Australia's most successful drag racer Gary Phillips has returned from this year's Winternationals with plenty to smile about, including a new Top Alcohol Funny Car national record, personal best performances in Top Alcohol and Top Doorslammer, and an event runner-up.

The Lucas Oil-backed racer was on-form at Australia's biggest drag racing meet, and set a new national record with his Lucas Oil Funny Car – achieving a 5.424-second elapsed time for the standing quarter-mile (400m), 0.014-sec quicker than his previous benchmark.

Phillips also set a personal best time in Top Doorslammer, recording a 5.88-second run to qualify second in the 16-car field.

The 17-time ANDRA Champion, who won the event 12 times between 1978 and 2004, was naturally delighted with the result.

"The Winternationals was a great event for us," Phillips said.

"In Top Alcohol Funny Car, we were the number one qualifier, had low elapsed time, good top speed, set the record yet again, and finished runner-up.

"265.33 mph (427.01km/h) was the fastest we ran, which is our new personal best. And the Lucas Oil Funny Car still looks brand-new after the event."

Phillips now leads the ANDRA Top Alcohol Championship, sitting on 344-points, with nearest challenger John Cannuli 20-points adrift.

The series heads next month to Darwin's Hidden Valley Drag Strip, and Phillips is under no illusion at what he has to do.

"We just have to keep our heads down, and do our best to stay ahead of the other guys who are snapping at our heels," the Lucas Oil backed drag racer said.

"I'm really looking forward to our next chance in Darwin.

"The crowds are good, and the hospitality is sensational. They always get good crowds and they're very loyal fans. How could you not enjoy that?"

Round 6 of the ANDRA Top Alcohol Championship gets underway at Darwin's Hidden Valley Drag Strip from July 11-12.