Hydraulink Jim Read Racing says this weekend’s Nitro Champs at Sydney Dragway (May 5-6) is make or break for the Burson Auto Parts Australian Top Fuel Championship.
Heading into the penultimate round, the team and its driver Phil Read are currently second on the points standings on 410 points; just 30 points shy of leader, Damian Harris, and 30 points ahead of the third-placed Peter Xiberras.
With such tight margins, how this weekend’s racing unfolds could decide the title chase, or just as easily, blow it wide open ahead of the final round in Darwin in June.
“We are definitely excited to be racing at home in Sydney this weekend and we are expecting it to be an intense event, with championships well and truly on the line,” three-time champion, Phil Read said.
“Of course, our aim is to close the gap to Damian Harris, and at the same time, keep Peter Xiberras behind us.
“Both of these guys are absolute professionals and all three of us have won championships, with Peter the reigning champ.
“You can rest assured that none of us will be giving an inch this weekend. We all know what it is like to win titles, and we are all absolutely laser focused on making sure that the trophy comes home with us.
“It is going to be a gun fight, as they say, and we can’t wait!”
Hydraulink Jim Read Racing Crew Chief, Bruce Read, recently returned from a trip to the United States, working in the NHRA pit lane with Jim Oberhoffer, Crew chief for Clay Millican/Rick Ware Racing.
“It was a good trip and as always, I learnt a lot, and hopefully we can apply some lessons from over there here this weekend,” Bruce Read said.
“We are going to be breathing down Damian’s neck and Peter is going to be breathing down ours, so hopefully we all have fresh breath!” he laughed.
“We will certainly be doing all we can to take the fight up to Damian while keeping an eye over our shoulder on Peter.
“Things are either going to be decided or made a hell of a lot more interesting this weekend, and hopefully we can make sure we are in the best place possible to challenge for the title in Darwin.”
The team will be performing not only in front of what is expected to be a large crowd at Sydney Dragway this weekend, but also 130 guests they will host in the pits from naming rights partner, Hydraulink.
“Hopefully we can give them all something to really cheer about!” grinned Bruce.
The Nitro Champs will be held across Friday May 5 and Saturday May 6 at Sydney Dragway. For full event information and schedules, and to buy tickets, visit http://sydneydragway.com.au/nitro-champs-2023-1 For information on the Burson Auto Parts Australian Top Fuel Championship, 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. To learn more about Hydraulink Jim Read Racing, visit https://www.facebook.com/JimReadRacing
