Michael Phillips was born on October 19, 1967 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His father exposed him to drag racing at an early age. In 1980, when he received his first motorcycle from his father, he was so small; his feet couldn’t reach the ground. His father and brother held him up at the starting line, and would wait for him at the trailer to help him get off is bike. He then, was inspired to become a professional drag racer.

Michael was active in the International Drag Bike Association between 1981-91, winning several events in Super Gas, and in Super Comp., finishing in the Top Ten. In 1992, Michael was offered an opportunity to become a Pro Stock bike rider and a role model in the National Hot Rod Association. He did anti-drug and anti-gang seminars for the youth in the community and made history by breaking the color bearer when he began the first African American ever to win a NHRA title in 1995.

Michael went to the Prostar Racing Organization, setting a record for the best elapsed time in Promod and 600 Super Sport class. Between 1996-1999, he was in the Top Three. With his mind still set on NHRA, Michael then joined with Team Baxter in 2000 as mechanic. There, he gained knowledge and skills, and retrieved information to become an independent racer.

He then set out to beat the odds of what people said he couldn’t do. He continued to work long hours as a mechanic, on a strict budget, and little manpower. In order to keep striving, he used his dreams from when he was younger as hope for the future to come. In 2003, Michael managed to stay in the Top Ten position and went on to win his second National event title in Reading, PA. In 2004, he was 9th in points for NHRA drag races. Knowing what he faced last year, Michael is now seeking funds to enrich his performance and to serve the young people in his community as a positive role model. The support of your companies funding will be instrumental in helping Michael build a financial support to ensure his ongoing success as a professional drag racer and win the World Championships.

The Team

• Michael Philips, the rider assistant crew chief responsible for supervision.
  
• Malcolm Philips, older brother of Michael Philips. He also the crew chief who has extensive experience as a auto mechanic. He oversees steps taken to execute the preparation and performance of each event.
  
• Douglas Marshall, head of marketing and promoting.