WEMEN-based drag racer Phil Lamattina is not short for words in the lead up to the National Drag Racing Championship Top Fuel double header in Sydney.
When asked about former team mate Shane Olive, who he competed alongside last year, the three-time champion had plenty to say.
“When he was my teammate, I had a bit of empathy for him, but now I have none,” Lamattina said.
“Especially as he took my championship chance away when he beat me in Darwin (at the 2022/2023 season finale).
“There were no team orders or anything, but I am still burning over that one.
“Beating him will be something special.”
The carrot farmer said the two rounds over the weekend would be vital to the overall championship, and was confident that thanks to some changes to the team’s dragster he would be able to rival other teams.
“You hear the same spin all the time from racers, but we legitimately have made some changes to the car that we really think will see us improve our performance and our consistency,” Lamattina said.
“The Rapisardas are going to bring a decent arsenal of cars, and it is going to be our job, which will be fantastic, to beat up on all four of them.
“Phil Read and I used to be ready to go if we even just looked at each other the wrong way, and Peter Xiberras has had a bit to say lately too.
“We are coming for all of them.”
Lamattina is currently fourth in championship points following the opening round at Tailem Bend, which drew 35,000 spectators.
On 66 points, he trails Rapisarda Autosport duo Damien Harris (157) and Wayne Newby (125), as well as PremiAir Racing’s Peter Xiberras (90).
“To start the season off with the crowd that we did at a brand-new facility was really great, and it is clear Dragway at The Bend is going to be awesome, we can’t wait to head back there in April,” Lamattina said.
“In the meantime, though, we are getting really hyped up for the double header, we haven’t done that for a long time, and it is going to be pretty cool to be a part of.”
The Australia Day Nationals will consist of two action-packed days and nights of racing at the Sydney Dragway between January 26 and 27.
