Fuchs Winternationals ready to set winter ablaze this weekend

Chris Porter is in the box seat to challenge for the Top Bike championship lead (Photo courtesy dragphotos.com.au)

Just days remain until more than 470 racers including the popular flame-throwing nitro monsters of Top Fuel hit the track at Willowbank Raceway for the largest championship drag race held outside of the US – the FUCHS Winternationals (Friday 7 June to Monday 10 June).

More than 120 racers 'warmed-up' at the weekend during the official pre-event Winters Warm-Up test weekend – the next time a wheel is turned in anger on the start line, it will be in the pursuit of the prestigious FUCHS Winternationals gold Christmas tree trophy.

Special multi-day discounted passes are still available for online purchase only, until midday Thursday 6 June 2013. After that point, tickets will be available at the gate. For full ticketing information, please click here.

Willowbank Raceway Manager Steve Bettes said the event has attracted attention from across the country and overseas.

"With racers coming from all across the country as well as New Zealand and the United States for this weekend's event, and the lure of championship glory always in the air, the racing at the FUCHS Winternationals is sure to be fast-paced and exciting for everyone, whether they are in the grandstands or working away in the pits," said Bettes.

"With US names like Tommy Johnson Jr (Top Fuel), Brandon Huhtala (Pro Stock) and Rhett Lougheed (Pro Stock Motorcycle) joining home-grown heroes like Phil Lamattina (Top Fuel), John Zappia (Top Doorslammer), Gary Phillips (Top Alcohol), Shane Tucker (Pro Stock), Chris Porter (Top Bike) and Luke Crowley (Pro Stock Bike) the pedigree of the entry list is just phenomenal.

"With just days to go, the final preparations are now falling into place, with team marquees going up, trade stands being erected, and a special Telstra 'cell on wheels' installed to help support the massive work load our phone network endures during the four days of this event thanks to the tens of thousands of spectators we play host to.

"Things are certainly getting exciting, and I can't urge fans enough to get online to access the discounted multi-day event passes – these tickets are available for online pre-event purchase only and will close off at midday on Thursday 6 June – so get in quick!"

The FUCHS Winternationals, held across the Queen's Birthday long weekend (including the Monday public holiday) on 7-10 June, is the largest championship drag racing event held outside of the United States. Entries for the event closed last week, with 476 racers signing 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.

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.