Mother’s Day was an extra special occasion for Gunnedah-based mum-of-one Ashleigh Phillips this year as she had a memorable triumph in a Tamworth Drag Racing Association (TDRA) event at the Gunnedah Airport.
Ashleigh was the only female contestant in this group, and she had the honour of winning the group after qualifying ninth as the group had 16 competitors.
It was the first time Ashleigh competed in Group A, and she became the second female to win Group A at a TDRA event after she had won Group B at a previous TDRA event.
Last Sunday’s achievement was also memorable for Ashleigh due to having her son Chais and mum Kerry in attendance.
As last weekend was the second of four yearly TDRA events of its type, competitors travelled from all around NSW while some came from interstate.
Entering her first race last Saturday morning, Ashleigh was nervous due to memories of her previous experience on the track about nine months earlier when her vehicle spun out of control and ended up in a paddock.
As if nerves weren’t enough, Ashleigh encountered more experienced drivers with bigger and faster cars than hers.
Ashleigh nonetheless felt comfortable in her LH Torana, powered by a 350 Chev motor, as she made the top-four and then won the semi-final and final.
“My first race (last weekend) was very nerve-wracking,” she said.
“To go from nerve-wracking and a nervous wreck, to winning, it was awesome.
“It was a good feeling.
“To do it on Mother’s Day with my son and mum there, was special.
“We couldn’t have asked any more of the car, it was consistent right across the weekend and it kept me straight.
“All the hard work dad and I have put in paid off and we came away with the win.”
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