After a topsy-turvey beginning, the 2022-23 Burson Auto Parts Australian Top Fuel Championship returns after a two-month break for round three at the Perth Motorplex, Western Australia, 11-12 November.

The meeting will also incorporate the final round from the opening meeting of the season at Alice Springs Inland Dragway in September, which was canceled due to inclement weather.

ATFC organizers, in conjunction with the teams, then decided to run the finals during round two of the championship at Heathcote Park Raceway, Victoria, last month. Those plans were thwarted when the meeting was canceled.

Organizers will now be hoping for a third time lucky with the ‘Plex hosting the A-Final between Rapisarda Autosport International star Damien Harris and Sydney veteran Phil Read. 

Harris’ teammate, Wayne Newby, will race reigning champ Peter Xiberras in the B-Final, and LTFR teammates Phil Lamattina and Shane Olive will face off in the C-Final.

All finals will be held as part of round two qualifying. 

Hometown hero Harris will start warm favourite to take the win after a dominating performance at Alice Springs in September, where he top qualified and set a new track record of 4.00, 306 mph.

Read will be chasing his first win since the opening round of last season.

When the ATFC previously raced at the ‘Plex in March, Harris defeated reigning champ Peter Xiberras in the final and also walked away with a swag of honors, including a new ANDRA and Motorplex track record for 1000 feet, plus bonus points for low E.T. and Top Speed.

“It will be great to be back racing at the Motorplex,” said Harris. “It’s a long way for the team to travel from Sydney to Perth. About 4900 miles. The Rapisarda family enjoy the atmosphere and opportunity to race in front of an appreciative audience at such a great facility.”

“There is added pressure this weekend with two rounds of championship points on offer. First, we do one pass, then straight into the final from Alice Springs. On day two, a new set of points are up for grabs. That’s pressure.”

Harris’ teammate Wayne Newby looms as a dark horse along with reigning champ Peter Xiberras.

“While we won the championship last season, we didn’t actually win an event,” said Xiberras. “We would like to walk away from Perth this week with the winning trophy.”

“We can definitely do it and we will be throwing everything we have at it to ensure our goal becomes a reality.”

Joining the six regular entries will be W.A. local, Kyle Putland, making his Top Fuel debut.

11-time winner John Zappia will race fellow Western Australian Kelvin Lyle in the final of Doorslammer from the rain-affected Alice Springs meeting, then back up the next day for round three of the Australian Drag Racing Championship. END