The Lamattina Top Fuel Racing (LTFR) team delivered a strong and emotionally charged performance at the 2025 Winternationals, with a weekend full of consistent 3.80-second runs, renewed confidence, and a packed Willowbank Raceway crowd treated to the very best of Australian NDRC drag racing.
LTFR’s Winternationals campaign launched with a standout 3.877-second pass at 320mph in the opening qualifier, providing valuable data and setting the tone for a weekend of impressive runs. The momentum carried through with five consecutive 3.8-second passes, including a 3.832 in Q3—LTFR’s best of the event—earning third position in qualifying.
“This car has been running like a bracket car,” said team principal and driver Phil Lamattina. “We haven’t strung together this kind of consistency in a long time. It’s a testament to the hard work the crew has put in back at the workshop since Sydney.”
Despite being edged out by Phil Read in Round 1 and again in Round 2 by just 71 ten-thousandths of a second, LTFR closed out the weekend with a clean 3.905-second pass in the B-Final, taking the win and finishing the event on a high.
The weekend held deeper significance for the team, who dedicated their performance to Hayley Turns—a beloved member of the drag racing community—and continued racing in support of team member Lex Wilson.
“This weekend, we raced in memory of Hayley Turns. Our thoughts remain with Paul ‘Plucka’ Drady and Hayley’s family and friends,” Lamattina said.
“We also continue to race for Lex, who is improving every day. He’s still very much a part of our team, and we thank everyone across the paddock and beyond for the support.”
LTFR also had the pleasure of hosting supporters from FUCHS Lubricants Australasia and Muirs, offering them a behind-the-scenes look at Top Fuel racing at its peak.
With confidence building and the car performing at its best, the team now turns its attention to the next round in Sydney.
“We’re happy with the car and proud of the effort. The consistency we’ve shown is a great platform to build on—bring on Sydney.”
