It’s time for a long‑overdue update on the progress of the fuel bike. Work is steadily moving forward, and while there’s still lots to do, the aim is to be back testing later this year.

Following last season’s issues when none of us were entirely sure where the root of the problems lay we spent a great deal of time reviewing the bike with help from several very knowledgeable people. It became clear that each system needed to be checked and proven good before any further testing could take place. Protecting the engine from unnecessary damage was the priority.

The fuel system was the first area under scrutiny. With support from Dave Wilson, we confirmed that fuel distribution was largely acceptable, though some refinements have already been made by Dave and further improvements to fuel control are being planned to improve fuel control.

Attention then turned to the ignition system, which was also identified as a potential contributor to the problems. Instead of servicing the existing Mallory magnetos, we made the decision to upgrade to MSD Pro Mags, the preferred choice for most top‑fuel cars and bikes running nitro. A used pair was sourced from the US, sent straight to Post & Dros, and are now fully serviced and ready.

With the new mags in hand, the drives are being reconfigured to suit, and the fuel tank will be modified as the larger magnetos clash with the current layout. Progress is underway.

We had discussions and advice from some very knowledgeable people, Marius, Frank and Ian among other well respected people from top fuel teams thank you all for your help and support.

Thanks must also go to Rene and Shark Attack Racing for continued support and use of pit space and more.

A piston was also sent to JE Pistons in the United States for precise measurement. They are now manufacturing a small stock of custom replacement pistons for us so that we have a spares should we need them. As with any custom work, the process takes time, but we’re in no rush hopefully they will be with us soon, however being custom made it’s not a quick job.

Visually, the bike has taken a big step forward. The bodywork is no longer white and now painted in Kawasaki Blue/Green is back home, and we couldn’t be happier. Huge thanks to James and his team at JHPaintworx in Raunds, who have delivered an outstanding finish and replicated the 70’s Z1000 tailpiece paint.

Last season we were fortunate to have our “boomerang” crew back, and we are genuinely grateful for every one of them.

• Chris Pyke, Crew Chief and friend for over 20 years, continues to adapt his formidable expertise from nitrous to turbo to nitro.
• Lizz Charman, Wife, constant support tolerating this madness organising food and looking after the team.
• Jake Charman, Son, IT specialist, and potential future fuel bike rider (after Lizz—according to her!).
• Dean Stephens, who is always there when we need him, whether we’re testing or racing.
• Julie Moxley, trusted with absolutely anything mechanical—clutch work included—but definitely not coffee. She shops… just preferably not with Lizz!
• And Abbi Moxley, feeding us, watering us, keeping us organised, and tidying endlessly. We cannot thank her enough.