Australian Pro Alcohol racer Cheyne Phillips returned to Randy Meyer Racing last weekend for another tilt at the NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster bracket, competing at the NHRA Great Lakes Nationals at US 131 Motorsports Park.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature played a major role in the weekend, reducing qualifying to just a single opportunity. That left Phillips precariously positioned in 16th and facing the ultimate challenge in the opening round — defending event champion Shawn Cowie.
Unfazed by the situation, Phillips delivered when it mattered.
The Australian cut a sensational .003-second reaction time against Cowie before powering the Randy Meyer Racing dragster to a 5.23-second pass at a personal-best 276.24 mph to eliminate the defending champion and advance to the second round.
Unfortunately, Phillips’ impressive weekend came to an end in round two when the dragster dropped a cylinder on the hit against John Gutierrez, ending the Aussie’s run.
Despite the disappointment, Phillips was once again grateful for the opportunity to compete with the Randy Meyer Racing operation and continue gaining experience at the highest level of drag racing.
Phillips wasn’t the only Australian making an impact in the Top Alcohol Dragster field, with fellow expatriates Jamie Noonan and Richie Crampton also lining up.
Noonan is chasing the NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster championship this season and advanced to round two after defeating his Samsel’s Racing teammate Crampton in an extraordinary pedalfest in the opening round.
Noonan’s weekend would ultimately end in round two, however, when tyre shake brought his charge to an end against Greg Hunter.
Photos: DragRaceCanada / David Ostaszewski
