‘Anything could happen’ – mysteries await at The Bend
The National Drag Racing Championship returns to the Dragway at The Bend this weekend with the title fights expected to ramp up.
Back in October the new NDRC era of the sport and 2023/24 Top Fuel season fired into life at the shiny, new facility in Tailem Bend.
It front of a sold out crowd, it was Damien Harris who adapted to the state-of-the-art surface the best to win the Spring Nationals season opener.
However, the reigning champion returns to South Australia on the back foot after losing the series lead during a tough trip to Perth.
As the previous round, the Westernationals, Harris retired after an incident in Q2 and slipped from first to third in the standings, 92 points behind leader Wayne Newby.
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The driver who picked up the pieces in Perth was Phil Read, who collected a second straight Westernationals crown.
Although five 11,000hp flame-throwing Top Fuel dragsters will make a second appearance at the South Australian drag strip, Read believes there will still be plenty of unknowns this weekend.
Phil Read will be chasing more trophies at The Bend. Image: Cackling Pipes Photography
“The Westernationals certainly had it all – incredible performances, plenty of drama, lots of intrigue, unfortunately some accidents, and some big championship moves,” Read said.
“Combined with the immense speeds and power that these dragsters throw down every time we launch off the start line, there is just nothing like Top Fuel racing.
“The Spring Nationals back in October was a sell-out and I hope that we see another huge crowd like that this weekend.
“There is still so much racing to come for Top Fuel in our championship, with the Riverbend Nationals, two rounds at the Nitro Champs and the season-ending Winternationals all coming up.
“As we have seen time and time again, anything could happen – but what I know I can guarantee is that this show is going to be epic!”
The Riverbend Nationals will be held at Dragway at The Bend across April 5-7 with Top Fuel being joined by Top Doorslammer, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle and Sportsman’s.
Image: Cackling Pipes Photography
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