Willowbank Raceway’s upcoming Cruzin Magazine Nostalgia Drags event (February 23) will host a brand new category for nostalgia racing – Nostalgia Super Stock.
Leading the charge for the new bracket will be Warner’s Jai Schluter and his popular ‘Killer Tomata’ 1977 XC Falcon.
Earning its name from its custom orange and red pearl paint by Matt’s Performance Paintshop Lawnton, Schluter’s machine runs a normally aspirated 500 cubic inch big block ford powered by a clutch assisted Jerico 4 Speed transmission with a Ram clutch.
Thanks to the introduction of the new Nostalgia Super Stock bracket – which Schluter has played a part in organising with Willowbank Raceway management – Schluter’s prized machine will be just one of an estimated 8 high-revving clutch-equipped pre-1978 vehicles taking part in a nostalgia event at Willowbank Raceway for the first time.
“Back in the eighties, Super Stock was the ‘mothership’ – it was the class to watch with high-revving machines making an eye-popping spectacle for the fans with their wheels up launches and dry hops,” said Schluter.
“The current nostalgia structure really had no place for these clutch-equipped manual transmission cars and so it was proposed to introduce a suitable class to cater for these entertaining vehicles.
“I have been proud to work with Willowbank Raceway on establishing this class which will cater for pre-1978 vehicles equipped with at least two opening doors and a foot operated clutch.
“I personally cannot wait to see how the class goes on its debut this February 23rd at Willowbank Raceway, and to see it grow into the future.”
While Schluter may be motivated to watch over the entire class carefully, that won’t stop the father of two getting in and having some fun himself.
“On a personal note, I want to get in there and set a new performance personal best and hopefully a record for the new class (normally aspirated), and at the same time have some wheels up fun!” said the 36 year old.
“The great thing about nostalgia racing is being able to race these classic cars which people can relate to and have great fun on the race track, and that certainly is what I intend to do.”
Schluter started racing at the age of 17 after watching his dad and his friends taking to the track, and today it is still a family orientated event for the Auto Electrics Australia Sales Manager.
“After watching my dad and his friends race at a very young age I was always itching to get behind the wheel of a Super Stock car as soon as I could, so when I was 17 I made my debut in Super Stock in the same car I race today,” said Schluter.
“’Killer Tomata’ is a partnership with my lovely wife Corrina, and I couldn’t do what I do without her support or the support of my two girls,12 year old Taylah-Leigh – who is already following in my footsteps by racing in the Junior Dragster bracket – and 6 year old Bobbie-Nicole who is currently racing Motocross.
“I really have to say thanks to them; my sponsors Headsense Heads and Engines, Sam Houston Drafting, Hart Transmissions, Matt’s Performance Paintshop, Border Crash Supplies Wodonga, Auto Electrics Australia and Ocean View Electrical; and my fantastic crew for all their hard work and efforts making what I love to do possible!”
The Cruzin Magazine Nostalgia Drags at Willowbank Raceway will kick off with qualifying at 9.00am on Saturday 23 February 2013 ahead of racing from 4.00pm. Adult tickets are just $25.00 (less for students with ID) and children 13 and under gain free entry.
Featuring not only exciting racing from a range of Nostalgia classes, the event also offers off-track entertainment including the popular Shannons Insurance Show and Shine.
Open to all modern, classic, vintage, import, European and hot rod vehicles, the Shannons Insurance Show and Shine features a number of people’s choice awards and is open to any interested event attendees (terms and conditions apply, see www.willowbankraceway.com.au for full information).
Event Information: Cruzin Magazine Nostalgia Drags – Saturday 23 February 2013
Featuring racing from Top Eliminator (6.60), Quick Eliminator (7.60), Mid Eliminator (8.60), Super Eliminator (9.60), Vintage Gas (10.50 and slower), Nostalgia DYO, Nostalgia Super Stock and Retro Bikes.
All brackets will run the Chicago Shootout format with all entrants racing three rounds and the best performing two racers making it into the final. For full information on the racing format please visit www.willowbankraceway.com.au
Tickets
• Adults – $25.00
• Students with ID – $20.00
• Children 13 and under gain free entry
Schedule:
• Gates open – 6.00am
• Qualifying – from 9.00am
• Racing – from 4.00pm
images courtesy dragphotos.
