After 11 years of Top Fuel racing and fresh from victory at the Westernationals earlier this month, Peter Xiberras has announced that he is taking a sabbatical for the rest of the 2024/2025 season.
“The time is right for a break,” Xiberras said.
“It is always best to step away ‘on a high’ and I have been considering taking a break for quite some time.
“With the victory in Perth and also some business commitments I have currently, the timing feels right to take some time away now.”
Xiberras says the win in Perth was a great way to say thank you to all of the team’s fans and valued sponsors who have been there with him over the last 11 years.
“Let me be clear – I am not using the ‘R’ word! You will see me out on the track again, but for now, it is time to enjoy Top Fuel racing from the sidelines,” Xiberras said.
“Those who know my history know I never quite meant to go Top Fuel racing, but gosh I can tell you; I am so glad I did.
“The sport has given me so much and I have thoroughly enjoyed it – it has certainly been one hell of a ride, and I am so grateful to everyone who has been a part of the journey so far. I will most definitely be back.”
While announcing this break from Top Fuel, Xiberras – the director of PremiAir Hire and the owner of the PremiAir Racing Supercars team – was quick to single out those who have played critical roles in his racing career to date.
“When it comes to expressing my gratitude for those involved in my Top Fuel racing career, I must single out Tim Adams first and foremost,” Xiberras said.
“Tim has lead my Top Fuel operations from the very first moment, and I cannot thank him enough for his efforts, his passion, and his dedication to PremiAir Racing.
“Such is his skill and commitment, I have never had to worry about rituals or good luck charms when it came to my racing, as I knew he and the crew had everything sorted every time I headed out on the track.
“Speaking of my crew, Tim and I have been supported by a fantastic group of guys and girls who have helped make this all possible – in Top Fuel racing, there is nothing more true than the fact that we do not do this alone; no success is possible without the crew working tirelessly behind the scenes.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank every crew member both past and present for the role they have played in PremiAir Racing’s Top Fuel success.
“The list of names who have contributed to our success over the past 11 years as part of our crew is long, including – but not limited to – Adam Attard, Ben Patterson, Ben Wilcox, Chris Kinnane, Craig Shepley, Derryn McGregor, Eli Berns, Greg Kinnane, Renee Simms, Richard Jakimowicz, Richard Smith, Shane Fleming, Stephen Dale and Taya Hili. I would like to thank them all, as well as each and every person that has played a role in our team large or small over the years.
“With their backing, my job at the wheel has been just to clear my head, and in a sport like this, having that kind of support behind you is not only vitally important, but also greatly appreciated.
“Of course, I also want to thank my family for all of their support.
“This won’t be any surprise to those who know us – my wife Carmen has been such an incredible support to me, both on the track and away from it, and she is a true lynch pin of our team both in Top Fuel and Supercars.
“Quite simply, without her, I could not have achieved what I have. I am ever so thankful to have her by my side and to have her unwavering support.
“My thanks also goes to my wonderful children – James, Rebecca, Hailey, and Christopher. It has been amazing to go racing with them at tracks all around the country and to have them always in my corner. I look forward to more of that in the future.”
Xiberras and his dedicated team first made their debut at the elite level of drag racing in April of 2014 at Willowbank Raceway’s Easter event.
Before that, he had come to drag racing after becoming frustrated with not being able to use all the power of his street-going Hot Rod on the road.
He started out with a Capri with a 400 SB Chev in Super Sedan, running in the tens to start with before tuning it down to 9.40.
He then purchased a dragster with a blown engine in it and started in Supercharged Outlaws, running in the sevens and down to 6.52.
It was at this point that he was looking for a transporter to allow him to travel to the Winternationals and further afield, rather than just racing at his local Sydney Dragway.
“I have told this story so many times and people still don’t quite believe me, but I went looking for a truck and trailer, I never had plans to get into Top Fuel,” Xiberras laughs.
“Somehow I came home with the whole thing and the rest is history!”
After making his Top Fuel debut, it didn’t take long before he started making a name for himself – heading to his first final later that same year at the Australian Nationals, and taking his first win in 2018 at the New Year’s Thunder event.
From there, PremiAir Racing quickly built momentum to clinch their first national championship in 2021, before following up with another in 2022.
And he wasn’t just winning either – along the way, Xiberras set many records, including at one point holding the track record for Willowbank Raceway, Perth Motorplex and Sydney Dragway concurrently.
He also at one stage held the honour of being the quickest racer outside of the USA with a 3.742 second pass at 325.22 miles per set during the 2021 Winternationals – a marker that would stand until April of 2024, a remarkable feat in this cut throat sport.
“From the highest of highs of back-to-back championships and records to those events that just didn’t go our way, over the past 11 years we have experienced it all,” Xiberras said.
“My love for the sport endures; so you won’t see me step away for long – but it is the right time now for a break, and I look forward to cheering on the rest of the Top Fuel field from the sidelines.”
For more information on PremiAir Nulon Racing, please visit www.premiairracing.com or follow the team on its social media platforms at www.facebook.com/PremiAirRacing/, www.instagram.com/premiair_racing/, www.linkedin.com/company/premiairracing/ and www.twitter.com/premiairracing