The next ANDRA Drag Racing Series event will be a historic occasion when Top Alcohol and Top Bike race for championship points at Hidden Valley Drag Strip for the first time.

The venue went through a $4.6 million upgrade from 2010 to 2011, bringing it to an international standard. The work included a complete resurface of the track as well as the installation of a concrete surface to the 330 feet mark, upgraded safety barriers, a new burnout pad, the installation of Australia's largest readout (timing) boards and an improved spectator viewing area.

The concrete launch area in particular won awards for its flatness which allows high horsepower vehicles to get all their power down without having to worry about any bumps along the way.

More than 400 mopar machines are expected to hit Willowbank Raceway on Sunday 4 August for the 11th annual Mopar Sunday, which in 2013 is being presented by Northstar Fiat Chrysler.

The event will allow enthusiasts to not only watch and participate in on-track action but also enjoy a range of off-track events including a dyno shootout, a large 'show n shine' sponsored by Surf City Garage, merchandise stands and a swap meet.

Open to every kind of Mopar – from brand new machines to restored or original showpieces, dedicated drag cars, modified street cars, stock rides and even 7000 horsepower Nitro Funny Cars – Mopar Sunday is all about celebrating everything that is Mopar and Chrysler.

The Australian National Drag Racing Association is set to make big changes to its rules for street cars, with modern 'street registered' vehicles being permitted to run without roll cages down to a limit of 10.00 seconds for the first time.

Under the new safety rules, vehicles manufactured post January 1, 2008 will be able to run as quick as 10.00 seconds and as fast as 140mph (225.30kph) (whichever is reached first) for the quarter mile without a roll cage.

Michala Banas and Darren MorganTuesday night I had the pleasure of attending the launch party for Upper Middle Bogan, with the first episode to air on the 15^th of August at 8:30pm on ABC1.

Created by Gristmill’s Robyn Butler and Wayne Hope, Upper Middle Bogan tells the story about two families living at opposite ends of the freeway.

Here are few images from the night plus the trailer. The cast and creators were kind enough to sign a couple of Just Drag Racing Crew shirts which we’ll use in fan promotion closer to the air date.

In a few weeks I’ll post a feature article including interviews with Wayne Hope, Glenn Robins and Darren Morgan.

Hi guys, just a quick update to let you know that the new drag racing web app is ready for testing.

However, we have a few business / legal / accounting jobs to complete before we can send out a link to our email newsletter subscribers. Fingers crossed this will be completed very soon.

In the meantime, here's a gallery of the latest screen shots from the app. If you'd like to be one of the first people to use the app make sure you subscribe to the Just Drag Racing's email newsletter: "In The Groove". The subscription form can be found on the JDR home page in the right column.

Eighth-mile fever will once again come to Willowbank Raceway next weekend with Queensland's premier drag racing facility readying to host the penultimate round of the 2013 JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series on Saturday 3 August.

Organisers expect more than 100 racers to head to the Ipswich venue for round three of the Series which is currently in its third year as it continues to bring prestige racing to the regional facilities of South East Queensland.

Series organiser John Winterburn said the Series was growing from strength to strength thanks to its recipe of quality racing, camaraderie and fantastic regional locations.

After recently announcing his retirement from racing in Australia, Shane Tucker has confirmed he will be racing in the NHRA Series, with Rob Tucker Racing relocating to the US to take on the world's best.

Shane Tucker has confirmed the move is aimed about a new challenge for him as a driver and father Rob as Crew Chief.

"We feel the time is right to make the move," smiled Shane.

"Our team achieved some pretty cool things racing domestically but we want to race with the best and that means racing in the US.

"It was a tough decision and one that took a great deal of deliberating, Mum and Dad have guided me every step of the way and I'm sure they are just as excited as I am with what the future may hold."

After 32 years as Willowbank Raceway's President, John 'Stomper' Winterburn has announced he will stand down from the position while remaining on the track's board of management.

Winterburn has endured a number of health issues across the past year, and while recent surgery has left him with a positive outlook ahead, he said he felt this decision was in the best interest of Willowbank Raceway.

"While the outlook is good, it is going to take some time to get back up to speed with my health,'' said Winterburn.

"I have thought long and hard about this and as I believe the position of President needs a lot more put into it than what I have been able to give of late, I have decided to step down from the position while remaining a board member.''