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(Sydney, NSW) It doesn't seem that long ago, that Phil Read took his first tentative steps in the Auto One Fuchs Lubricants, , Snap-on Tools Top Fuel car. In fact it was at the debut 2004 ACDelco East Coast Nationals and since that time, the Oakville NSW resident has stormed to the top of the heap in Top Fuel Drag Racing, winning back-to-back Australian Championships. His tilt at a three-peat for Jim Read Racing commences at the upcoming ACDelco East Coast Nationals on Friday August 31 and Saturday September 1.
The second-generation racer certainly takes the success in his stride.
"No, I am not surprised we won back to back Top Fuel Championships," explained Read, "The Kalittas left us with a good racecar that had good data and strong runs in the USA before we even got the car here. The real pleasing thing is we don't seek that much advice from the Kalitta team now and our team has found its own legs to really perform well."
Looking toward to next season commencing with the ACDelco sponsored event at Western Sydney, Read expects new levels of competition which excites rather than intimidates!
"To be honest in my racing career so far I have been a bit surprised our performances haven't been matched by some of the other teams out there, but this season looks great, with teams like Lamattina, Mariani, Steve Read, Martin Stamatis and others really presenting team combinations that can run quick, consistently."
Also Read has no doubt former Aussie Champ Darren Morgan will be a formidable foe moving forward.
"I think he will be one to watch next year as he develops with a brand new team. Our car is proven car, they have a brand new chassis like we are doing with Martin (Stamatis). It takes time to bed down a new chassis and car combination. For our team, the Winternationals was a turning point in the program with the Stamatis combination, because his incrementals to half track were consistently awesome at that event.
Nitro is a race of attrition, but we are starting to minimize the damage and that is what it takes to win championships.
In the case of Darren (Morgan), I am sure this year will be a journey of discovery and I think personally it will be next year when we will see his team really contend for the championship. Regardless he will be lurking this season too particularly as they find their feet."
Read has a clear focus on what his agenda is for the upcoming season.
"Our goal is to chase wins as hard as we ever have and we certainly want to stay on top of the mountain but it is a hard view to maintain in Top Fuel. The key is to run consistently and not erratic to win championships. You can't just set records out there, you have to be able to consistently get down the track in all racing conditions and scenarios."
Speaking to Read shows a conversation flow that seems to emanate from a veteran, yet his racing stint has in actuality been short and spectacular.
Does driving a Nitro monster at over 500-kays become pedestrian to Phil Read?
"Of course you can never get bored driving a Top Fuel Dragster! However, I was only recently remembering when I first started driving at Frank Hawleys Drag Racing School, and I was talking to Dave Grubnic about what to expect and he explained at first it's about the buzz of Nitro, but then as time moves on it is more about racing and winning - and looking back he is spot on. Things like running a 4.68 and 4.71 with Alan Dobson, that lights our fire, beating the other racers at the finish line. You eventually get hooked on the racing aspect, rather than the spectacle."
The 'Black Mamba' - the ex-Kalitta Dragster has certainly developed a cult following in Australia and Phil and the entire Fuchs Lubricants, Auto One, Snap-on Tools team are confident it will continue to stride the competition this season!
"Our inventory is in great shape and we are ready to go. I am confident we can continue our form and with our team-mate in the mix as well. The weather at the ACDelcos should be nice and ideal for some strong numbers for the fans too."
Strong numbers has been a Jim Read Racing trademark and they will need to 'bring it' with the monster lineup of Nitro set to roar at the ACDelco East Coast Nationals!
ACDelco East Coast Nationals
Friday, August 31 and Saturday, September 1.
Western Sydney International Dragway
Ferrers Road, Eastern Creek
- 2007-2008 ANDRA Championship Series Opener for Top Fuel, Top Alcohol, Top Doorslammer, Pro Stock, Top Bike and Pro Stock Motorcycle.
- 2007-2008 Rocket All Stars Series Opener for all Sportsman (Groups 2, 3 and 4) brackets.
