Like a NFL quarterback announcing his retirement after winning the Super Bowl, Australia’s quickest and fastest motorcycle drag racer Chris “Nitro Voodoo” Matheson has called it a career after realizing a dream a decade in the making by recording Australia’s first five-second drag bike run.
“It’s an emotional day for me, but it’s time,” Matheson said. “The team and I have achieved what we set out to do. We designed and built our own power plants in Brisbane, Australia, under the direction of Mr Philip O’Brien of Performance Wholesale Australia, who effectively made a nitro bomb into a quick, fast and reliable machine. We have two of the youngest crew members in the sport, Jaimie McKinley and “Clutch Guy” JP, working tirelessly to turn the bike around between races, while “Crew Chief” Mick Mackay, orchestrates the ensemble.”
Matheson has been the man to beat in Top Fuel Motorcycle racing for the last decade as he, and his Nitro Voodoo team, crossed Australia in their quest to rewrite history in the sport. “Matho” retires as the top dog “Down Under.”
Australia’s quickest and fastest man on two wheels consummated his illustrious career by smashing the last holy grail of the sport on May 5th, when he broke into the 5-second zone, clocking a staggering 5.920 seconds at over 232 MPH (370 KPH) over the quarter-mile (400m).
“It took a while for it to sink in,” Matheson said. “That run meant the world to me.”
Matheson set the bar throughout his career, winning every race from a rookie start for almost two entire race seasons, ultimately accumulating eight National Championships during his 11-year reign.
Matheson closes his career as reigning champion, and No. 1 plate holder in both 400 Thunder series and also the Burson Auto Parts Top Fuel Championship.
Matheson has dominated the sport in Australia, winning his last five championships consecutively and holding the national speed and ET records for some 10+ years. Matheson holds the track records of all major Group 1 tracks throughout Australia. Matheson has racked up some 50+ Group 1 wins, 70+ podiums, and in excess of 60 Top Qualifiers.
Matheson’s success did not come without hardship.
The fearless pilot suffered some spectacular mishaps in his decade of racing, including being blown off his Nitro Voodoo machine at almost 235 MPH (380 KPH). He was electrocuted during a race in Darwin, Northern Territory, when a spark plug hit him in the chest on a pass, electrifying him with some 45,000 volts.
Now forever the holder of Australia’s first five-second motorcycle time slip, “Matho” feels it’s time to pass the torch.
“I am elated to see a resurgence in Top Fuel Motorcyle Racing in recent times and confident we have improved the profile of our sport from when we entered the scene in 2010,” Matheson said. “We set some records along the way and changed history with our team’s efforts. I have made many friends on the journey and met many loyal fans, sponsors, supporters, volunteers and officials have made the whole experience extremely enjoyable.”
Matheson showed gratitude to all of the great folks who have bene a part of his epic journey.
“To all the racers and teams we competed against, thank you. Especially Chris “Bad Bones” Porter, who put up some of the toughest competition throughout my career,” Matheson said. “My wife and children who let me chase my dreams through the good times, and the tough times.”
Matheson says although his time behind the handlebars has come to an end, his support for teh next generation will continue.
“It is time to move over and let some youth chase down our legacy, and write their own history in this crazy wild sport we call Top Fuel Motorcycle,” Matheson said.
Matheson was tight lipped when asked what was next, but has asked his loyal fans and followers to stay tuned.
Please join us in congratulating Chris “Nitro Voodoo” Matheson on a marvelous career.
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