Lucas Oils' Alky Legend, Gary Phillips Set for Westernationals

16-time ANDRA Top Alcohol and 2007 Top Doorslammer Champion Gary Phillips and his Lucas Oils team make their second visit to the Perth Motorplex in four weeks for next weekend's Westernationals.

After competing in his Lucas Oils Top Alcohol Funny Car a little under a month ago, Gary is looking to use the information gained at that event and apply it to his 1953 Studebaker Top Doorslammer.

"Overall, we were happy with the results produced with the Funny Car," Phillips said.

"After qualifying number two with a 5.565 at 258.62mph, we felt we had a combination that could win on race day. Unfortunately I had tyre shake in the semis and was unable to get the win light, despite running a 5.72."

With the Studebaker packed and ready for the 4,400km journey, Phillips and his crew are already looking forward to next weekend's race.

"Both cars run relatively similar tune-ups, with the obvious exception of the suspension, weight and supercharger overdrive, so we're going to be using what we learned about the track last time, and hopefully just make some refinements with the Doorslammer," Phillips said.

"With the event running under the three-round format, which sees two championship rounds completed in two days, it leaves little room for testing new ideas.

"We're going over there with our proven tune-up, and hopefully we'll get some round wins with our consistency."

"It's the first time in a while we've been able to run the Doorslammer at a race by itself, so with it receiving 100% of our attention, we're going to give it a red-hot go.

Phillips and the Lucas Oil Products team will take on 18 other Top Doorslammers at the Perth Motorplex on March 1 & 2, with racing on both nights starting at 5:30pm.