A SPECTATOR-FREE Willowbank Raceway reverbrated to the roar, and feel, of high-octane engines on Friday ahead of this week’s 2022 Winternationals.
Junior drag racers and 4000 pro-alcohol vehicles fired up during the quarter-mile strip at a media launch event on Friday.
Winternats will roar into life proper at Willowbank from tomorrow (Thursday, June 9) to Sunday.
Raceway president Tony Wedlock said they are looking forward to seeing the crowds return.
“We are well aware of the economic impact that the Winternationals means for South-East Queensland each year, which makes us a proud resident of the Ipswich area,” he said.
“The racers are extremely keen to get back to Willowbank Raceway for the most important race meeting of the year.
The racing includes 500km/h Top Fuelers through to Junior Dragsters plus entertainment, children’s rides, food trucks, vehicle displays and pit lane to explore.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said Ipswich City Council was a proud long-time supporter of the event.
He said council had given $35,000 in financial support for the event.
“The event this year is expected to attract more than 35,000 people to our region as well as 3,000 participants and 500 competing teams over four days of qualifying and racing at Willowbank which has important economic flow-on effects throughout the whole community.”
Cr Nicole Jonic said Winternats is part of Ipswich’s social fabric.
“It is one of the most family-friendly motorsport environments on the calendar and a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the largest, fastest vehicles in existence,” Cr Jonic said.
For full details or to buy tickets, visit ipswichfestivals.com.au
