Nostalia Action Lights UP Willowbank Raceway
More than 120 racers of yesteryear descended on Willowbank Raceway on Sunday August 9 while hundreds more displayed their pride and joy off-track for the latest Nostalgia Drag Racing event at the venue.
One of two nostalgia-themed events held at the Ipswich facility each year, the Nostalgia Drag Racing event was well-attended by racers, enthusiasts and spectators alike.
Taking victory on-track were Anthony Sveiger (Aussie Muscle), George Wegener (Gas), Grant Carpenter (Hot Rod), Kerry Boyde (Quick Eliminator), Ken Collin (Retro Bike), Peter Duffy (Top Eliminator), Benni Dreyer (US Muscle) and David Gall (Vintage Gas) taking victory. For full racing results, please click here.
Meanwhile, the Shannons Insurance Show and Shine – expanded this year to be bigger than ever before – recognised the impressive showpieces of Steve Kinnane (1953 Ford Mainline – Best Australian Vehicle and Best Custom Paint), Roslyn Anthony (1955 210 Chevy – Best USA Vehicle), ‘Ripper Smoothy’ (Blue Deuce Coupe – Hot Rod), Jeff Preece (1970 Mustang – Best Ford), Geoff Watts (1968 Dodge Charger – Best Mopar), Mark Bainbridge (Chev Impala – Best Chev), Jacob Pederson (65 Pontiac GTO – Best Pontiac), Dale Brokken (1967 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible – Best Convertible), David Scot (Dragula Rod – Best Custom), Matt Swain (1955 FJ Holden – Best Pickup), Jason Arundell (1965 Mustang Fastback – Best Muscle Car), Darryl Bavis (1968 HK Monaro – Best Classic: Standard Paint), David Gathrie (1969 Chevelle two-door Coupe – Best in Show), Steve Levenson (Harley Davidson – Best American Bike) and the Gold Coast Muscle Car Assocaition (Best Represented Car Association).
For Peter Duffy – who took out the victory in the Top Eliminator class – the win came while achieving an important milestone for him and his team.
“We have been chasing a six second pass – before this weekend we had been to 201 miles per hour before in 7.1 seconds, and this weekend we managed to set down three six second passes and go faster than ever before, it has been a real dream for us,” said Duffy.
“We were able to set a 6.885s pass at 201.61mph, then a 6.752s result at 205.98mph, and then a third six second effort with a 6.834s pass at 180.12 miles per hour in the final.
“To achieve that six second milestone, not once but three times and the personal best speed marker as well on the weekend at the Nostalgia Drags is just unbelievable. And to get the event win is icing on the cake.
“What a great day – thanks has to go to everyone that has helped us including Justin Simpson, Jason Donnelly, Brad and Jayden Lesson, James Horan, Luke Marsden, Brian Atkinson and of course my wife Ni and son Dale – who is already bugging me for his turn in the dragster now that I have achieved the six second pass and gone 205 miles per hour!” laughed Duffy.
“The car had a few small problems to start with but with this great team we overcame them and what can I say – dreams do come true.”
Consecutive wins were the name of the game for George Wegener – who turns 80 years young in October – who went back to back with victory in the Gas category, in his 1968 Corrolla – dubbed ‘Little Sprinter’.
“The event went really smooth for me to be quite honest, I had quite a bit of luck,” said Wegener.
“I certainly enjoy the Nostalgia events, the only thing I didn’t enjoy was the early start – I had to get up at 4.00am to get down there from Landsborough.
“I want to thanks Lachlan Lind and Iain Bartz for all their help they give me as pit crew – when I don’t have to worry about anything other than driving it makes all the difference – and also to David Gall.
“David is a real good mate of mine, and he owns the first car that I ever built and he had a win on the weekend as well. He keeps the pit next to mine and gets it all organised which is a big help.”
Photos by Dragphotos.com.au