The Gulf Western Oil Winternationals will come roaring back to life in Ipswich next week at Willowbank Raceway.
The event, one of Ipswich’s major events of the year, Is keen to make up for lost time with a cracking event scheduled with non-stop action each day from Thursday 10 June until Sunday 13 June.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the Winternationals are a highlight on the city’s world-class calendar of events.
“It’s wonderful to see Australia’s definitive drag racing event, the largest of its type anywhere in the world outside of North America, back on in Ipswich,” Mayor Harding said.
“Ipswich City Council and Willowbank Raceway share a strong relationship. We are committed to building on our 33 years of collaboration for development and growth.”
“To the 30,000 visitors expected across the weekend: welcome to Ipswich and we hope you enjoy everything the city has to offer.”
Up to 3,000 participants from across the country are expected at the Winternationals, with more than 370 competing teams involved in the four days of qualifying and racing.
The Gulf Western Oil Winternationals are a highlight of Festival of Horsepower which is running throughout June.
Festival of Horsepower combines all things adrenaline pumping with high-octane motorsports and horse racing events in Ipswich.
Deputy Mayor and Economic and Industry Development Chair Councillor Nicole Jonic said the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals was part of Ipswich’s social fabric.
“This event is billed as one of the most family-friendly motorsport environments on the calendar with Willowbank Raceway working hard to ensure the event is accessible to families though great value ticket pricing, with children 13 and under admitted free,” Cr Jonic said.
“Seeing a 10,000 horsepower, flame-throwing top fuel dragster should be on everyone’s bucket list, there is nothing like it.”
Willowbank Raceway president Tony Wedlock said while Willowbank Raceway offers a year-round program, there was something special about the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals.
“When the nitromethane-burning kings of the sport put the pedal to the metal, it gets your heart pumping,” Mr Wedlock said.
“We weren’t able to go ahead last year because of COVID restrictions but this year we are back bigger and better than ever.”
The Gulf Western Oil Winternationals host the final round of the national 400 Thunder season with drivers vying for championship honours
While the racing is set to be intense with 500km/h Top Fuelers through to Junior Dragsters, every bracket that competes for national championship honours will be represented at the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals.
There will be plenty to see and do off the quarter mile surface as well, with roving entertainers, kids, rides, food trucks, display vehicles and pit lane to explore.
