Steven Reed is just one of the headliners of a stellar field in the ANDRA Drag Racing Series Top Alcohol season opener at Perth Motorplex on January 31-Feburay 1.

The Top Alcohol cornucopia of supercharged dragsters, funny cars and altereds reaching over 400 kph during fierce elimination racing is set to light up the West next Friday in what will be Perth fans first look at Steven Reed in five years.

Making the long 4500 km trek from Queensland, Reed is looking forward to racing in front of the Motorplex crowd once again in what he hopes will be a great start to a successful 2014.

“The last time we were there was 2009,” said Reed. “It was a good outing for us as Debbie (Reed) and I were in the final together with Debbie getting the win.”

“Preparations are done as of Wednesday and we’re just finishing the servicing of the Kenworth and trailer before leaving early Sunday morning for the long drive.”

Reed knows he has his work cut out for an assault on the Top Alcohol Championship but he will give everything he’s got to try and wrest the title away from 16 time champion Gary Phillips.

“To win the Championship, to start with you must contest all the rounds which we haven’t done since 2009, but are attempting to achieve this season. It all hinges on funding, if we have more companies which support us we will compete at all the rounds.”

“Secondly you need a consistently fast car. I don’t think we will be running in the 5.40s but if we can have a consistent 5.50s car, we have half a chance.”

Fellow Queenslander Gary Phillips meanwhile is looking forward to another title defence beginning at the Pro Showdown but with a talented group of teams and drivers nipping at his heals; he knows it won’t be easy to stay on top.

“We have a few new things to try, but it will depend on the weather as to our approach,” he said. “We hope it’s cool because the car should be fast if it works.”

“There are some really good cars in Top Alcohol, and anyone that qualifies is a threat. As with previous years, I’ll certainly be giving it my all to repeat as champion.”

As a multiple winner of the Top Alcohol crown, Phillips knows a thing or two about what it takes to repeat acknowledging it requires lot of hard work and attention to the smallest details.

“It also takes total determination and dedication, not only from me but from Deb (wife) and Cheyne (son), who I could not do this without.”

“You need 100 percent effort before even getting to the track, and a great sponsor/marketing partner in Lucas Oil Products, who I have been with for 17 years.”

“We must be doing something right together.”

Catch all of the action in round one of the ANDRA Drag Racing Series for Top Alcohol and Top Doorslammer at Perth Motorplex Januray 31-February 1, 2014.

Tickets are available from www.motorplex.com.au