A combination of weather delays and material supply issues have combined to delay the planned 400 Thunder Aeroflow Drag Racing Series event at The Bend Dragway, which was initially scheduled for January.
The next 400 Thunder Aeroflow Drag Racing Series event is scheduled to take place on March 25 & 26, the date originally planned for the second 400 Thunder Aeroflow Drag Racing Series event.
“Whilst work is progressing well, an unseasonably wet winter has delayed the construction timelines more than originally planned,” General Manager, The Bend Dragway Steve Bettes said today.
“We are disappointed not to be able to open on the original timetable, but we need this venue finished to the highest level and there will be no shortcuts taken on the quality of the build.”
400 Thunder Aeroflow Drag Racing Series General Manager Jason Hedges echoed the comments of Bettes. “I have personally visited the site and had discussions with the management of The Bend Motorsport Park complex, and I am absolutely blown away at the scale, quality, and vision of what they are building here. Without a doubt, this will be a jewel in the crown of Australian Drag Racing and a welcome addition to our calendar for years to come.”
The Bend management and the 400 Thunder Aeroflow Drag Racing Series are pleased that the series will be a regular feature on the calendar, with the parties working towards a 3-year agreement to host 400 Thunder events.
“This delay is only a slight speedbump; we will be back bigger and better- just a little later than first planned!” Hedges smiled. “I can’t wait to see the sport embrace The Bend as the new home for drag racing in South Australia.”
When complete in early 2023 the $35 million Bend Dragway will be a dual-lane strip over 1 kilometre with a 402-metre concrete timed length and lighting for night events. The venue will feature auditorium-style terraced seating and spectator viewing mounds surrounded by over 30,000 square metres of paddock and staging areas and a unique 1200 square metre burnout pad.
The Dragway’s events are expected to attract more than 120,000 attendees annually with the 400 Thunder Aeroflow Drag Racing Series set to be a major highlight on the venue’s calendar.
