Three times ANDRA Top Fuel champion Phil Read will return to racing for the first time since the Fuchs Winternationals when he competes at the Nitro Champs at Sydney Dragway on May 3-5.
Read will compete in the dragster known as the ‘Black Mamba’, which took him to all three of his championships. The chassis has been upgraded to latest specifications according to crew chief Bruce Read.
“The car has just arrived back from Terry Sainty’s workshop; the chassis had taken a pounding over the last few seasons and was in need of a new front half,” he said. “Terry has done an excellent job as usual and while the car was away our dedicated crew has been burning the midnight oil making sure all of the parts and spares are ready and they are looking forward to getting back out on the track.”
Phil’s last race outing saw him qualify second with a 4.67 second time in Queensland and he is hoping to be in just as much form for the Nitro Champs.
“This is great for Top Fuel and the fans of our team,” he said. “I’m excited about racing at my home track in Sydney at the upcoming Nitro Champs.”
Team principal Jim Read explained the return had been made possible with support from Valvoline to adorn the dragster through the next three events.
“Due to the generosity of our long-time associate sponsor Valvoline Oil and with continuing support from Snap-On Tools, Wynn’s, Champion Spark Plugs, Odyssey Batteries and Crane Cams we will be contesting the next three rounds of the Top Fuel championship,” he announced.
Read will be taking on a strong field at the Nitro Champs including tied points leaders Darren Morgan and Phil Lamattina, Damien Harris and more.