The Bend excited to open new drag racing era

The new era of drag racing will fire up at The Bend and South Australia is excited for the landmark occasion having “missed” the sight of the sport.

The new National Drag Racing Championship calendar has been unveiled and will spark to life in October at the country’s newest facility.

The Bend Motorsport Park Dragway will not only host the October 21-22 opener, but also rounds 5 and 9 which feature Nitro Funny Car and Top Fuel respectively in 2024.

Having been starved of drag racing for the best part of two decades, South Australia raring to see the sport once again and The Bend Motorsport Park CEO Alistair MacDonald is proud to know it will happen at his facility.

“We cannot understate how excited we are for the fans of Drag Racing and the people of South Australia to have a new home for the sport right here at The Bend,” he said.

“To see the $35 million investment by the Shahin family through the Peregrine Corporation supported by the key stakeholders in Drag Racing and the government is fantastic for the state and the region.

“We look forward to seeing you all at The Bend in October.” 

The new drag way at The Bend is rapidly approaching the finish line with completion expected to be well before the opening round of the NDRC in October.

The new Bend Dragway is rapidly taking shape.

The new VAILO lighting from 45 light towers has already been tested, while the 402m surface, 700m braking area and 125, sand trap with twin nets and tyre barriers is 90 percent complete.

The shaded 1000 seat grandstand and grassed terraces are also nearing completion, as is the race control and pit paddock facilities.

The Hon. Stephen Mulligan MP, Treasuer of South Australia reiterated the state’s excitement to see the sport return on such a big occasion.

“South Australians have missed out on top-class drag racing for too long, and this new facility at The Bend Motorsport Park will fuel our passionate motorsport community,” he said.

“Motorsport events have proven to be an essential part of our economy, attracting visitors from interstate and overseas, and providing a boost to SA hotels, restaurants and regions.”

The Bend is just one of the venues playing a major role in the historic opening season of the new National Drag Racing Championship.

Under the NDRC banner, the sport races into a new era in 2023/24 with Top Fuel, Nitro Funny Cars and many more categories joining forces.

National Drag Racing Championship co-promoter Andy Lopez said he believes the new facility at The Bend is the perfect stage to host the momentous opening round.

“To start our season at a track that is poised to become one of the best in Australia if not the World is a credit to The Bend and the Shahin family,” he said.

“To bring the pinnacle of our sport back to South Australia is incredible for our competitors, fans and partners and the excitement amongst the drag racing community is incredible.”

“We can’t wait to entertain fans at The Dragway at The Bend and showcase our sport to those who have been starved of it for so long as well share it with the next generation of supporters.” 

Tickets for the season opener will be available HERE 

2023/24 National Drag Racing Championship calendar

Round 1 – The Bend Dragway – 21-22 October 2023 – featuring Top Fuel, Top Fuel Motorcycle, Top Doorslammer, Pro Stock Motorcycle, plus Sportsman Western Conference racing. 

Round 2 – Sydney Dragway – 27-28 October 2023 – featuring Nitro Funny Car, Pro Alcohol, Pro Stock and Pro Mod, plus Sportsman Eastern Conference racing.

Round 3 – Perth Motorplex – 24-25 November 2023 (Goldenstates) – featuring Nitro Funny Car, Top Fuel Motorcycle, Top Doorslammer, Pro Alcohol, plus Sportsman Western Conference racing. 

Round 4 – Willowbank Raceway – 1-2 December 2023 – featuring Top Fuel, Pro Alcohol, Pro Mod, plus Sportsman Eastern Conference racing + QDRC Final. 

Round 5 – The Bend Dragway – 13-14 January 2024 – featuring Nitro Funny Car, Top Fuel Motorcycle, Top Doorslammer, Pro Alcohol, plus Sportsman Western Conference racing.

Round 6 – Sydney Dragway – 26-27 January 2024 – featuring Top Fuel, Top Doorslammer, Pro Alcohol, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, plus Sportsman Eastern Conference racing.

Round 7 – Willowbank Raceway – 16-17 February 2024 – featuring Nitro Funny Car, Pro Alcohol, Pro Stock, Pro Mod, Pro Stock Motorcycle, plus Sportsman Eastern Conference racing.

Round 8 – Perth Motorplex – 2-3 March 2024 (Westernationals) – featuring Top Fuel, Top Fuel Motorcycle, Top Doorslammer plus Sportsman Western Conference racing.

Round 9 – The Bend Dragway – 6-7 April 2024 – featuring Top Fuel, Top Doorslammer and Pro Stock, plus the Sportsman National Grand Final.

Round 10 – Sydney Dragway – 3-4 May 2024 (Nitro Champs) – featuring Top Fuel, Top Fuel Motorcycle, Top Doorslammer, Pro Stock, Pro Mod, Pro Stock Motorcycle, plus Sportsman Eastern Conference racing. 

Round 11 (Grand Final) – Willowbank Raceway – 6-9 June 2024 (Winternationals) – featuring Top Fuel, Nitro Funny Car, Top Fuel Motorcycle, Top Doorslammer, Pro Alcohol, Pro Stock, Pro Mod, Pro Stock Motorcycle, plus Sportsman Eastern Conference racing.

PODCAST: The latest episode of the Auto Action RevLimiter podcast is out now!

Andrew Clarke and Auto Action’s Bruce Williams and Paul Gover sat down for a candid chat on the teams, drivers and the #Supercars series championship.

AUTO ACTION, Australia’s independent voice of motorsport.