JP RACING EIGHTH MILE SERIES TO RETURN IN 2013
6 December 2012
Following a successful 2012 campaign, the JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series is set to return in 2013.
Warwick Dragway will host the opening round of the 2013 calendar , with the series to also take in Ironbark Raceway, Willowbank Raceway and Benaraby Raceway across the year.
Series organiser John Winterburn said he was pleased to confirm all of the sponsors for 2012 have already re-signed for 2013.
“This series is really moving from strength to strength, and I am so excited to say that plans and sponsors are now finalised for the fourth year of this grassroots campaign,” said Winterburn.
“Over the years we have seen competitor numbers grow to three figures for some events, with great support from South Queensland’s racing community in travelling to these regional tracks to support the series as a whole.
“Some great racing has been boosted by an overall sense of camaraderie and a commitment to having a fun and relaxed day at the track, which makes this series something special for the racers and the officials alike.”
Warwick racer Nathan Jannusch, the John William Auto Sales Super Street bracket champion for the 2012 series, said he couldn’t wait to get back on track during 2013 to defend his title.
“This year was my third time in the JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series and I was so excited to be able to clinch the Series Championship this year,” said Jannusch.
“I will definitely be back on track during 2013 to defend my title and experience more of the relaxed and easy-going atmosphere the series is famous for.”
Roma’s Laurie Fitzgerald - the FG Loy & Sons Earthmoving Old School bracket champion for the 2012 series and the Modified champion for the inaugural series in 2010 - said he couldn’t wait to get back on track during 2013.
“The Eighth Mile Series is a really great concept – I enjoy the racing, the format; everything about it just drives a fun, friendly and relaxed atmosphere,” said Fitzgerald.
“In 2013 I will be looking to switch from my Fiat to my Corvette in either the Old School or Super Sedan bracket – I haven’t decided yet but it would be fun to see if I can chase a third title in a third bracket for the Series!
“Following this year’s track upgrades to Ironbark Raceway I am really looking forward to competing in the series at my home track again – it is going to be a lot faster than it ever has been before, with more traction and a smoother and faster surface.
“It is going to make for great racing, and I can’t thank John Winterburn, his team and all of the sponsors enough for what they do to make this Series a reality for us racers, they do a great job! Hopefully in 2013 we will see even more racers coming along to give it a try – once they do, they will be hooked just like me!”
Willowbank racer Michael Beaton, the 2012 and 2011 Queensland Nameplate Group Modified Bike bracket champion for the Series, said he couldn’t wait to get back on track during 2013.
“We will definitely be back for the 2013 Eighth Mile Series, now that we have gone back-to-back we want to take the hat-trick in 2013!” said Beaton.
“I have to thank my sponsors Speedy’s Motorcycles, Building Chemical Supplies, Battery World Indooroopilly and Braille Batteries for all of their support.
“Those guys get me to and from the tracks and keep me running so I can get great results like these, hopefully we can do it all again for them next year while enjoying the nicely relaxed race day this Series is known for while racing my mates for bragging rights as well as trophies!”
Benaraby Raceway regular Tom Parry, the Ice Slushee Super Sedan bracket champion for the 2012 series, said he couldn’t wait to get back on track during 2013 to defend his title.
“While I am based in Bundaberg, I have always thought of Benaraby as my home track, as I have been racing there for nearly 20 years,” said Parry, the store manager for Bundaberg’s Autobarn store.
“We weren’t able to compete in all of the rounds of the championship (Eighth Mile and Beneraby Track Championship) in 2011 due to work commitments but in 2012 we had things planned out so we could compete in all of the rounds which allowed us to be in the running to clinch the Championship.
“We will definitely be back on track in 2013; the Eighth Mile Series presents a great chance to enjoy more laid-back racing with the added challenge of a shorter race distance and of course we want to defend our title.”
The John William Auto Sales Super Street bracket will be joined on track during the 2013 JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series by the FG Loy & Sons Earthmoving Old School, RD Williams Excavator Parts Modified, Ice Slushee Super Sedan, Queensland Nameplate Group Modified Bike and Diamond T Products Junior Dragster brackets.
Kicking off at Warwick Dragway on 9 February, the series will then head to Ironbark Raceway on 27 April for round two. Willowbank Raceway will host round three on 3 August before the final round gets going at Benaraby Raceway on 28 September 2013.
For more information on the 2013 JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series, including information on rules, how to enter and the points system, please visit to www.willowbankraceway.com.au
2013 JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series
Calendar:
Round One - 9 February, 2013: Warwick Dragway, Warwick QLD
Round Two – 27 April, 2013: Ironbark Raceway, Roma QLD
Round Three – 3 August, 2013: Willowbank Raceway, Willowbank QLD
Final Round – 28 September, 2013: Benaraby Raceway, Gladstone QLD
Racing brackets:
FG Loy & Sons Earthmoving OLD SCHOOL Bracket
RD Williams Excavator Parts MODIFIED BRACKET
Ice Slushee SUPER SEDAN BRACKET
John William Auto Sales SUPER STREET BRACKET
Queensland Nameplate Group MODIFIED BIKE BRACKET
Diamond T Products JUNIOR DRAGSTER BRACKET