The family business may be known as Rocky Lamattina and Sons but this coming weekend, it’s all about Rocky Lamattina and Dad, as the father and son combination both pilot their respective dragsters down the strip at the Perth Motorplex together for the very first time.
The eldest son of former Australian Top Fuel Champion, Phil Lamattina, eight-year-old Rocky has taken the wheel of his own Junior Dragster in search of ANDRA Gold Christmas Tree glory.
“It’s something he wanted to do,” explained Phil, “don’t get me wrong, I’m glad that he wants to race like his old man but it was completely his decision. To be honest, he surprised me at how well he did in his licensing, so I suppose he has been watching and learning when we are at the track.”
Rocky recently completed his licensing under the watchful eye of the former ANDRA Top Fuel pilot, as well as mother Sarah at Queensland’s Willowbank Raceway.
“Now I’ve got two to worry about” smiled Rocky’s Mum, Phil’s wife, Sarah Lamattina.
“Obviously, growing up in our family, drag racing was always going to be a part of his life but I think his keenness surprised both Phil and I,” concluded a proud Mum.
Phil added, “We are a very close family, me and my brothers work together on the farm everyday and we’ve always raced together as well.
“Now that Rocky has reached the age where he can compete, my biggest worry is the rest of them! Ross is not much younger than Rocky, so he wont be far away. Then my youngest Luca as well as Angelo and Tina’s son Vincent could be next in line.
“We might be in the market for another trailer sooner rather than later.”
The FUCHS-sponsored LTFR machine top qualified in Perth for the last round of the ANDRA series and will be looking to take that speed into eliminations at this round.
“We are confident with some changes we have made in the car and we are looking for an improved performance for the weekend and no matter what happens, we are 50 per cent more likely to see a Lamattina win than we were the last time we were here,” Phil laughed.
