Australian drag racing will re-launch at the Bend this October
The Bend Motorsport Park will host the inaugural round of a new National Drag Racing Championship in 2023.
Not only will Tailem Bend host a round of national-level drag racing this October, it will be the dawn of a new era for Australian motor sport.
The National Drag Racing Championship will have its inaugural meeting at The Bend Motorsport Park on October 21-22.
The nation’s best top fuelers, top fuel motorcycles, doorslammers and pro stock motorcycles will all be on hand for what will also be the first event at the $35 million venue at the Bend Motorsport Park.
Co-promoter Andy Lopez said the new championship would bring together all drag racing categories.
“For competitors, this means a true national championship and a unified sport,” he said.
“For race fans, it means unbeatable shows with the best Australian drag racing has to offer.”
Top fuel driver Phil Lamattina said he looked forward to the 11-round competition, which will return to the Bend on January 13-14 and April 6-7.
“Having all of the awesome racers and brackets racing together again all over the country and under the one NDRC banner is incredibly exciting,” he said.
“We can’t wait to light the candles at the first event at the Bend, and at many events after that, as this new era of Australian drag racing bursts into life.”
State Treasurer Stephen Mullighan, who came out to the Bend for Friday’s event announcement, was keen, too.
“South Australians have missed out on top-class drag racing for too long,” he said.
“This new facility at the Bend Motorsport Park will fuel our passionate motorsport community.
“Motorsport events have proven to be an essential part of our economy, attracting visitors from interstate and overseas, and providing a boost to SA hotels, restaurants and regions.”
The dragway at the Bend has been under construction for the past 18 months, but was always part of the Shahin family’s plans for the venue.
The state government committed $2 million worth of funding to the project in February of last year.
The organisers of the Australian Top Fuel Championship had originally planned to host a round of racing there in March, but the venue advised it would not be ready in time.
That championship will be folded into the NDRC from 2023-24.
- Tickets for the Spring Nationals: $100 at www.outix.co.
- More information: nationaldragracing.com.au.
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