Drag racing coming back to the Bend

Racing will return to the new Dragway at the Bend this weekend with the Festival State Nationals event where Funny Cars will roar at the SA venue for the first time.

The National Drag Racing Championship meeting is headlined by the first ever appearance of Nitro Funny Cars at the Tailem Bend venue.

Top Doorslammer, Top Fuel Motorcycle, and the Aeroflow National Sportsman Championship Series are also on show.

Five 11,000hp/500km flame-throwing Funny Cars will take on the South Australian track for the first time after the track’s successful debut last October.

In addition to history, Christmas Tree Trophies and championship points will be on the line that carry added weight.

Nitro Funny Cars will be heading to the Bend for the first time. Photo by Phil Luyer – High Octane Photos

Championship leader Morice McMillin has compiled 223 points but is only 22 ahead of Justin Walshe.

Walshe scored the early bragging rights by winning the opening round before McMillin had a record setting win in round 2.

The likes of Anthony Begley (157), Brandon Gosbell (147) and Adam Murrihy (128) will also be looking to ignite their title hopes.

“The Nitro Funny Car championship reaches its midpoint this weekend at Dragway at The Bend, and it is so very close,” NDRC Co-Founder, Andy Lopez, said on the Funny Cars.

“You absolutely cannot discount any of these competitors for a moment. What you can do is expect incredible, edge of your seat, flame-throwing, record-breaking action, and we absolutely cannot wait to deliver with Nitro Funny Cars’ first ever visit to Dragway at The Bend.”

The Top Doorslammer season is raising intensity as it approaches back to back rounds with The Bend immediately followed by a round in Sydney.

Ronnie Palumbo hopes to produce more impressive performances in the ACDelco Monaro. Image: Cackling Pipes

All eyes will be on Ronnie Palumbo in the Fabietti Racing ACDelco Monaro after the rookie’s sensational start to the season.

Watch a special video about Fabietti Racing HERE

He is fresh from a special A Final win having survived a showdown with Lisa Gregorini at Perth.

This was a rematch after neither could start the originally scheduled final at The Bend and both hope to show similar pace.

As a result Palumbo leads the championship with 224 points over Daniel Greorini with 186.

Also making a second appearance at The Bend will be the Top Fuel Motorcycles where Benny Stevens leads the way.

Benny Stevens is the form rider in Top Fuel Motorcycles.

Stevens has made both finals winning at The Bend before just missing out on the top prize to Wayne McGuinness at Perth.

Completing the action will be the Aeroflow National Sportsman Championship where drivers are chasing for valuable Western Conference points as they look to secure a spot in the Grand Final which will also be at the South Australian venue in April.

Main image: Photo by Phil Luyer – High Octane Photos

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The team at AUTO ACTION wishes all readers and race fans a merry Christmas and happy new year!

 On the latest podcast, Bruce, PG and Andrew talk about their three motor racing highlights of 2023, and to balance it out… The three lowlights as well, not lowlifes Bruce!