Dozens of drag car enthusiasts flocked to the Gunnedah Airport on the first weekend of November to take in the action of the Tamworth Drag Racing Association’s (TDRA) final run of the year.

The 1/8th Mile Drag Racing event drew 61 cars and eight motorbikes for two days of adrenaline and speed thrills.

The fastest racers reached speeds of 200+ kmh, covering the 1/8th mile (200 metres) in 5.9 seconds.

Vehicles ranged from everyday street registered drives/rides such as Jerome Kelly’s 2022 Ford Focus and John Westbury’s 1998 Toyota Hilux, to full-on purpose built drag cars including Allan Ostey’s and Dave Andrews’ yellow Toranas, Peter Grant’s Hambster and the Thomas’ Camaros.

There were also many Commodores and Falcons, the old rides that were worked on and modified to have a second life as drag racing cars.

Another memorable vehicle was a 2018 720S McLaren Coupe, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

One of the event winners, Frank Rizzeri, travelled from the Tasmanian rural locality of Kayena while other participants came from the Tamworth, Hunter, Central Coast and Sydney regions.

A mere 0.025 seconds separated the winner and runner-up in the motorbike category, with the Tasmanian on his 1988 Spada Honda finishing just ahead of Shawn Close of Muswellbrook.

On his birthday, the runner-up in the motorbike category rode a YZF R1 Yamaha.

TDRA president Bill Ausling said the event was very successful as the majority of participants came from outside the region and stayed at least one night in Gunnedah, while greatly contributing to the local economy.

“The weather was great and with six passes on Saturday and another three on Sunday, before elimination rounds, there was plenty of track time for everyone,” he said.

“It was great to see some first-time racers have a go at no-prep racing and on Sunday afternoon there were lots of PBs.

“This is really grassroots racing where everyone with a civil driver’s licence (minimum Provisional licence) can have a go in a safe, friendly and supportive atmosphere.

“We encourage and welcome anyone who wants to have a go.

“Whilst we have some very fast cars here, you don’t need the fastest car to win. Dial-Your-Own racing is about both the vehicle and the racer being consistent each pass.

“It was a great way to round out 2024, and TDRA thanks all the racers for supporting our events and all our members and volunteers for their tireless work conducting the events.”

The TDRA’s next event will be held in conjunction with the Gunnedah Weeks of Speed Festival with Drag Racing, on March 15-16 (2025).

RESULTS

Motorbikes: winner Frank Rizzeri of Kayena (Tasmania), 1988 Spada Honda; runner-up Shawn Close of Muswellbrook, 2003 YZF R1 Yamaha.

Group C: winner Jerome Kelly of Lalor Park, 2022 Ford Focus hatchback; runner-up Kevin Chard of Inverell, 1996 Commodore Ute.

Group B: winner Scott Good of Tamworth, 2011 FG Falcon Ute; runner-up Scott Ham of Tamworth, 2011 WRX Subaru.

Group A: winner Brian Kelly of Narrabri, 2009 SS Commodore; runner-up Stewart Tinson of Broadmeadow, 2001 200SX Nissan Coupe.

Best Reaction: Scott Good of Tamworth, a 0.007 second reaction

Closest-To-Dial-in: Scott Ham of Tamworth ran a perfect 8.600 on his 8.600 dial-in.

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