Queensland drag strip Willowbank Raceway, will celebrate the track’s 25th birthday with two days of celebrations next weekend.

Saturday will see the biggest cash prize in Pro Street drag racing on offer, when the 10.5 Outlaw Pro Street Shootout hits the track.

$10,500 will be on offer in a winner takes all format for the 10.5 Outlaw category.

Cars of all sorts of power combinations and power adders, including Blown Injected, Turbo Charged and Nitrous injected V8’s right through to Tube chassis lightweight turbo charged fours and rotaries are eligible.

Johnny Wilson, drag racer and co-owner of the Australian Pro Street Association, said that if a drag car has swinging doors and runs 10.5 inch W tyres it is eligible for this bracket.

“This means that we will be seeing cars like the Pro Stock monster of Shane Tucker, Deno Brijeski and Matt Abel in their Top Doorslammers, Ben Bray’s Pro FX Gas Motorsports Scion and Tony Wedlock and his Toyota Aurion Pro FX machine competing against cars like Frank Mamone’s Black Chevy Nova and Joe Signorelli’s Toyota powered Celica.” he said.

“Never before has this kind of contrast in competitors from different classes been able to race in the same field against each other – it is just once in a lifetime kind of racing.”

Sunday will see the track open the gates for a relaxed, informal celebration of its history with a family day with static display vehicles, memorabilia and official presentations.

Willowbank Raceway Managing Director Steve Bettes said the event was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the beginnings and history of the facility while looking to the future.

“From when the first plans were drawn to today’s racing, it has been a interesting and excitement filled journey for Willowbank Raceway,” said Bettes.

“Hosting year round drag racing and four ANDRA Pro Series events – including the largest drag racing event outside of the USA – each year is no small feat, and is testament to the staff, volunteers, officials, fans and racers that come here year after year.

“With our 25th birthday upon us, we thought what better way to celebrate than to open the gates for a special trip down memory lane with some of the vehicles that have competed here over the years on static display as well as plenty of memorabilia on show.

“For those that pre-purchase their tickets there will be a BBQ lunch on the day, and there will also be the canteen for food and drink purchase for those that wish to come along and have a look without booking ahead.

“I really hope everyone takes the opportunity to come on down to Willowbank on Sunday the 19th of September and have a look and a chat, we would be so happy to see you!”

The Sunday Family day will run from 9.00am to 4.00pm on September 19 and there will be two ticketing options available for those wishing to come along to the event.

The first sees you pre-purchase your ticket for $30 for adults and students and $20 for children under the age of 13, with your ticket including a BBQ lunch (from 11.30am) and official Willowbank Raceway goodie bag including 25th anniversary merchandise. Please visit www.willowbankraceway.com.au for how to purchase tickets.

Alternatively, you and your family can come along for free, with the track canteen available for purchase of food and drinks.

For more information on Willowbank Raceway, please visit www.willowbankraceway.com.au

With: Willowbank Raceway Media Release