Hydraulink Jim Read Racing has broken through for the Westernationals double at the Perth Motorplex at the weekend, backing up their 2023 victory at the event over Peter Xiberras with a 2024 win over Phil Lamattina.
Making what was already a fantastic achievement even more special is the fact the win has been celebrated as the team comes to grip with their new tune-up at a critical juncture in the National Drag Racing Championship (NDRC) Top Fuel title chase, with the two championship leaders having a troublesome weekend and Xiberras – a key title rival for the team – a rare absentee.
Hydraulink Jim Read Racing started out their weekend third quickest on the qualifying order with a 4.071 second pass at 392.37kph which was run in Q2, held on Sunday at midday after a windstorm saw it unable to be completed on Saturday evening as originally planned.
The team then went on to see Phil match up with Wayne Newby for the first round of the ‘all run’ format, with Newby pipping Read to the line with a 3.921/503.72kph pass to Read’s 4.042/409.08kph effort.
In round two, Read turned on the win light in the Hydraulink dragster, taking the win over Kyle Putland with a 3.954 second pass at 474.88kph.
This round two victory put the team into the A-Final against Phil Lamattina – another outfit hoping to make serious championship moves at the event.
A blistering side-by-side all-candles blazing pass ensued between the pair, with Read beating Lamattina to the line by a margin of six feet with his 3.910/503.44kph effort over Lamattina’s 3.950/463.99kph pass.
The entire Hydraulink Jim Read Racing crew was ecstatic with the result.
“I think I am moving to Perth; I seem to win here a lot!” grinned Phil Read.
“This was a really important one, and it feels really great to have it in the bag.
“We have been creeping up on this tune-up and sorting it out over the last two events and we finally are on the right track – I can’t wait to get to Dragway at The Bend to have another crack!”
“We dedicate this win to Gav (Gavin Coulthard), he has come back to the races after losing his daughter recently and it is great to see him back at the track. And to Wayne and Damien, thank Christ they are okay,” Read added, referring to separate incidents incurred by the championship leaders Damien Harris (Q2) and Wayne Newby (B-Final) this weekend.
“Thank you to all of the crew, and to all of our sponsors for their support – Hydraulink, Valvoline, Snap-On, McDonalds, FXD Workwear, PremiAir Hire, Odyssey Batteries, PMP Motorsport Products, Diamond Pistons, Trend Performance Wrist Pins, Oasis Aquatics, Oasis Heat Pumps, Speed Gas, Spa Electric Pool Lighting, Pacific Pools and Comp Cams.”
“This was a really important one for sure for both us and the Lamattinas as the Rapisardas have been getting away from us in the championship, and with Peter Xiberras away too – lucky for us, we were able to make the absolute most of it and get the win!” Hydraulink Jim Read Racing Crew Chief, Bruce Read, added.
“We have been working really hard at this new tune-up, and so to get this win and know we are heading in the right direction is really rewarding.
“There is still plenty of racing to come, and we are well and truly invested in making sure we do the absolute best we can – we want another championship, so make sure you watch this space! See you at The Bend!”
Hydraulink Jim Read Racing will next be on-track with the National Drag Racing Championship (NDRC) for the Riverbend Nationals at Dragway at The Bend across April 6 and 7.
Hydraulink Jim Read Racing is supported on track by Hydraulink, Valvoline, Snap-On, McDonalds, FXD Workwear, PremiAir Hire, Odyssey Batteries, PMP Motorsport Products, Diamond Pistons, Trend Performance Wrist Pins, Oasis Aquatics, Oasis Heat Pumps, Speed Gas, Spa Electric Pool Lighting, Pacific Pools and Comp Cams. 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
