Philip Morris joined elite company in 2018 as he recorded his fifth NASCAR Whelen All-American Series National Championship. He joined short-track legend Larry Phillips as the only drivers with five National titles, the most of anyone in the 37-year history of the series.

Morris did so in 2018 in dominating fashion winning 23 races in 35 in starts. 31 of those starts resulted in a top ten finish, 28 top-five finishes and just four finishes of worse than 10th. Morris racked up wins at South Boston Speedway, Dominion Raceway, Langley Speedway and Southern National Motorsports Park during the course of the season. He also made starts at Myrtle Beach Speedway and Hickory Motor Speedway and attempted to make a start at Anderson Motor Speedway before rain washed the event out.

The relevance of tying Phillips record was not lost on Morris.

“I just have a much bigger appreciation for what was accomplished,” Morris said in a NASCAR article. “Plus, I get to be mentioned in the same sentence as Larry Philips. That’s always a good thing.”

Morris has a lot of respect for Phillips and his accomplishments.

“I don’t think I deserve it, but I think it’s amazing. That guy is a legend. I’m just glad to be in his company.”

Morris won titles in 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2011 before financial issues arose before the start of the 2012 season. Morris really didn’t get a chance to run for the National title prior to this season and he made the most of this opportunity with Reynolds Racing Chassis and crew chief Forrest Reynolds.

Morris began working with Reynolds in 2017 and together they became a potent duo that threatened for wins at every event, every week. The pairing allowed Morris to focus on his business and Reynolds and his team to prepare the car for battle each week. Reynolds certainly had the car ready for Morris and the 53-year-old driver delivered on the track every time.

“Last year was a building year and the first year I was with Reynolds Racing Chassis,” continued Morris. “This year the goal was to win the National title. The car is kept five hours away from my home so I’m relying on Forrest and the crew more than I ever have with anyone in my career. I just have to get everything I can out of the car on any given night.”

Despite winning the most races at South Boston Speedway (10), Morris missed out on the championship due to Peyton Sellers garnering more passing points during the season. Morris also won the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Virginia State Championship.

Morris is expected to chase his record-breaking sixth NASCAR Whelen All-American Series National Championship in 2019.