Top Fuel Bike will join the Australian Top Fuel championship series for a six-round season from January to June 2022.

The decision significantly boosts the two-wheel category that has struggled with low entry numbers and escalating costs in recent seasons.

Headline acts will include seven-time champion Chris Matheson and long-time rival John Zahra. “I couldn’t be happier about the Australian Top Fuel Championship and Top Fuel Bikes coming together,” said Zahra. “This will cement the series as the pinnacle of Nitro Racing in Australia. I'm sure the fans, supporters and racers will get behind the new Australian Top Fuel Championship, that’s sure to deliver some exciting racing in 2022."

Round one will be held at Sydney Dragway on January 21-22. Top Fuel Bike is also scheduled to appear on the 400 Thunder Championship calendar four times from January to June and at ANDRA championship meetings in February, March and May.

According to ATFC head honcho Andy Lopez, there are no issues with Top Fuel Bikes running at ANDRA or 400 Thunder events. .

“Top Fuel don’t ask for an exclusive arrangement from any of the categories that want to race at our shows. The more events with top quality drag racing, the better, whether that's us, 400 Thunder, or the ANDRA Drag Racing Championship,” said Lopez.

ATFC is also expected in the next fortnight to announce the location of the Grand Final round, their series naming rights sponsor and the support categories racing at the opening round of the championship.