The 16-time Top Alcohol champion won the opening round of the series, defeating WA’s Craig Glassby in the final round with a 5.435-second pass at a record breaking 267.85 mph.

It was a perfect event for Phillips, who started the weekend as top qualifier and then progressed to the final seamlessly, beating Robert Ambrousi and Rob Pikington in the process.

“Number one qualifier, winning the race and setting the speed record, that’s a good start to the season,” Phillips said. 

“The competition in Top Alcohol is definitely getting tougher and our times are getting consistently quicker through eliminations, a 5.440 in the first round, 5.430 in the semis and 5.435 in the finals to get the win.” 

After seeing his national record eclipsed in the semi-finals by Glassby’s record-setting 5.410sec pass, Phillips is determined to fight back and reclaim the title as the country’s quickest Top Alcohol Funny Car driver.

“We were trying to run a 5.39 in the final and get the record back, but it never quite got there,” Phillips said.

“We have something we can work on now – we’re about performances, and winning is a bonus, for us and Lucas Oil Products.”

The ANDRA Top Alcohol Championship continues at Adelaide International Raceway with the Pro Series 1000 on 14-15 March.

Image © Luke Nieuwhof