Australia’s professional drag racing series, 400 Thunder has appointed highly-respected motorsport promoter, venue manager, and administrator, Kevin Prendergast as its General Manager, effective immediately.
Australian Professional Drag Racing (APDR) Chairman, Tony Wedlock said Prendergast’s skill set, experience, and intimate knowledge of the sport, made him the perfect candidate for the role.
“The past two years APDR has concentrated on the introduction and initial growth of 400 Thunder, and having now firmly established it as Australian drag racing’s premier professional series we felt it was the appropriate time to appoint a General Manager to drive growth and revenue,” Wedlock said.
“Kevin’s experience is second-to-none and there is no one better than him to head up the role and help 400 Thunder achieve its goals.”
Prendergast said he was delighted to be returning to Australian drag racing after a 12-month hiatus, which followed his departure from the Perth Motorplex in August last year – his tenure as General Manager of the venue lasting 13 years.
“Australian drag racing has faced its challenges over the past decade, so 400 Thunder was established to rejuvenate the sport and it is now firmly established,” Prendergast said.
“I am extremely passionate about the sport and I consider it a great honour to be able to assist with 400 Thunder’s next phase and growth.
“I will be speaking with all of the sport’s stakeholders and ensuring we are all coordinated and on the right track to capitalise on the future.”
Prendergast has almost 40 years experience in successful venue management, event promotion, and sporting administration, beginning in 1979 with his appointment as Western Australian Divisional Director for the Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA).
He was a major shareholder in the former Ravenswood Raceway in Western Australia, Motorsport Manager for Sydney’s Eastern Creek Raceway where he managed the re-introduction of top-level drag racing to New South Wales, and Venue Manager for the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, which successfully held rounds of the MotoGP World Championship, World Superbikes, and Supercars.
He has also held board or committee positions with APDR, ANDRA, the Confederation of Australian Motorsport, the Motorsport Promoters of Australia, and the Australian Speedway Promoters Association.
In addition to catching up on holidays, Prendergast has spent the past year undertaking project work for various organisations including the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, assisting with its MotoGP event, World Superbikes, and the revamping of the circuit’s on-site museum.
The next round of the 400 Thunder Professional Drag Racing Series is the ACDelco East Coast Thunder, featuring all six professional classes – Top Fuel, Pro Alcohol, Pro Slammer, Pro Stock, Top Bike, and Pro Stock Bike. It will be held at Sydney Dragway on November 3-4.
– By 400 Thunder Media
