The latest piece in The Bend Motorsport Park’s Dragway development has fallen into place with the appointment of Stephen Bettes as the dragway precinct General Manager.
Having previously managed Calder Park, Adelaide International Raceway, Willowbank Raceway, as well as recently managing one of the most eminent national drag racing competitions, the breadth of Bettes’ expertise is extensive.
“The new Bend Dragway is one of the most exciting and important developments in drag racing today.” Said Bettes whose passion and enthusiasm for the project is obvious.
“I’m delighted to take up the position and work with Dr. Sam Shahin with his extensive experience and dedication to motorsport as I know we will deliver a first-class product to the sport of drag racing.”
The Bend’s Managing Director Dr. Sam Shahin said “Stephen is one of the most experienced drag racing administrators in Australia and brings a wealth of experience working with competitors, event holders, and sanctioning bodies.”
Bettes will be joined by ex-top fuel drag racer and experienced marketer Vladimir Ostashkevich as Marketing and Sponsorship Manager, and Rino D’Alfonso completes the trio as Track and Event Operations Manager.
Rino too spent 8 years in charge of AIR and has a strong desire to see The Bend’s Dragway host a top-level Spring Nationals on top of regular street meetings and day-to-day private hire.
Together the trio is predicted to put on some of the biggest drag racing events in Australia and use The Bend’s state-of-the-art facilities to put the sport back on the map in SA.
The Dragway has been one of the most highly anticipated developments at The Bend Motorsport Park following the opening of the world-class race circuit, kart track, and hotel in April 2018.
The Drag Strip construction is expected to be completed later this year, with major events set to begin at the precinct in early 2023, or possibly by the end of 2022.
– The Bend
