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Queensland debut for Phillips funny car |
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Tuesday, 11 September 2007 |
This weekend’s 42nd Australian Nationals drag racing contest at
Queensland’s Willowbank Raceway will see Brisbane’s Gary Phillips roll
out his newly purchased NHRA World Championship winning Funny Car for
the first time in competition at his home track.
Phillips made it Australian Group One title number 13 last season, when
he clinched his first ever Top Doorslammer crown, racing against the
likes of fellow Queensland drivers Brett Stevens, Ben and Victor Bray,
Aaron Lynch plus Western Australian dynamo John Zappia.
As a 12-time Top Alcohol titleholder there appears to be a genuine
resolve to make it a National Championship double this season and that
cause should be well supported by Phillips’ newest addition to the
racing stable.
Having traded his Lucas Oil Products Dragster for the Funny Car,
which was successfully campaigned by American heavyweight Cy Chesterman
to NHRA success in 2004, Phillips will be looking for redemption after
a less than impressive first outing in Sydney.
“Sydney didn’t go to plan – we tried some stuff and it just didn’t work out the way we thought it would,” said Phillips.
“To be honest I think we had a batch of bad clutch discs which
didn’t help, but it is no excuse and that’s what happens when you go
experimenting sometimes.
“In the Doorslammer we did well qualifying third with a 6.01 and
although we went out in the first round I think we’re on the right
track with that deal.
“For now though I am just trying to look forward, rather than look
back, and work on having the Funny Car on the money for its local
competitive debut.”
Set to contest two brackets at this weekend’s 42nd Australian
Nationals at Willowbank Raceway, the thought of a title double is sure
to be weighing on Phillips shoulders during his preparation.
“The Nationals has always been an important race for us with Lucas Oil Products,” said Phillips.
“We have won nine Nationals to date in what is a very competitive
event so we will be working hard to have both cars up to scratch.
“Of course it is very hard to have two cars running in the one event but this isn’t something new for us.
“We’ll be working on getting the simple things right and putting on a show for our local fans.
“There has been a lot of interest in Queensland regarding the debut of the Funny Car so I would hate to disappoint!”
The annual Australian Nationals, which again features all six Group
One professional categories, kicks off a new season for Queensland drag
racing having been secured to the State in 2002 with the support of
Queensland Events Corporation under its Major Events portfolio.
Such support has allowed Willowbank Raceway to maintain its reputation as one of the premier tracks in Australia.
Willowbank officials will use the 42nd Australian Nationals as an
appropriate springboard towards a revamped 10-month program of drag
racing events.
42nd AUSTRALIAN NATIONALS – SEPTEMBER 14-16, 2007
Racing Includes: Redcliffe Dyno and Performance Top Fuel,
Queensland Events Top Alcohol, Queensland Events Top Doorslammer,
Travelaire Tours Pro Stock, Morgan and Wacker Top Bike, Morgan and
Wacker Pro Stock Motorcycle, Lifestyle Carpets and Vinyl Competition,
Lifestyle Carpets and Vinyl Super Stock, Willowbank Raceway Competition
Bike, Carpenter Ford Supercharged Outlaws, Bailey’s Brake and Clutch
Modified, Slick Industries Super Sedan, Cros Roads Freightliners and
Car Carrying Super Street, American Rides Modified Bike, Queensland
Diesel Spares Junior Dragster, High Impact Promotions Super Gas,
Perfect Print Perfect Light
TICKETING
Adult
Friday Admission $40
Saturday Admission $45
Sunday Admission $45
3-Day Pass $120
Student (must show ID)
Friday Admission $30
Saturday Admission $35
Sunday Admission $35
3-Day Pass $90
Children 13 & under are admitted free
Program
Friday 8th Qualifying 9am -8pm
Saturday 9th Qualifying 9am -8pm
Sunday 10th Racing 9am with feature racing from 2pm
Internet siteswww.willowbank-raceway.com.au
Ticketing and General Information:
Contact – Willowbank Raceway
07 5461 5461
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