While North America wrestles with mid-winter off season – in contrast the mid-season pace within Australia gains some momentum….
“Year One” for the newly formed for 2024 NDRC (National Drag Racing Championship) has not been without its challenges. With pre-season intentions and expections sky high – unfortunately — so far a reality is that a good portion of it’s originally planned race schedule has been weather affected and thus results inconclusive.
“Grand” New South Wales racing arena Sydney Dragway, at Sydney Motorsports Park, was the site of the bodies latest venture out with a 2-day “double header” makeup event planned for January 26-27th. However as fate would dictate that race (presented by Saltwood @ Rosedale) was only partially completed when frustrating all day light rain for day two’s schedule ultimately forced cancellation.
Friday’s “day one” of the Australia Day Nationals was by contrast very satisfying and action-packed as the NDRC Group 1 cars both raced and made qualifying laps. Pro class teams demonstrated great expertise while managing what were absolutely surreal hot initial track and rapidly changing atmospheric temperatures (registering over 40C at one point) to make a series of very impressive performances — despite!
“A main” winners were declared in Top Fuel (Wayne Newby), Pro Alcohol (Steve Reed), Zoran Gajic (Fuel Tech Pro Mod) and Luke Crowley (Pro Stock Motorcycle).
Wayne Newby won Top Fuel on Friday night in the RAI Team Car.
Pro Alcohol Winner – Steven Reed
Zoran Gajic was the winner in the Fuel Tech Pro Mod class (which competes with a 5.85 secs index).
The event’s competition for Top Doorslammer and Pro Stock Car did manage two rounds of qualifying before racing was terminated. Day 2 of the Australia Day Nationals (including the AEROFLOW National Sportsman Championship series) will be rescheduled for later back at Sydney in 2024 – date TBA.
Link to our Australia Day Nationals event photo gallery at LMLC Media — HERE
To review more in-depth results link to our media partner DragNews: HERE
Post and photos by Bruce Biegler
