Stemming from the popular American outlaw grudge racing scene, Willowbank Raceway with Powercruise Promoter Michael ‘Gup’ Gilbert have envisaged a similar version in Australia – Lights Out grudge racing.
The invite only event allows each racer to settle a score against a chosen rival and is held over the eighth mile on a pro tree with no timers – first to the stripe wins.
The event is drag racing in its rawest form and is proving immensely popular at Willowbank Raceway, so much that last weekend a convoy of NSW quickest sedans – the likes of Moits and GAS – travelled north for a State of Origin throw-down.
The strictly controlled crowd is allowed on the start line to give the event the feel of its American counterpart.
The return to drag racing’s roots event has sent social media into a meltdown of excitement and praise for a fresh event idea – returning the flare that used to have crowds cheering after each burnout.
Kelly Bettes ran a personal best 7.001 in her one allowed shakedown run before the call out to Moits who showed no mercy bolting on the big tyres.
Joel Halse had his wicked [CALLOUT] ’55 teched just so he could run.
Sydney’s Po Tung added Sport Compact flavour – swinging doors is the only rule.
Match up of the night was Australia’s two quickest turbo cars which was won by the Moits Mustang.
Gup is interested in bringing the concept to other tracks.
Posted by Drag Import Media on Saturday, June 27, 2015
What do you think, will we see more and more of this style of racing in Australia?
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