‘Pommie’ Steve Read, one of Australian drag racing’s most experienced racers, is set to make a comeback to the Top Fuel category in late 2023.
Read, who last competed in 2016, has joined forces with Fuel Funny Car driver, Tim McCarthy and long-time friend, Nick Packer to form RPM Top Fuel Racing.
“I can’t wait to be back out there,” Read said. “Tim, Nick, and I have talked about joining forces in a fuel dragster program for a while. An opportunity to acquire a chassis came about, and now we’re busy putting the car together.”
McCarthy and Packer are equally excited about the partnership.
“Nitro is where it’s at,” said McCarthy. “All the nitro guys have been helping me (with my Funny Car) the past few years. When the opportunity came along to buy a fuel dragster, we jumped at the chance.”
“We just want to get in on the fun and keep the big teams honest!” Packer added.
Read has kept his eye on the sport, encouraged by the success of the Burson Top Fuel Series and the recent NDRC Series announcement.
“A lot has changed since I last competed (in 2016). Top Fuel is racing to 1000ft, and the Burson Top Fuel Championship has been a huge success. Adding to that, the announcement of the NDRC series is very encouraging for drag racing’s future in Australia,” Read enthused.
Read, McCarthy and Packer are currently assembling the dragster and crew, promising fans an up-close experience.
“We’ll be documenting our progress on YouTube and Facebook, giving race fans a behind-the-scenes look at the dragster and our race program,” McCarthy said. “Then things will really heat up once we start hitting the track!”
Read has won a combined 23 championships in Top Alcohol and Top Fuel across Europe and Australia in his racing career, spanning back to the 1980s.
When asked about what brings him back to racing, Read grinned.
“It’s the thrill of competing in Top Fuel, the camaraderie amongst the teams, and the fans we get to meet along the way that makes this all worthwhile,” Read said. “Then there’s the challenge of working with your team towards a common goal – getting 11,000 horsepower to the ground and seeing that win light come on. There are seven fast cars out there competing right now, so every win is earned.”
After six years out of the seat, Read will complete familiarisation passes before racing in competition.
“We’re aiming to have the car ready for testing by August. More than likely, we’ll test in Sydney while Willowbank’s track upgrades are under way. I’m eager to get behind the wheel and dust off the cobwebs,” Read laughed.
Steve Read and the RPM Top Fuel Dragster will make their debut on 21st October 2023 at The Bend Dragway in South Australia. The historic date will mark the first round of the Burson Top Fuel Championship running under the new NDRC series.
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