Lamattina eager to attack Sydney show in top gear

Self-dubbed as the ‘Rapa-Slayer,’ two-time champ Phil Lamattina is heading into the upcoming Top Fuel/Funny Cars double header at the Gulf Western Oil Nitro Champs with plenty of swagger.

The May 3-5 event at Sydney Dragway is shaping up to be Australia’s biggest nitro fuelled drag racing event, with Top Fuel sharing the spotlight with the XPRO Nitro Funny Cars for the first time in the National Drag Racing Championship era.

Title contender Lamattina will head to Sydney with plenty of confidence and belief to spearhead a late assault.

“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.

Tickets are now available for the May 3-5 event.

Image: Cackling Pipes

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