Three Top Fuel teams have made announcements that they will not be competing at Santo’s Super Thunder at Willowbank Raceway, saying the venue advised that a catch net at the end of the braking area would not be in place for the event.
Willowbank Raceway has been approached for comment and have advised a statement will be forthcoming tomorrow.
Willowbank Raceway has not had a net historically, but it is understood teams gave the venue a deadline of the Good Friday event to have one in place.
With teams advised this would not be occurring, three teams – Lamattina Top Fuel Racing, Rapisarda Autosport International and PremiAir Racing – issued identical statements via social media as follows:
“Some not so great news folks. As some of you may know, Willowbank Raceway has been working on some important safety upgrades and this included a promise to install a single catch net for the Easter Santos Super Thunder event ahead of the installation of dual nets for the Gulf Western Oil Pty Ltd Winternationals in June.
Unfortunately, the track has informed our category that due to various circumstances they are now unable to achieve this for Easter and instead will be looking to have a solo net in place by the Winternats.
With the speed and power of our cars greater than ever before, catch nets are a vital piece of safety equipment and as such, (our team) has made the difficult decision to decline the invitation from Willowbank Raceway to compete at the Easter event. The decision has not been made lightly and no one likes to disappoint our valued fans and supporters who have been looking forward to the race meet, but safety must always come first – we have all seen and know what can happen.
Thank you all for your continued support, we hope to see you on-track at Willowbank Raceway in June.”
