SUPERCARS TEAM BOSS QUITS
Peter Xiberras, head of the PremiAir team in Supercars, is parking his Top Fuel racer with no immediate plans to return to drag racing.
He is leaving on a high after winning the 54th Westernationals at the Perth Motorplex, where he topped 500km/h in taking the final and the signature 'Xmas tree' trophy.
Xiberras says he is now too busy with business and family to devote the time needed to running at the top level of drag racing in Australia.
"In business, you can't get 100 per cent out if you don't put in 100 per cent. I have to knuckle down and put the effort in," Xiberra told Race.news
He says he is also putting a sharper focus on his Supercars squad after a disappointing start to the 2025 season with Jimmy Golding and new signing Richie Stanaway.
There is more to the retirement talk, but Xiberras is keeping the lid closed on the details.
"There is more to this story. But I don't really want to get into it. It's personal".
Instead, he is happy to talk about his achievements in Top Fuel.
"I've achieved way more than I ever dreamed I would achieve. Being a racer is one thing. Winning championships, and taking track records and national records, is way above that," he says.
Despite parking his 5000-horsepower Top Fuel car, Xiberras has not entirely given up on his successful run as a drag racer.
"I don't want to shut the door," he says.
"I'm parking it for the minute. I could put someone in the car if they come with a big cheque but I won't be paying for the privilege."
Xiberras says he is actually planning to get more involved in a new form of racing, competing in races for classic touring cars with some of his extensive collection of retired racers.
"I actually want to do more of that. I enjoy it. I like it," he says.
"I love learning and I'm learning a new disciple and I'm learning a lot of new techniques. And I'm getting faster . . . slowly."
He drove both his ex-Graeme Crosby and ex-Greg Murphy Commodores at the recent classic meeting at Phillip Island and was happy with his progress.
He took four seconds out of his quickest time on a single lap as he adjusted to the new challenge.
"My objective? We're all competitive. My objective right now is just to be competitive," Xiberras says.
He hopes to be a historic regular through 2025, but his busy schedule means he is having trouble in juggling his calendar.
"Life is just a bit too busy at the moment and there are too many clashes of dates. Unfortunately there are a lot of clashes.
"Next time is Morgan Park in Queensland, but I'll be in Perth with the Supercars. There's Winton, Eastern Creek, quite a few."
Xiberras hints that fans of historic Supercars could also get some special treats when he builds his confidence, as he has newer and more famous cars in his collection.
"As my confidence grows I'll probably bring out some other cars that I wouldn't have raced before," he says.
Because they are too fast?
"No, too valuable," he laughs.
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