Landmark TV deal for NDRC
By Timothy Neal
Date posted: 17 May 2023
The newly formed National Drag Racing Championship (NDRC) has announced its ground breaking partnership with the Seven Network, further strengthening the category’s prospects heading into its first unified season.
The unified 11 round series, which brings together Top Fuel, Nitro Funny Car, Top Doorslammer, Pro Alcohol, Pro Stock, Top Fuel Motorcycle, Pro Stock Bike, Pro Mod, and Sportsman categories, will enjoy live and free national viewing in a huge boon for the category.
Race day broadcast’s for the 11 NDRC rounds will be televised on 7plus, whilst both 7mate and 7plus will air post-produced highlight specials.
With the news of the newly formed championship launched on May 10, the calendar for the historical new era of Australian drag racing will be released on May 26 from the series’ newly constructed crown jewel: The Bend Dragway.
“We’ve delivered 13 high-quality broadcast events in the past 18 months with the Burson Auto Parts Australian Top Fuel Championship,” said Nathan Prendergast, NDRC co-promoter and Head of TV.
Along with the Top Fuel dragsters (pictured), the Nitro Funny Car Championship will also headline the new NDRC across the country in the future
“That’s given Seven the confidence to get behind Australian drag racing and take these next steps with us to bring the sport to a whole new audience.
“This unprecedented deal is a massive step forward for Australian drag racing and will give the sport the exposure it deserves.”
Alongside the national broadcast rights, international viewers will also get to have a taste of the “One way Forward” NDRC setup, with FloRacing to carry live and free race day broadcasts across the globe.
Each of the 11 rounds will be headlined by either the Burson Auto Parts Australian Top Fuel Championship, or the Nitro Funny Car Championship, with those two categories set to come together in Group 1 for the first time at an all-category grand final to be held at the Willow Bank Raceway in 2024.
For more of the latest motorsport news, pick up the latest issue of AUTO ACTION.
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