The running of the 45th annual Fuchs Winternationals at Willowbank Raceway this weekend marks the continuation of a long standing and popular event in the Ipswich community.
Since the event’s move to Willowbank in the 1980s, it has gone from strength to strength, attracting 40,000 spectators and over 500 race teams to the venue.
The event has delivered massive economic benefits to Ipswich with accommodation booked out every year as fans come from across the world to witness what is Australia’s largest drag racing event.
Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said it was an honour to host an event with the scale and prestige of the Fuchs Winternationals.
“From humble beginnings Willowbank Raceway has become an integral part of the Ipswich community and showcases the city to people from around the country and the world,” he said.
“It’s always a great boost to the town to have events such as the Fuchs Winternationals and it is something we look forward to every year.”
The event includes the 8000 horsepower nitro Top Fuel dragsters and the wild Top Doorslammers driven by legends Victor Bray and John Zappia.
Australian National Drag Racing Association interim CEO Rob Sharp said the Fuchs Winternationals was drag racing’s “Bathurst”, where every racer tries that little bit harder and the fans are that much more passionate.
“The Fuchs Winternationals has a quality of racing and an experience that is unique in motorsport,” he said. “There is so much on the line at the event with people coming from around Australia to compete for their national championship.
“It’s not just the action on track either. Willowbank Raceway itself completely transforms and it becomes a festival of horsepower. Seeing the looks on people’s faces when they see a 500kph Top Fuel dragster for the first time is fantastic.”
The Fuchs Winternationals takes place on June 8-11 at Willowbank Raceway near Ipswich, Queensland. The full ANDRA drag racing experience will be on show including all pro categories and the best sportsman racers in the nation taking part in the Rocket Allstars Racing Series.
