A testing prelude to Gulf Western Oils Super Thunder at Willowbank Raceway took place on Thursday night as teams got an early look at the track.
While the racing portion of the event will be crammed into a tight show, several hitters took time to test their combos, and there was even some nitro in the air.
Looking to defend his Pro Mod win from the 2021 Winternationals, Stew Walsh will be piloting his old faithful Camaro for Super Thunder this weekend, with his new ride still being completed.
“With a personal best of 5.91 at 257 mph it would be cool to crack into the mid-eighties and run over 260 mph,” said Walsh after his first test run of the day.
The night also saw a wild licensing pass from Tim McCarthy in a Top Fuel Funny Car, giving a flames out preview of all the crazy action we can expect at the Super Thunder event.
“We are very happy with where the car is at, everything is working well and we cannot wait until tomorrow. We have been trying to get this car down the track for over ten events, and something always stops us, border closures, COVID outbreaks or the event was cancelled due to the weather. But this is the event, I can feel it, we are going to get there,” said McCarthy after his pass.
Steve Ham was wearing a new look on his Pro Slammer.
Rob Harrington continues to get closer to the fives, recording a time cone-whacking 6.19.
There are two Nitro Harleys at the event, and both come from the Benny Stevens/Fuelled Motorsport stable. Aaron McKie is licensing on the second bike.
Friday racing will commence at 5.00pm, with sighting runs from the pro cars at 6.00pm and 8.20pm.
400 Thunder manager Steve Bettes said it had been a long time since an interruption-free event, and hopes were high for a smooth Super Thunder.
“If today was any indication of what we can expect on the weekend then we are in for a treat. I encourage everyone to come to Willowbank Raceway on Friday and Saturday for some not to be missed action,” he said.
Spectator tickets for the Gulf Western Oil Super Thunder are now available at www.willowbankraceway.com.au with tickets starting at just $35.00 for adults and $25.00 for student/concession card holders with ID, while children aged 13 and under are free.
Live coverage of the event will be available on Kayo Sports at www.kayosports.com.au with a highlights show airing on Fox Sports on Monday night.