- Gate opening times TBA
Pricing:
LADIES DAY FRIDAY AUGUST 31 - LADIES FREE ENTRY*
Adults - $35 (Friday), $40 (Saturday), $70 (2-day pass)
12-16 year olds - $25 (Friday), $30 (Saturday), $50 (2-day pass)
Seniors/Aged Pension $25 (Friday), $30 (Saturday), $50 (2-day pass)
Kids under 12 - FREE
NIGHT-TRO PASSES: 5pm, 7pm and 9pm BOTH DAYS
2007 A C Delco Countdown To Go - Phil Read
(Sydney, NSW) It doesn't seem that long ago, that Phil Read took his first tentative steps in the Auto One Fuchs Lubricants, , Snap-on Tools Top Fuel car. In fact it was at the debut 2004 ACDelco East Coast Nationals and since that time, the Oakville NSW resident has stormed to the top of the heap in Top Fuel Drag Racing, winning back-to-back Australian Championships. His tilt at a three-peat for Jim Read Racing commences at the upcoming ACDelco East Coast Nationals on Friday August 31 and Saturday September 1.
The second-generation racer certainly takes the success in his stride.
"No, I am not surprised we won back to back Top Fuel Championships," explained Read, "The Kalittas left us with a good racecar that had good data and strong runs in the USA before we even got the car here. The real pleasing thing is we don't seek that much advice from the Kalitta team now and our team has found its own legs to really perform well."
Looking toward to next season commencing with the ACDelco sponsored event at Western Sydney, Read expects new levels of competition which excites rather than intimidates!
"To be honest in my racing career so far I have been a bit surprised our performances haven't been matched by some of the other teams out there, but this season looks great, with teams like Lamattina, Mariani, Steve Read, Martin Stamatis and others really presenting team combinations that can run quick, consistently."
Also Read has no doubt former Aussie Champ Darren Morgan will be a formidable foe moving forward.
"I think he will be one to watch next year as he develops with a brand new team. Our car is proven car, they have a brand new chassis like we are doing with Martin (Stamatis). It takes time to bed down a new chassis and car combination. For our team, the Winternationals was a turning point in the program with the Stamatis combination, because his incrementals to half track were consistently awesome at that event.
Nitro is a race of attrition, but we are starting to minimize the damage and that is what it takes to win championships.
In the case of Darren (Morgan), I am sure this year will be a journey of discovery and I think personally it will be next year when we will see his team really contend for the championship. Regardless he will be lurking this season too particularly as they find their feet."
Read has a clear focus on what his agenda is for the upcoming season.
"Our goal is to chase wins as hard as we ever have and we certainly want to stay on top of the mountain but it is a hard view to maintain in Top Fuel. The key is to run consistently and not erratic to win championships. You can't just set records out there, you have to be able to consistently get down the track in all racing conditions and scenarios."
Speaking to Read shows a conversation flow that seems to emanate from a veteran, yet his racing stint has in actuality been short and spectacular.
Does driving a Nitro monster at over 500-kays become pedestrian to Phil Read?
"Of course you can never get bored driving a Top Fuel Dragster! However, I was only recently remembering when I first started driving at Frank Hawleys Drag Racing School, and I was talking to Dave Grubnic about what to expect and he explained at first it's about the buzz of Nitro, but then as time moves on it is more about racing and winning - and looking back he is spot on. Things like running a 4.68 and 4.71 with Alan Dobson, that lights our fire, beating the other racers at the finish line. You eventually get hooked on the racing aspect, rather than the spectacle."
The 'Black Mamba' - the ex-Kalitta Dragster has certainly developed a cult following in Australia and Phil and the entire Fuchs Lubricants, Auto One, Snap-on Tools team are confident it will continue to stride the competition this season!
"Our inventory is in great shape and we are ready to go. I am confident we can continue our form and with our team-mate in the mix as well. The weather at the ACDelcos should be nice and ideal for some strong numbers for the fans too."
Strong numbers has been a Jim Read Racing trademark and they will need to 'bring it' with the monster lineup of Nitro set to roar at the ACDelco East Coast Nationals!
ACDelco East Coast Nationals
Friday, August 31 and Saturday, September 1.
Western Sydney International Dragway
Ferrers Road, Eastern Creek
- 2007-2008 ANDRA Championship Series Opener for Top Fuel, Top Alcohol, Top Doorslammer, Pro Stock, Top Bike and Pro Stock Motorcycle.
- 2007-2008 Rocket All Stars Series Opener for all Sportsman (Groups 2, 3 and 4) brackets.
- Gate opening times TBA
Pricing:
LADIES DAY FRIDAY AUGUST 31 - LADIES FREE ENTRY*
Adults - $35 (Friday), $40 (Saturday), $70 (2-day pass)
12-16 year olds - $25 (Friday), $30 (Saturday), $50 (2-day pass)
Seniors/Aged Pension $25 (Friday), $30 (Saturday), $50 (2-day pass)
Kids under 12 - FREE
NIGHT-TRO PASSES: 5pm, 7pm and 9pm BOTH DAYS
