The Making of a Super Gas Dynasty

Hot rodding is a uniquely American phenomenon. Born out of a combination of innovation and necessity, it has always possessed a rebel attitude and an anything-is-possible aptitude. The activity of hot rodding soon manifested itself into the sport of time trials, which was later refined into organized events and redefined as the American sport of drag racing.

Created on a simple premise—two cars, two drivers, two lanes, one winner—drag racing grew at a rapid pace. A large part of its appeal was its ability to include anyone and everyone. It didn’t require a large bank account, nor did it need complex and expensive venues. It was the perfect grassroots sport.

Because of its inclusive nature and partnerships with exciting sights and sound, drag racing quickly spread from America to Europe and the Pacific Rim.

In Australia and New Zealand, drag racing has become a true growth industry. The similarities between the sights, sounds and smells happening in the NHRA and ANDRA events are uncanny. With the exceptions of some push/crew vehicles and announcers sporting accents, the cars, classes, attire and general atmosphere are eerily the same.

The near mirror images of the one sport from opposite sides of the globe extend to the make-up of its participants. Sportsman-style racing comprises the vast majority of ANDRA’s membership. Like its American counterpart, the competition is fierce and the rewards meager. This is where drivers hone their skills.

Matt Forbes has become the Australian poster child for success. The three-time Super Gas champion has strong U.S. connections. After campaigning a Don Davis-built ’27 Ford, Forbes came back to the States to meet with sponsors Lucas Oil and K&N Filters. He hooked up with NHRA Super Gas driver Tommy Phillips and mega car owner Buddy Wood who, in turn, connected the quick Aussie with Joe Jolly at Sunset Performance Engines. With one of the sport’s most prolific engine builders on board, Forbes made the decision to return to Australia with a pair of new rides: a Super Gas ’57 Corvette and a TNT Dragster.

This was a bold move to retire the ’27 Ford he’d used to win the Super Gas championship just a few months earlier. However, the Corvette-bodied, Don Davis-chassised racer had seen previous action at the hands of Tommy Phillips, who racked up 14 NHRA Wallys in the formidable machine. It was fitted with a fresh Sunset Performance 598. The Dragster also had a record of success, scoring 16 NHRA Top Alcohol titles as the Charlotte Lucas/Brad Plourd dragster. Sunset also freshened its engine. Both racers were secured in shipping containers and sent across the Pacific.

In December 2013, rumors began to surface that Forbes was going to mothball his championship ’27 Ford. Needless to say, this news made his Super Gas competitors simultaneously relieved and worried. In March 2014, at the Adelaide meet, worries turned to bitter concern as Forbes accelerated his learning curve in his new Corvette by reaching the finals. He did the same a few weeks later at Calder Park. By the time the circuit reached Sydney in early May, Forbes was once again on top of the points chase. He increased his lead by winning that event. His new ride was as formidable, if not more so, than his old-school roadster.

June and July events saw a little give and take. However, once the tour reached Mildura in mid-September, the rest of the season was all Forbes all the time. By the ANDRA Finals in Sydney, Forbes’ hold on the points lead could not be bested. He and his crew had rolled the dice on this new car and come away with back-to-back Super Gas crowns.

When the season goes dark, the garage activity gets put on nitrous. The Sunset Performance 598 engine was treated to fresh components and dyno tuned to razor-sharp levels. The chassis was also treated to some much-needed retuning. The results were felt at the first dial-in event in Portland this past January. It was, once again, Forbes in Primetime as he guided the ’Vette to a perfect weekend. The Aussie Super Gas class was put on notice; a three-peat is in the air.

At the urging of Wood and Jolly, Forbes will be heading stateside sometime in 2015. His goal is to qualify for his NHRA license and try his hand on American asphalt. With his developing skills and charismatic personality, he could just be the next big international motorsports star.