World slowest drag race at Willowbank

As part of the Veteran Car Club of Australia (QLD)'s 'City of Ipswich National Veteran Tour', more than 140 veteran-era vehicles are set to take to the drag strip in an event that's being billed as the 'World's Slowest Drag Race'.

After a morning at the Amberley RAAF base, the veterans will head to Willowbank to race each other across the eighth mile before enjoying a track side lunch while some of Australia's professional Pro Stock racers put on a show in their high-powered race vehicles.

Willowbank Raceway Managing Director Steve Bettes said he couldn't wait to host these majestic machines of yesteryear.
"These cars are just amazing, you don't see these machines that often, let alone so many of them all together and taking on each other on the drag strip!" mused Bettes. "We are calling it the world's slowest drag race, we are pretty sure this will be the first time vehicles of this calibre will race each other at a facility such as ours - it is definitely going to be entertaining!"

VCCAQ Tour Chairman Trevor Farnell said Willowbank Raceway's event was shaping up as a real stand-out of the seven day tour.
"Our outing at Willowbank will provide the drivers of these 100 year old vehicles an experience they would not be able to get anywhere else in Australia," Farnell said.

Entrants will cover a range of vintage marques and models, including pre-Model T Fords, International Harvester and other brands of 'high wheel' buggys, century-old British roadsters, some of the earliest Renaults and many more, as well as some veteran motorcycles.

Entrant Dave Dryden from Victoria is bringing his 1906 Ford Model J, a 'one of a kind' prototype that never went into production.
"Trust the Queenslanders to do something that we haven't done before. I can't wait to blow those English and European cars off the track!" said Dryden.

In addition to the drag race, the 2012 City of Ipswich National Veteran Tour will feature a number of tours, presentations and activities, including a big public display day at Ipswich Showgrounds on September 16th.

Willowbank Raceway is Queensland's premier drag racing facility, located 45 minutes from Brisbane or just a short drive from Ipswich, offering a year-round program of events for the entire family. For more information and a full event calendar, please visit www.willowbankraceway.com.au