XIBERRAS STRIKES BACK IN PERTH AHEAD OF WESTERNATS RACE DAY
Peter Xiberras and the new-look PremiAir Racing Top Fuel Dragster have blazed through to be second quickest at the close of qualifying for the 54th annual Westernationals at the Perth Motorplex tonight.
This weekend’s running marks round three of the 2024/2025 NDRC Australian Top Fuel Championship, with three rounds of all-run racing awaiting the six-strong Top Fuel field tomorrow (Sunday 2 March).
In front of a packed crowd at the WA venue this evening, two rounds of qualifying were held for the Top Fuel field.
In Q1, Xiberras’ starting process was disturbed by Wayne Newby, who in the other lane went quickly into full stage, with the ‘double bulb’ causing Peter to rush his startline procedure.
As a result, the team’s 11,000hp dragster wasn’t ready when it came time to hit the throttle, seeing Xiberras forced to settle for a 6.784 ET at 145.1kph for Q1.
While disappointed with that outcome, the team didn’t have to wait long for redemption, with Xiberras delighting the huge crowd at the Motorplex in the second and final qualifier later in the evening – laying down a full candle, 3.888 second run at 490.25kph to be second on the qualifying ladder behind Damien Harris.
“The adrenaline is always high in the cockpit of this thing and when Newby double bulbed it, for which he apologised later, it really did disrupt me and I rushed through my starting procedure, which absolutely did not pay off for us,” said Xiberras with a wry smile.
“Thankfully, I was able to make up for it with a really nice pass in Q2, and while it wasn’t enough for the top spot, it was right up there and definitely has us feeling good ahead of Sunday’s racing.
“With three rounds of all-run racing ahead of us, we couldn’t be more excited – here’s hoping we can put on a fantastic show for another packed out crowd here at the ‘Plex tomorrow.
“In the past we have held the track record here, and it would be really great to secure that once again, and even better, to do so on the way to a A-Final win.
“You can rest assured we are doing everything we can to make that a reality!”
Day two of the Westernationals will see Top Fuel taking to the track at 4.15pm, 6.45pm and 9.15pm (all times local). For event information, visit www.ndrc.tv or www.motorplex.com.au
For more information on PremiAir 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
