Good Friday's Santo’s Super Thunder a horsepower hit with families
10 March 2020
Ipswich is set to enjoy a high horsepower carnival atmosphere on Good Friday, April 10 with Willowbank Raceway hosting the annual Santo's Super Thunder event.
Since the event's inception in 2013, the aim has to be to provide an event that crams as much nitro-fuelled adrenaline as possible into a few hours.
Willowbank Raceway president Tony Wedlock said there was a very different vibe at Santo's Super Thunder compared to the other major events the venue hosts.
“A lot of people make the annual pilgrimage to the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals at Willowbank Raceway, which is all about the most intense racing for five days straight,” he said.
“The difference with Santo's Super Thunder is that it is a single day and night where you can bring the whole family and they're all going to leave with a smile on their face. The Winternationals is like Bathurst, but we like to think of Santo's Super Thunder as drag racing mixed with the pace of Big Bash cricket and the atmosphere of the Ekka. The event has really evolved into a family favourite.”
The ground-shaking Top Fuel dragsters will be blasting Willowbank once again, along with supercharged Pro Slammers, nitro Top Bikes, Pro Alcohol and our new IHRA Pro Mod exhibition category but what makes the Santo's Super Thunder event unique is that there is just as much entertainment off the track as on it. There will be a range of free family activities around the venue, delivering the ultimate value day out for Ipswich fun seekers.
“If we had to script the perfect day for a family, we'd say arrive in the afternoon to take the kids on some free rides and then go and meet the drivers at one of our autograph sessions,” Mr Wedlock said. “Then take your seat for the first round and hold on, because there is nothing like the sound of a Top Fuel dragster thundering to 500kmh in under four seconds.
“Afterwards, head to the pits and get up close with the teams as they work on the cars and bikes. Maybe get some food from our big range of catering outlets or feel free to bring a family picnic. With some great Sportsman racing also on track in between the Pro Classes there’s plenty happening. Then get ready for the second round of racing where all the teams really turn it up to try and make it to the finals!
“We know a lot of people like to get home early in the night to put the kids to bed, but if they are still keen for more it won't be too long before the third and final round will be back on track so they can see who the winners will be.”
Santo's Super Thunder also has a serious side, with racers vying for 400 Thunder Championship points that could help give them a national title come the season-ending Gulf Western Oil Winternationals in June, also held at Willowbank Raceway.
“While we keep the atmosphere fun for our spectators, you can be sure the teams are dead serious when it comes to the racing. Santo's Super Thunder is one of the last opportunities of the season to score points before the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals, so a bad night in April can really derail your chances of a championship in June,” Mr Wedlock said.
Tickets are now available online at discounted prices for Santo's Super Thunder on Good Friday, April 10. Tickets will also be available to purchase at the gate. Kids 13 and under are free.