crowds love the format – and it makes the racers step it up to get a chance at the win,” he said. “We have run some good numbers in the past at Willowbank – 6.04 at 241mph – and it has been the scene of a number of championship wins for our team.”
“Our best ET result in the last twelve months has been a 6.14 sec, a tenth off our current national record. It is frustrating at times, but you know your next run could be a record pass and that’s what keeps the eam motivated to push through the countless hours of work away from the track.”
Matheson knows the bike’s potential has yet to be realised.
“We have improved the bike out of sight in the last few years, however its real potential hasn’t been unlocked as yet – but it will,” he said. “Traditionally in April, the track and the conditions are good, we usually have plenty of rubber on the track and the air is ideal.”
The team expect a strong field at Super Thunder, as we see racers starting to focus on the season finale Winternationals in June, just two rounds away. This year will be the 50th running of the iconic Winternationals, which will ensure it will be a huge event.
Matheson thanks his sponsors and supporters GT Radiators & Machining, Kitten Car Care Products, CRC, Rocket Industries, Performance Wholesale, WebCam, PDS Graphics, Worldwide Bearings, Hi-Side Leathers, Boninfante Friction Inc., Ballistic Racing, Aeroflow, and special thanks to Steve and Larry McBride.
