Champion Top Fuel Motorcyclists set to face off at Sydney X-Champs
Australia’s fastest men on two-wheels are preparing themselves for imminent battle this weekend at Sydney Dragway, with 10 Top Fuel Motorcycles making up the X-Champs field.
The X-Champs, previously known as the ‘Nitro Champs’, marks Round 3 of the ANDRA Drag Racing Series with the first two rounds held in January.
Top Fuel Motorcycle competitor Phil Parker believes the field represents the best of Australia’s nitro-fueled two-wheel talent.
“It is a tough field with seven of the 10 bikes having run in the six second zone,” Parker said.
“Qualifying will be tough, and we love it when we have to work for a place in the field. I would expect at least four or so bikes to qualify with a six second pass.”
“To qualify, it could be a fast bump spot and we will be working hard to make sure we are above it.”
Parker put down a 6.58 at Sydney Dragway last year, and could be a dark horse to shake up the field.
“The whole crew and I are keen to repeat these numbers and get in the top half of the field, that would be a very big achievement for us,” he said.
“Preparations are coming down to the last minute with crankshafts and conrods for the second motor arriving this past Monday. But we will be ready.”
Another top competitor expected to shine at this weekend’s X-Champs is current record holder, Chris Matheson.
The multiple Top Fuel Motorcycle champion has been quietly working with his Nitro Voodoo crew, as he continues to recover from his high-speed (370 km/h) crash at Sydney Dragway 12 months ago.
Matheson said he was hoping to improve on his previous bests of 6.04 at 241.8 mph, but admitted his recovery is not yet complete.
“We used the Santos Super 3 Extreme event as a test session in the lead up to the X-Champs, which will be lots of fun,” he said.
“My guys have been working hard on setting up the new bike and it’s nearly 100%. I’m very confident we will run hard and will make the field in Sydney.”
The X-Champs commence this Friday May 2 and continues through Sunday May 4.
For more information, head to: http://www.sydneydragway.com.au/events/2014-x-champs/
Images supplied. © Phil Luyer / High Octane Photos
