Xiberras misses Supercars for drag racing

The rescheduled Gulf Western Oil Nitro Champs created a clash for Peter Xiberras, but he will miss the next Supercars round to go drag racing.

Due to the Sydney based Gulf Western Oil Nitro Champs being postponed by two weeks to avoid inclement weather, it fell on the same weekend as the third round of the Supercars season at Wanneroo.

For most this would be fine, but for Xiberras it created a predicament.

In addition to owning the Nulon PremiAir Racing Supercars team, Xiberras is also one of the biggest names of drag racing being a leading Top Fuel driver of his own car also bearing the PremiAir name for the last decade.

But with a Top Fuel title to chase, Xiberras, who currently sits fourth in the standings, felt he had to race at Sydney Dragway.

“There was never any question, we could not miss the Gulf Western Oil Nitro Champs,” Xiberras said.

“This event is going to be huge, especially when it comes to the Top Fuel title with two championship rounds across Saturday and Sunday.

“With the championship so tight at the moment and only three rounds left in the chase, every single run, every single point, is incredibly important.

“Add to that the fact this is my home event as a Sydney-sider, and the appeal of the Nitro Champs just goes to another level again – there is nothing quite like racing in front of your friends and family.”

Having finished fourth at the Australian Day Nationals also held at Sydney Dragway earlier in the season, Xiberras is determined to go all the way in the doubleheader.

“We have tasted success at Sydney before, hopefully we can do it again!” he said.

“We also have our sights set on reclaiming the records Damien Harris took from us at the last round – we held them for quite some time, and if we can get the 60-foot issues that have been plaguing us of late sorted out, I don’t see why we can’t take it back.

“The one thing that is guaranteed is that the stakes are going to be super high in Sydney – fans of all things nitro and of Top Fuel in particular are in for a treat!”

Rounds 5 and 6 of the 2023/24 NDRC Top Fuel championship will be part of the Nitro Champs from May 17-19.

Image: Cackling Pipes Photography

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