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Top Fuel is the ultimate in drag racing, featuring the fastest accelerating machines on earth, which complete the quarter mile in less than five seconds at speeds in excess of 300mph.
It is no surprise then that the preparation of a Top Fuel dragster demands military like precision and maintenance from the crew. One of the key roles in a Top Fuel crew is that of the tuner. I had the opportunity to speak to Ben Patterson, Top Fuel Tuner on the Darren Morgan Racing (DMR) AEG Powertools Top Fuel Dragster, after the Winternationals. It seems fitting that a Top Fuel team that is still relatively young (DMR have just completed their third season) boasts one of Australia’s youngest Top Fuel Tuners.
How and when did you get involved in drag racing?
“My dad is a drag racer. He had a blown EH Holden and is currently building an altered. When I was 12 I started racing Junior Dragster, which I raced for 5 years. I did my year 10 work experience with Darren [Morgan] and the Lamattinas. When I finished year 12 Darren offered me a job to fill in my gap year and I worked for 18 months full time with DMR.”
What does your role in the DMR Team involve?
“I am the team’s Tuner. My main roles are to analyse the data and workout the setup for the car. I also look after the data logger, management system and fuel system.”
How does it feel to be a tuner for a Top Fuel team at such a young age?
“It is an awesome opportunity. There are so many things involved in running a Top Fuel car and the team and I are constantly learning.”
What does a typical day at the track involve for you?
“Stress; following and predicting the track and weather conditions; analysing the data from the runs (this includes data from the cars data logger and the parts on the car); calculating the engine setup based on the weather conditions; and deciding on a clutch and chassis setup for the car based on the track conditions and putting the setup in the car.”
How would you describe the DMR team?
“Almost the whole team is from Mildura. They are a great bunch of guys that come from very diverse areas. We have motor mechanics, diesel mechanics, electricians, TAFE teachers and farmers. The team is also very family-orientated. The team are all volunteers and they put a huge amount of work into the car between events.”
What is your proudest achievement at DMR?
“Probably winning the Nitro Champs last season. It was the first win for the team.”
What is your day job?
“I am in my second year of studying Mechanical Engineering at Swinburne University in Melbourne.”
How much time do you spend working on the dragster between meetings?
“There is a huge amount of work that goes into the maintenance and preparation of a Top Fuel Dragster between race meetings. The guys on the crew spend countless hours servicing the heads, short engines, racks, superchargers, clutches and the chassis itself. They spend every Thursday night and Sundays working on the car. It is a huge commitment.
I am at uni for a fair chunk of the year. I travel back to Mildura every 2-4 weeks depending on what needs to be done. I also spend the majority of my holidays at the shop.”
What do you like most about drag racing?
“The adrenaline of watching two Top Fuel Dragsters launch down the track. There is no other feeling in the world like it. I also like the challenge of making these cars go down the track.”
What advice would you give to others wanting to get into a role like yours?
“Work hard and don’t be afraid to ask. There is a huge shortage of people in Australian drag racing. From crew people to crew chiefs there are plenty of teams looking for people who are willing to do the work.”
How will you and the DMR team be preparing for next season?
“The car will go through a thorough inspection to ensure that everything is right. We will inventory all our components and order the parts that are required for the next season. We will also have some new components such as the Electrimotion shut-off device which is mandatory next season.
I am currently in the US helping and learning from R2B2 racing with Melanie Troxel’s In-N-Out Burger Funny car. Lance Larsen who has been assisting our team over the last 3 years is the tuner for that team and I am staying with him to learn from him and also analyse our data to prepare for the next season. I will also be spending some time with Morgan Lucas Racing while I am over here.”
The DMR AEG Powertools Top Fuel Dragster will be returning to the quarter mile for the opening round 2010/2011 ANDRA Pro Series Top Fuel Championship to be held at Sydney Dragway from September 10-12. Chelsea Woods Girlracer magazine
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