Ironbark Raceway President David Somerfield is predicting big things for this April’s JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series round at the Roma drag racing facility following its re-opening last month.
In fact, Somerfield is so confident of a big showing, he has thrown down a challenge to other hosts of the 2013 eighth mile series to beat them when it comes to competitor and crowd numbers.
“The excitement around this place at the moment is just palpable,” said Somerfield.
“We re-opened with a completely revamped complex for our Easter event and all everyone who was there wanted to know was when our next meeting was so they could come back and do some more racing on our new surface.
“With this excitement in the air, our round of the JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series sees us positioned to strike ‘while the iron is hot’ so to speak and so I am confident in putting up the challenge to the other tracks to try and outnumber us as the excitement and the feedback so far has been just brilliant.”
After a 12 month upgrade process which saw the Raceway hand-over its scheduled 2012 JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series to Warwick, the Ironbark Raceway complex has been completely overhauled.
“Aside from a brand new track surface, we also took the opportunity to install a new timing and tree system – both of which worked beautifully at Easter to the delight of competitors and spectators alike,” said Somerfield.
“We also built a new canteen, sealed the return road and sealed all of the pit areas – those who had visited previously couldn’t believe it was the same place!
“These overhauls have brought a whole new feel to the Raceway, and have impressed both our locals and visiting racers, with even those with high-powered vehicles exclaiming at the way in which the new surface and its preparation allowed them to ‘hook up’ and run a bevy of personal best times at Easter.”
Following the facility’s Easter success, the JP Racing Eighth Mile round will be the next big hit-out for the Roma drag strip.
“I am really looking forward to welcoming the JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series back to Ironbark Raceway,” said Somerfield.
“At Easter I struck up a lot of conversations with people who hadn’t been out here before and I know a great number of them are planning on coming back, and of course there are the regular friends who are part of this series year in and year out.
“I can’t wait to show them what we have achieved in the past twelve months, and welcome back that community spirit and camaraderie the series is known for.
“I guess at the end of the day, my message is clear – we are open for business, the track is sensational, and no matter what you drive, you should come out here and give it a go, you will have a lot of fun!”
On-track at Ironbark Raceway on April 27 will feature the Diamond T Products Junior Dragster, FG Loy & Sons Earthmoving Old School, RD Williams Excavator Parts Modified, Ice Slushee Super Sedan, John William Auto Sales Super Street and Queensland Nameplate Group Modified Bike brackets.
Gates open at 8.00am on 27 April 2013 with qualifying from 11.00am to 4.00pm and racing from 5.00pm.
Following Ironbark Raceway’ 27 April round two, the 2013 JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series will head to Willowbank Raceway for round three on 3 August before the final round gets going at Benaraby Raceway on 28 September 2013.
2013 JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series Calendar:
Round One – 9 February, 2013: Warwick Dragway, Warwick QLD
Round Two – 27 April, 2013: Ironbark Raceway, Roma QLD
Round Three – 3 August, 2013: Willowbank Raceway, Willowbank QLD
Final Round – 28 September, 2013: Benaraby Raceway, Gladstone
