16 times Top Alcohol and 2007 ANDRA Top Doorslammer Champion Gary Phillips, and his Lucas Oils team are heading to the Perth Motorplex next weekend, for the second time in four weeks.
After competing in his Lucas Oils Top Alcohol Funny Car a little under a month ago, Gary is looking to use the information gained at that event and apply it to his 1953 Studebaker Top Doorslammer at the 43rd Westernationals.
“Overall, we were happy with the results produced with the funny car. After qualifying number two with a 5.565 at 258.62mph, we felt we had a combination that could win on race day. Unfortunately I had tyre shake in the semis and was unable to get the win light, despite running a 5.72,” said Phillips.
With the Studebaker already packed and ready to head out on the long 4,400km (2,700 miles) one-way journey, Phillips and crew are already looking forward to next weekend’s race.
“Both cars run relatively similar tune ups, with the obvious exception of the suspension, weight and supercharger overdrive, so we’re going to be using what we learned about the track last time, and hopefully just make some refinements with the Doorslammer.”
“With the event running under the three round format, which sees two championship rounds completed in two days, it leaves little room for testing new ideas. We’re going over there with our proven tune up, and hopefully get some round wins with our consistency.”
“It’s the first time in a while we’ve been able to run the doorslammer at a race by itself, so with it receiving 100% of our attention, we’re going to give it a red hot go. With two coveted ANDRA Gold Christmas Tree trophies up for grabs, you can bet that we’ll be trying our best to win them both for Lucas Oil Products, Champion Spark Plugs and Odyssey Batteries.”
You can watch Phillips and the Lucas Oil Products team take on 18 other Top Doorslammers at the Perth Motorplex on March 1 and 2, with racing on both nights starting at 5:30pm.