The 2017 Gulf Western Oil Winternationals are underway at Queensland’s Willowbank Raceway. We’ve spent most of today so far touring the pits and checking out the amazing variety in the over 500 entries.
Jay Allen’s LJ Torana runs a small Weiand supercharger underneath the bonnet for Super Street duties. A neat set up and unique to see it all fit underneath the tinwork.
Rob Harrington confessed the Holden FC tow car on his team was attracting more attention than his low seven second Modified dragster. Harrington is doing double duty this weekend, also competing in Super Street.
Megan Anderson’s unique FF/DA dragster runs a 2.3 litre Pinto motor with a rather large turbocharger hanging off the back. The team has been 7.2 so far. Keep an eye out for a future feature in Drag News Magazine.
Mark Allen’s Modified dragster gets some last minute wiring attention in the pits from a crew member. Thankfully it was only the delay box and Allen would be able to get on to the track. Allen features not just in racing, but also in commentary during the event, swapping his helmet for the microphone.
Perry Bullivant has a new Proline Racing combo in his Snickers-supported Pro Radial Camaro. He is hopeful of some big numbers by the time the team packs the car away at the end of the weekend.
Terry Seng’s LS motor has found its way into Les Winter’s former Top Doorslammer. The 55 Chev bodied machine is a fantastic mix of genres and one we can’t wait to see hit the track.
562 cubic inches of V8 muscle sit up front of Les Boyle’s Chev Belair.
Darryl Marsh’s EE/AA is powered by the famed Toyota 2JZ, a straight six with plenty of turbocharged boost. Another of the unique Comp entries this weekend.
Fans take the opportunity to get a photo next to John Zappia’s Fuchs Monaro, dwarfed by Stu Bishop’s hauler.
Rapisarda Autosport International are assembling their temporary city for the event.
The ACDelco Monaro Pro Slammer, driven by Mark Belleri, has gone through an unusual run of engine problems. With the team losing four engines in as many races, they are hoping an electrical gremlin they found was behind the carnage.
Perth Top Bike rider Wayne McGuinness is in town getting acquainted with Damian Muscat’s nitro Harley. Muscat is going to take a break from drag racing after this event and the very quick v-twin will be heading west with McGuinness.
Justin Walshe is helping bring the altered flavour back to Pro Alcohol.
Displays have been set up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals, with the Clockwork Orange Kawasaki of John Kreis taking centre stage as a multi-time winner of the event. Photo archives help tell the story of this great event, with Willowbank historian Lex Swayn sourcing a great collection of images.
Rachelle Splatt’s team work on cylinder heads for the Gulf Western Oil dragster, which will be tuned by Glenn Mikres this weekend.
A new pit area has been opened up on the opposite side of the return road, providing much more room for the over 500 entries.
Brenton Weston’s Nissan Silvia carries some supercharged power – we reckon its reiminiscent of some of the classic mid 90s doorslammers.
Modified racer Rob Willett was happy with his lot, running close to his personal best.
We’ll have a lot more to come from Australia’s biggest drag racing event, so be sure to keep returning to dragnews.com.au and seeing what we have up.
