Entries closed for largest drag racing event outside of United States
15-time ANDRA champ Gary Phillips currently leads the Top Alcohol Championship (Photo courtesy dragphotos.com.au)Entries have now closed for the largest drag racing event held outside of the United States – the FUCHS Winternationals, held at Queensland's Willowbank Raceway across the Queen's Birthday long weekend (Friday 7 June to Monday 10 June).
A total of 476 racers have signed up for the event which is expected to host up to 40,000 spectators over its four days, with competitors travelling from across the country as well as from New Zealand and the United States to take part.
Willowbank Raceway manager Steve Bettes said that of the 476 racers, 75 will be competing at the premier level of the sport across the six 'pro' categories – Top Fuel, Top Alcohol, Top Doorslammer, Pro Stock, Top Bike and Pro Stock Motorcycle.
"Australia's drag racing community have once again thrown their support behind the FUCHS Winternationals, seeing the event continue to claim the title of the largest drag racing event held outside of the United States," said Bettes.
"The continuing support shown by the racers really underlines the concept that Willowbank Raceway is the best place to be at this time of year.
"Thanks to the cooler weather conditions of South East Queensland in June, combined with our dedicated track preparation crew, the recipe for amazing performances is well and truly set out for both racers and spectators.
"With a bursting entry list including 401 sportsman racers and 75 professional level competitors, the action is going to be impressive right from the get go, and the track is likely to just get better and better across the four days as more and more rubber gets laid down by the racers."
As a 46 year old event steeped in tradition which is also a round of the ANDRA national championship, the FUCHS Winternationals holds a special place for many competitors.
"To win at the FUCHS Winternationals and take home a 'gold Christmas tree' trophy is something that is very powerful, thanks to the event's tradition in this country," said Bettes.
"As a round of the championship chase, you are guaranteed passionate racing for those in the championship hunt, but for each and every race the spectre of claiming event glory is a powerful motivator, one which means that anything can happen when it comes to the Queen's Birthday long weekend at Willowbank Raceway.
"It really is a special time of year, and with the final preparations now falling into place, everyone here at Willowbank Raceway is excited to see the festivities officially kick off with the 'warm-up' event across 1 and 2 June, which is expected to host more than 100 competitors ahead of the start of the FUCHS Winternationals on Friday 7 June."
The FUCHS Winternationals, held across the Queen's Birthday long weekend (including the Monday public holiday) on 7-10 June, is the largest drag racing event held outside of the United States.
For spectators, a range of ticketing options are available including special pre-purchase online-only multi-day event passes. Students and Concession Hard holders with ID gain discounts, while children aged 13 and under gain free entry. For full information, please visit www.willwobankraceway.com.au
