QUEENSLANDERS ON TRACK FOR CHAMPIONSHIP CLEAN-SWEEP DURING WILLOWBANK WINTERNATIONALS
26/3/2004 20:10 (Press Release) -
It could be a party like never before seen at Ipswich's Willowbank Raceway during the 2004 Winternationals drag racing spectacular on June 11-13, with Queensland drivers currently holding down top spot in five of the six ANDRA Group One Australian Championships.
That statistic points to a possible clean-sweep of contested brackets for home state pilots if they're able to maintain their positions beyond the Winternationals, which represents the closing round of the season.
"The 37th Willowbank Winternationals is shaping as one of the biggest and best ever and with Queenslanders featuring so prominently we're expecting a lot of home state support," said Willowbank Raceway General Manager Harry Rowsell.
"Gary Phillips holds just a ten point lead over fellow Queenslander Dean McLennan as he strives to retain the Top Alcohol title and a further 100 points back we have Debbie and Steve Reed waving the local flag in equal fifth position.
"Brett Stevens is the best performed drag racer in Australia holding down the top post in both Top Bike and Top Doorslammer, with Troy McLean currently third in Top Bike.
"The Doorslammer bracket also features Ben and Victor Bray plus Phillips, who captured his first Championship victory a fortnight ago.
"Tony Wedlock leads Pro Stock while Denis Whiting and Mike Tinney are placed in the top five.
"And one of the big movers this season has been Daniel Peatey who has tasted his fair share of success in Pro Stock Bike.
In Top Fuel, where Queenslander Steve Read has remained a bit player during the season, New South Wales juggernaut Johnny Cowin has been a dominant force and remains relatively unchallenged.
However, there remains no certainty in the brackets and that'll ensure some intense racing as drivers gun for the prestige of a Winternationals Gold Christmas Tree and ultimately the ANDRA Australian Championship crown.
"Traditionally the Willowbank Winternationals showcases ideal weather and track variables for drag racing and that's the major reason the event has grown to be the biggest.
"Add to the mix the fact this will be the first Winternationals spectacle contested on the newly laid surface and the 2004 feature has the markings of one of the most significant and hard fought contests of the season.
Raceway officials are encouraging anyone who is interested in attending the Winternationals to get in early to avoid disappointment.
Reserved seating packages are filling fast as is the Bendigo Bank Corporate Club and already the Travelaire Tours Startline Club and all corporate suites are booked solid.
However there is another corporate option Raceway officials are encouraging patrons to consider that is situated on the viewing mound on the northern side of the drag strip.
"The Sky Marquee offers tables of ten with an elevated viewing platform at the front, which provides exclusive viewing of all on track action.
"Full buffet meals are served each day and cash beverage service is also available.
Willowbank Raceway is bound to be a hive of activity over coming months as officials gear up for a double-header of feature events to close off the season.
For some competitors the Tin Top Titles, featuring Top Doorslammer and Travelaire Tours Pro Stock on April 24/25, will play a significant role in how they shape up to the Winternationals assignment.
"All these drivers have the luxury of contesting back-to-back championship rounds at Willowbank Raceway and I'm anticipating the Tin Tops to provide a great pre-cursor of what to expect in June.
"New South Welshman Steve Stanic in Top Doorslammer and Victorian Peter Ridgeway in Travelaire Tours Pro Stock will certainly have their work cut out for them to edge closer to a possible championship victory.
"Both these guys will realise how vital points will be during the Tin Tops but they face an ominous task up against a host of Queensland drivers backed by the home track advantage."
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.
TIN TOP TITLES APRIL 24/25, 2004 - Featuring Top Doorslammer and Travelaire Tours Pro Stock
Other racing includes: iTEL Community Telco Supercharged Outlaws, Lifestyle Carpets and Vinyl SuperComp, Morgan and Wacker Competition Bike, Quarter Motive Modified, Ultimate Financial Group Super Sedan, Ian Boettcher Race Parts Super Street, Whale's Motorcycle World Modified Bike, Queensland Diesel Spares Junior Dragster, Morgan and Wacker Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson
TICKETING
Saturday
General Admission $24
Pit Admission $32
Students General (must show id) $13
Students Pit (must show id) $20
Sunday
General Admission $30
Pit Admission $38
Students General (must show id) $16
Students Pit (must show id) $24
Children 13 and under are free
Adult 2 day pit pass - $68
Student 2 day pit pass - $56
Program
Saturday qualifying from 9am-9pm
Sunday racing from 1.00pm
WILLOWBANK WINTERNATIONALS - JUNE 11-13
Racing Includes
QLD Group Top Fuel, American Auto Parts Top Alcohol, Top Doorslammer, Travelaire Tours Pro Stock, Morgan & Wacker Top Bike, Queensland Times Pro Stock Motorcycle, Advanced Sheet Metal & Marine Competition, iTEL Community Telco Supercharged Outlaws, Lifestyle Carpets & Vinyl Super Stock, Morgan & Wacker Competition Bike. Quarter Motive Modified, Ultimate Financial Group Super Sedan, Ian Boettcher Race Parts Super Street, Whales Motorcycle World Modified Bike, Queensland Diesel Spares Junior Dragster, Morgan & Wacker Screamin' Eagle Harleys, Dragster Australia Super Gas
TICKETING
Adult
General Admission $32
3 day pit admission $95
2 day pit admission $78
1 day pit admission $40
Student (must show ID)
General Admission $18
3 day pit admission $65
2 day pit admission $52
1 day pit admission $26
Children 13 & under are admitted free
Program
Friday 11th Qualifying 9am -9pm
Saturday 12th Qualifying 9am -9pm
Sunday 13th Racing 9.00am with feature racing from 3pm
Internet sites ^ www.willowbank-raceway.com.au
Release Date: 24/03/2004
Willowbank Raceway
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