"When I took on driving t he Fuchs Top Fuel Dragster, I knew it wasn't going to be a walk in the park but the truth is, it's hard work. And just like in our [carrot farming] business, the harder you work the better results you get," said Phil.

"To finish off the season by winning the Winternationals proved just how hard we have worked and the guys in the crew deserve every inch of credit for all the effort they have put in over the past 12 months."

"There's no doubt that Lamattina Top Fuel Racing have one of the best nitro engine tuners that Australia has ever seen in Theo from Pavtek. He has not only consistently produced the goods at the events but was the main person behind our move to Melbourne. He had a massive job to get the dragster setup for our first round in January plus the responsibility of getting a young crew trained up, along with running Pavtek."

"Theo has also taken us to a new level in race preparation this season. This was our third top fuel season but the firs t one that Theo was in control of the dragster and we've never been so organised. He's made big difference to the way we go about our business," Phil added.

Phil was also quick to explain that Lamattina Top Fuel Racing, just like their carrot business, is a family affair with fellow brothers' Angelo and John playing major roles in the team's operations.

"Angelo and John are as big a part of our team as anybody and because they're not in the limelight, they probably don't get the recognition they deserve. Their contribution in making Lamattina Top Fuel Racing successful is enormous," Phil said further.

"All in all it's a big team effort. From Wes, our truck driver, who not only gets our dragster to each round safely but works tirelessly on the car during every event, right through to our wives who do just about everything from selling merchandise to packing parachutes, everybody puts in and that's what makes it such a strong outfit."

"I can't wait for next season. After a few months off, we'll be even hungrier and there's no doubt we'll be a serious contender," Phil concluded.