{"id":101147,"date":"2025-06-09T19:18:32","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T19:18:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/racepages.com\/Videos\/drag-racing\/uncategorized\/records-fall-ndrc-champions-rise-at-gulf-western-oil-winternationals\/"},"modified":"2025-06-09T19:18:32","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T19:18:32","slug":"records-fall-ndrc-champions-rise-at-gulf-western-oil-winternationals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/racepages.com\/Videos\/drag-racing\/uncategorized\/records-fall-ndrc-champions-rise-at-gulf-western-oil-winternationals\/","title":{"rendered":"Records Fall, NDRC Champions Rise at Gulf Western Oil Winternationals"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Gulf Western Oil Winternationals closed out with a bang at Willowbank Raceway, as the best of Australian drag racing delivered a high-impact finale to one of the most well-attended and action-packed events in recent memory. With national records smashed, National Drag Racing Championships (NDRC) decided, and underdog triumphs across the board, the final day of racing was one for the books.<\/p>\n

Top Fuel: Newby Goes Back-to-Back, Harris Sets Speed Record<\/h3>\n

The day opened with a jaw-dropping Top Fuel session featuring a classic side-by-side three-second showdown between Phil Read and Phil Lamattina (3.776 and 3.877), followed by Damien Harris rocketing to a new Australian Top Fuel speed record of 333.2 mph.<\/p>\n

But in the A-Final, it was Wayne Newby who prevailed in a scrappy pedal-fest against Harris. Despite both cars experiencing early troubles, Newby managed to recover and streak to the finish line, clinching his second consecutive Winternationals victory and extending his Rapisarda Autosport International team\u2019s points lead.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t pretty, but we got the job done,\u201d Newby said. \u201cWe\u2019ve put ourselves in a good spot heading into the final round.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lamattina claimed the B-Final solo after throttle issues sidelined Read, and Steve Read took the C-Final when Kyle Putland couldn\u2019t make the call.<\/p>\n

Nitro Funny Car: McMillin\u2019s Historic Double<\/h3>\n
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Morice McMillin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Morice McMillin dominated the XPRO Nitro Funny Car ranks, topping qualifying and resetting the Australian ET and speed records with a 3.929-second blast and a trap speed of 524.15kph (325.7mph). In the final, he edged out teammate Josh Leahy by just .0005 of a second in a breathtaking photo finish.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe banged the blower out at three-quarter track, and then I saw Josh come past. I thought we\u2019d lost it,\u201d said McMillin. \u201cBut this thing was flying. What a weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leahy also made history earlier in the day, recording a 3.931 at 322.5 mph in the first round\u2014the second quickest pass in Australian Nitro Funny Car history.<\/p>\n

Top Doorslammer: Harrington Upsets the Champ<\/h3>\n
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Russell Taylor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Russell Taylor locked up the 2024\/2025 NDRC Top Doorslammer championship early in the day but was denied the event win by Rob Harrington, who pulled off a string of upsets in his first-ever finals appearance. After eliminating 11-time champ John Zappia and Nigel Dixon, Harrington capitalized when Taylor\u2019s car faltered just before half-track.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just an Aussie battler with a ragtag bunch of blokes having a go,\u201d Harrington said. \u201cWe\u2019ve won the Winters, baby!\u201d<\/p>\n

Top Fuel Motorcycle: Muscat Completes the Sweep<\/h3>\n
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Damian Muscat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite multiple setbacks\u2014including a broken crank and extensive overnight repairs\u2014Damian Muscat qualified No. 1, won the event, and claimed the Top Fuel Motorcycle championship. He defeated Benny Stevens in the final to cap off an undefeated season.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis team has worked their hearts out,\u201d said Muscat. \u201cTo win every event we entered this season is just incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pro Alcohol: Phillips Shines on Birthday, Reed Claims Title<\/h3>\n
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Daniel Reed<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In an emotional Pro Alcohol final, Cheyne Phillips celebrated his 35th birthday with a Winternationals victory over Daniel Reed in a showdown between two drag racing dynasties. Phillips ran strong all weekend, while Reed\u2019s runner-up was enough to secure his first Pro Alcohol championship.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou couldn\u2019t script it better,\u201d said Phillips. \u201cTo win my first Christmas Tree on my birthday is something I\u2019ll never forget.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reed\u2019s mother, Fiona, also earned a win in Supercharged Outlaws, making it a memorable weekend for the entire Reed family.<\/p>\n

Pro Stock: Tremayne Brothers Battle It Out<\/h3>\n

The Pro Stock final saw Aaron Tremayne take the win over brother Tyronne, who turned on the red light at the tree. Aaron, the top qualifier, ran consistent numbers throughout the weekend to claim another Winters title.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy car was on song from the start,\u201d said Aaron. \u201cWe had a crank trigger issue in the final, but it\u2019s great to take the win.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pro Stock Motorcycle: White Breaks Through After 34 Years<\/h3>\n

After more than three decades of effort, Scott White finally claimed a Winternationals win in Pro Stock Motorcycle, defeating championship leader Luke Crowley in the final.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ran my first Pro Bike meeting here in 1991,\u201d White said. \u201cTo finally win the Winters is unbelievable.\u201d<\/p>\n

FuelTech Pro Mod: Kiwi Makes a Statement<\/h3>\n

New Zealand\u2019s Barry Plumpton made his Aussie Pro Mod debut one to remember, defeating Stew Walsh in the final to take the event win. Plumpton praised his crew and their consistency for carrying them through the field.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe car was perfect all day,\u201d he said. \u201cTo win our first time out is just unbelievable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sportsman Standouts: Condello Wins Big<\/h3>\n

Over 350 competitors vied for both event glory and Aeroflow National Sportsman Championship honors. Zayne Condello not only secured the Junior Dragster title but also became the inaugural recipient of the Dennis Syrmis Award, recognizing the top points scorer across all sportsman brackets.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt means the world to me,\u201d said Condello. \u201cTo go back-to-back and win the Syrmis Award is a dream come true.\u201d<\/p>\n

Other champions included:<\/p>\n