AUS: Willowbank Winternationals in high gear

Ipswich Gears Up For Willowbank Winternationals

The attention of Willowbank Raceway officials is now fully fixed on ensuring the 37th Winternationals spectacular on June 11-13 surpasses all expectations and represents a fitting finale to what has been an exciting season for Australian drag racing.

2003/04 has seen the instigation of a new track surface at Ipswich's Willowbank Raceway plus the launch of the Western Sydney International Dragway.

These variables have culminated to install renewed enthusiasm and excitement in the sport and drag racing fans are expected to flood in for what promises to be a record breaking year for the Winternationals both on and off the quarter mile strip.

Willowbank Raceway General Manager Harry Rowsell was brimming with enthusiasm following tonight's Track Championship round, knowing full well there's a mountain of work ahead.

"Preparations are well under way for what is shaping as a great exhibition of drag racing on June 11-13 and tonight has provided the group two and three competitors a final hit-out before the Winternationals," said Rowsell.

"The Winternationals marks a huge occasion for the entire Ipswich region as the first event on the Carnival of Horsepower program, to be followed by the Ipswich Turf Club's annual Ipswich Cup a week later and the V8 Supercar spectacular on July 2-4.

"It's an exciting time for everyone involved with the Raceway and we hope any individual who hasn't yet experienced the thrills of drag racing makes their way out here sometime over the June 11-13 event program."

During tonight's track championship round, reigning Supercharged Outlaws titleholder Russell Schafer orchestrated a deserved victory over Simon Holgerson in the final.

Schafer is no stranger to the winner's circle at Willowbank Raceway and this effort is sure to have him primed for the Winternationals.

Success has also moved the Sunshine Coast driver even closer to current bracket leader Daniel Reed.

Colin Lloyd defeated Trevor Maas in SuperComp, Damian Densmore taking Competition Bike honours over Kelvin Brittain while Modified saw Phil Bellert triumph over Troy O'Hare.

Other winners from tonight included Mark Hancock in Modified Bike, George Wegener enjoying the spoils in Super Sedan, Glenn Callaghan taking the Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson final while Juan Kudnig and Brady Lowcock enjoyed front-running in Super Street and Junior Dragster.

The Ipswich City Council is fully committed to motorsport in the region and is an active member of the Carnival of Horsepower promotion that seeks to encourage the general public to attend three major events on the Ipswich sporting calendar.

The Willowbank Raceway Winternationals will be held on June 11-13, the Ipswich Turf Club will host the Ipswich Cup on June 19 while V8 Supercars are featured during the 6th round of the Australian V8 Supercar Championship series at Queensland Raceway on July 2-4.

-wb-