Winternationals on full throttle for Festival of Horsepower
31 May 2022
Ipswich is fired up as the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals roars into Willowbank Raceway from Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 June 2022.
The Gulf Western Oil Winternationals is one of the Festival of Horsepower’s biggest events with an adrenaline-charged program of high-octane motorsports across four days.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said council was a proud long-time supporter of the drag racing event.
“Council has supported the development and growth of Gulf Western Oil Winternationals for many years,” Mayor Harding said.
“We are very proud to be the host city for this internationally-recognised championship and council has assisted with $35,000 in financial support to assist with pulling together a successful event.
“The event this year is expected to attract more than 35,000 people to our region as well as 3,000 participants and 500 competing teams over four days of qualifying and racing at Willowbank Raceway, which has important economic flow-on effects throughout the whole community.”
Gulf Western Oil Winternationals is the largest championship drag racing event held outside of North America and is the final round of the 400 Thunder championships.
Economic and Industry Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Nicole Jonic said the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals is part of the Ipswich’s social fabric.
“It is one of the most family-friendly motorsport environments on the calendar and a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the largest, fastest vehicles in existence,” Cr Jonic said.
“Being trackside on the quarter-mile is an experience you will never forget.
“Following two years of challenging times with the global pandemic-imposed restrictions, we are starting to see a resurgence again in tourism and spending in our region and we welcome the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals back to Ipswich.”
Willowbank Raceway president Tony Wedlock said as they get back to racing, they are looking forward to seeing the crowds come back to Willowbank Raceway.
“We are well aware of the economic impact that the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals means for South East Queensland each year, which makes us a proud resident of the Ipswich area,” Mr Wedlock said.
"The racers are extremely keen to get back to Willowbank Raceway for the most important race meeting of the year. Be sure to come down to the track to see the very best that drag racing has to offer, see you at the track".
The racing includes 500km/h Top Fuelers through to Junior Dragsters plus entertainment, children’s rides, food trucks, vehicle displays and pit lane to explore.
The Gulf Western Oil Winternationals features as part of the Festival of Horsepower, a month-long, city-wide program of events supported by Willowbank Raceway, Ipswich Turf Club, Ipswich Kart Club and Queensland Raceway.
For full details and to purchase tickets to Gulf Western Oil Winternationals visit ipswichfestivals.com.au