Self-dubbed as the ‘Rapa-Slayer,’ two-time champ Phil Lamattina is heading into the upcoming Top Fuel double header at the Gulf Western Oil Nitro Champs with plenty of swagger and some healthy confidence as he looks to continue his recent event-winning momentum.
The May 3-5 event at Sydney Dragway is shaping up to be Australia’s biggest nitro fuelled drag racing event, with spectators urged to pre-purchase their tickets to make sure they can secure their spot trackside for the non-stop event.
“After the last two rounds, with the performance of the car and being able to go to the final in Perth and win the final at Dragway at The Bend, it definitely gives us some confidence when it comes to chasing down the title,” Lamattina said.
“I am excited, I am up and about – to be in this position, turning it around from last season, is very exciting and I can’t wait for the coming challenge, starting with two back-to-back Top Fuel rounds in two days at the Nitro Champs.
“All of the cars out there are so tough, and you are going to have to be on your absolute game on both Saturday and Sunday in Sydney or get left behind, but we do have some confidence – in particular, I am feeling very really confident behind the wheel at the moment after two wins on a hole shot at The Bend.
“I am feeling really good with my driving, and I think I have everyone else worried, so that is good!” he smiled.
“I am calling myself the ‘Rapa-Slayer’ as I have gone up against them a few times lately with good success,” he grinned, before continuing, “hopefully I can keep that going in Sydney and then onto the final at Willowbank in June. It will be very interesting to see where everyone lands on Sunday – hopefully we find ourselves on top!”
For the first time as part of the NDRC, Top Fuel will be co-headliners with the XPRO Nitro Funny Cars at the Gulf Western Oil Nitro Champs, which will also feature Top Doorslammer, Pro Stock, FuelTech Pro Mod, and the Aeroflow National Sportsman Championship, as well as plenty of off-track entertainment including the aerial acrobatics of Australia’s own Red Bull Air Race world champion and former Royal Australian Air Force top gun fighter pilot, Matt Hall.
“The spectators really are going to be the winners at this event,” Lamattina said, while thanking FUCHS, R&J Batteries, Nitro Golf Centre, and Rocky Lamattina and Sons.
The National Drag Racing Championship is taking the Gulf Western Oil Nitro Champs (May 3-5) to new heights in 2024, in what is shaping up to be Australia’s biggest nitro fuelled drag racing event.
Tickets are available now at ndrc.tv with kids aged 10 and under gaining free access with a paying adult. General release ticket prices end at 11.59pm Tuesday 30 April, after which final release pricing will be on offer.
