Get ready for a weekend of high-speed thrills and family-friendly fun as The Bend’s Shell V-Power Motorsport Park hosts the Nitro Funny Cars and Festival State Drag Racing Nationals.
In a strategic collaboration between the South Australian Tourism Commission and The Bend, three major races on the National Drag Racing Championship calendar have been secured. This marks the first major drag racing event in January at Australia’s newest Dragway, promising an adrenaline-packed experience for attendees.
“To host the National Drag Racing Championship at the Dragway at The Bend at one of the best times of the year for the Murray River Lakes & Coorong region is a huge win for The Bend and for South Australia,” Alistair MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer The Shell V-Power Motorsport says.
The two-day event which will run 13-14 January, has attracted the cream of Australia’s drag racing talent. These fearless racers will chase records at staggering speeds of up to 530 km/h on the Dragway in Tailem Bend.
The undisputed highlight of the event is the return of the Nitro Funny Car Championship to South Australia after more than two decades. These remarkable machines rocket down the track at speeds exceeding 500 km/h in under five seconds, shooting spectacular flames as they pass thousands of awestruck spectators.
But the action doesn’t stop on the Dragway. Attendees can enjoy a wide range of activities, including a diverse selection of food options, live DJ performances, and a heart-pounding V8 racing simulator. For the younger crowd, the Kids Zone offers drag racing challenges, simulators, and a multiplayer live video game station. It’s a great time out for the whole family.
Families will be pleased to know that children under 15 can attend for free, and The Bend is providing free buses from various towns throughout the region.
With The Bend leading the resurgence of interest in drag racing across South Australia, it’s estimated that over 60,000 people will attend the three rounds of drag racing, underlining the growing popularity of motorsport events in the region.
The South Australian Government’s $2 million investment in the construction of the Dragway has played a pivotal role in bringing this thrilling event to life, contributing to the region’s tourism and employment.
According to Zoe Bettison, “Tourism in the Murray River, Lakes, and Coorong region is worth more than $300 million annually. The Shell V-Power Motorsport Park at The Bend is one of our state’s premier sports and entertainment precincts that continues to attract blockbuster events, just like the National Drag Racing Championships, driving tourism and employment in the region.”
So, gear up for an unforgettable weekend of speed and excitement at The Bend, where Nitro Funny Cars and Drag Racing Nationals promise to deliver a thrilling experience for visitors and locals alike.
Nitro Funny Cars and Festival State Drag Racing Nationals
Where: The Bend’s Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, 543 Dukes Highway, Tailem Bend SA 5260
When: 13-14 January 2024
For more information and to secure your tickets, head here.
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