Winternationals drag racing event called off

This year’s Winternationals drag racing event at Willowbank Raceway has been called off as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event was initially scheduled to run in June this year and be a part of Ipswich’s new Festival of Horsepower, which brings together the Winternationals, Ipswich Cup, national kart racing championships and motorsport action at Queensland Raceway for a month long program full of adrenaline and excitement.

Organisers rescheduled the Winternationals for September when the COVID-19 pandemic took hold.

However, the current situation regarding restrictions imposed around the country as a result of the virus have prompted their decision to cancel the event.

In a statement posted online, organisers said the inability for competitors to be able to reach the event due to border restrictions had left them with no choice but to cancel.

“The board is very disappointed with having to make this decision, but in order to host the truly national event, all states should be represented and this is not achievable under the current circumstances,” the statement said.

“The board has determined that any competitor that has been entered in this year’s event, will be offered a transfer of their entry fee to next year’s event with no price increase applied for any competitors that accept this offer.

“Spectators that have purchased tickets to this year’s event, will be offered a transfer to next year’s event with no additional price increase from this year’s event.

“Importantly, both these offers will ensure that these ticket holders and competitors are locked into this year’s pricing.

“Willowbank Raceway will be in contact with all competitors and ticket purchasers over the next three weeks, to provide updated information and full details of all the options available to them including transfer, credit or a refund if requested.

“On a positive note, Willowbank is planning for an event, utilising our Queensland based competitors and if possible those from interstate, which will take place later this year.”

Preparation is already underway for the 2021 Festival of Horsepower, which will include next year’s Winternationals.