Kyle Putland’s quest to drive drag racing’s quickest vehicles has officially begun, with the Worx Equipment Top Fuel dragster having made its first runs and is now preparing for the Westernationals this weekend at Perth Motorplex.
Starting a Top Fuel drag racing team is no small feat. Putland’s new operation has spent the last two years accumulating the equipment and training the people necessary to manage the 10000 horsepower engines needed to reach speeds of 500km/h in just four seconds.
Alongside for the journey has been Worx Equipment, who came on board as the team’s naming rights partner. Putland said the relationship between the two enterprises has been an extremely positive one, with growth in mind. “I’ve worked with Scott Wolfenden from Worx Equipment for a long time through my own business, Hydraulic Technical Solutions, where we work on their fleet of earthmoving mining machines,” said Kyle.
“They do work throughout the state of Western Australia supporting mine site construction and service. They want to accelerate their business to its peak potential, just like we want to do with our race team.
“Scott wants to take this journey with us as we work our way towards Top Fuel competition. It is our goal to join the circus of teams who travel Australia-wide, all of whom race fiercely while thrilling spectators at every track they attend.”
A growing network of sponsors have seen the opportunities within Putland’s young team, which also operates a unique three-seater dragster – a vehicle that has taken hundreds of motorsport fans for high-speed rides at Perth Motorplex since 2019. Oil & Energy are the team’s official lubricants supplier, delivering oils for the Top Fuel dragster, the three-seater and Hydraulic Technical Solutions’ clients. Harness Tech have applied their skills to the Top Fuel dragster’s extensive wiring, including the vital data logging system. Speed Torque have been providing their extensive experience in nitro racing to ensure the Top Fuel dragster has the best in parts and knowledge behind the scenes.
“Starting a Top Fuel team is a major undertaking, so any time you can have experienced people contribute their knowledge is a huge advantage,” Putland said.
The team completed licensing in January and were able to register their first full runs with the Worx Equipment dragster. While they learn about nitro racing, a smaller fuel pump is being used. Even still, there is about 5,000 horsepower available to apply to the track.
“This period is all about learning,” Putland said. “Small details matter, and we’ve discovered some things with our fuel and clutch systems that needed addressing.
“This weekend we have the Westernationals, where we will be racing for an ANDRA Gold Christmas tree trophy alongside the other nitro teams of Western Australia. I’m glad we found some of the issues and I think we are going to be in a great spot to fight for the win for Worx Equipment, Oil & Energy, Harness Tech, Speed Torque and Hydraulic Technical Solutions at Perth Motorplex this Saturday and Sunday!”
