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.
Top Fuel: Newby Goes Back-to-Back, Harris Sets Speed Record
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.
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’s points lead.
“It wasn’t pretty, but we got the job done,” Newby said. “We’ve put ourselves in a good spot heading into the final round.”
Lamattina claimed the B-Final solo after throttle issues sidelined Read, and Steve Read took the C-Final when Kyle Putland couldn’t make the call.
Nitro Funny Car: McMillin’s Historic Double
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.
“We banged the blower out at three-quarter track, and then I saw Josh come past. I thought we’d lost it,” said McMillin. “But this thing was flying. What a weekend.”
Leahy also made history earlier in the day, recording a 3.931 at 322.5 mph in the first round—the second quickest pass in Australian Nitro Funny Car history.
Top Doorslammer: Harrington Upsets the Champ
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’s car faltered just before half-track.
“I’m just an Aussie battler with a ragtag bunch of blokes having a go,” Harrington said. “We’ve won the Winters, baby!”
Top Fuel Motorcycle: Muscat Completes the Sweep
Despite multiple setbacks—including a broken crank and extensive overnight repairs—Damian 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.
“This team has worked their hearts out,” said Muscat. “To win every event we entered this season is just incredible.”
Pro Alcohol: Phillips Shines on Birthday, Reed Claims Title
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’s runner-up was enough to secure his first Pro Alcohol championship.
“You couldn’t script it better,” said Phillips. “To win my first Christmas Tree on my birthday is something I’ll never forget.”
Reed’s mother, Fiona, also earned a win in Supercharged Outlaws, making it a memorable weekend for the entire Reed family.
Pro Stock: Tremayne Brothers Battle It Out
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.
“My car was on song from the start,” said Aaron. “We had a crank trigger issue in the final, but it’s great to take the win.”
Pro Stock Motorcycle: White Breaks Through After 34 Years
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.
“I ran my first Pro Bike meeting here in 1991,” White said. “To finally win the Winters is unbelievable.”
FuelTech Pro Mod: Kiwi Makes a Statement
New Zealand’s 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.
“The car was perfect all day,” he said. “To win our first time out is just unbelievable.”
Sportsman Standouts: Condello Wins Big
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.
“It means the world to me,” said Condello. “To go back-to-back and win the Syrmis Award is a dream come true.”
Other champions included:
- Dean Jamieson (Modified Bike)
- Lillian Hagan (Junior Drag Bike)
- Luke Griffiths (Super Street)
- David Foster (Top Sportsman)
- Tony Miskelly (Super Sedan)
- Cory Dyson (Modified)
- Ken Collin (Performance Bike)
- Mark Hunt (Supercharged Outlaws)
- Pat Firriolo (Super Comp)
What’s Next
With the Winternationals wrapped, the NDRC now shifts focus to the final rounds of the season:
- Nitro Nationals at Sydney Dragway, Aug. 23 (Top Fuel & Nitro Funny Car)
- Nitro Up North at Hidden Valley Raceway, Aug. 29–30 (Top Doorslammer)
- Spring Nationals at The Bend, Oct. 3–5 (Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle, FuelTech Pro Mod + TF record runs)
This story was originally published on June 9, 2025. 
