The spectators were eager, and the racers were ready to put on a show for day one of the Gulf Western Oil Super Thunder, but the weather had another plan delaying the start to Friday’s racing. 

It did also prove to be a trying night, with most of the racers only just stepping back into their race cars after delays due to Covid, border closures and weather effected events. The track was not ideal after the rain and pulling solid 350-400 on the start line but needing a bit more rubber out past the 60ft to give the big guns more traction to fully send it. Hopefully after a few hits and more passes down the track from the sportsman categories first thing tomorrow the track will show the results we know can happen on the iconic Willowbank Dragstrip. 

The highly anticipated Top Fuel Funny Cars made their debut with two testing passes, ahead of their grudge matches tomorrow evening. Morice McMillan, having his first hit in the Aeroflow Performance Funny car on the Queensland track and only a few passes in the car showed promise with massive candles lit off the hit and an early shut off. 

Tim McCarthy still getting into the swing of things backed off after a flame throwing hit off the start line, both still provided a great flames up spectacle for the race fans, and big things are expected of the Nitro Beasts at Saturday’s showdown. 

“After a slow start to the day we were still able to provide a preview for the spectators of what we know will be an exciting show tomorrow” said 400 Thunder general manager Steve Bettes. 

Racing will continue tomorrow from midday with a fully packed race schedule including three rounds of match racing from the Top Fuel Funny cars and plenty of runs from both the sportsman and pro categories giving the crowd a chance to watch some racing and also head to the pits to see all the behind-the-scenes action. 

Spectator tickets for the Gulf Western Oil Super Thunder are available online at www.willowbankraceway.com.au or at the gate with tickets starting at just $35.00 for adults and $25.00 for student/concession card holders with ID, while children aged 13 and under are free. 

Live coverage of the event will be available on Kayo Sports at www.kayosports.com.au with a highlights show airing on Fox Sports on Monday night.

North American racing fans can connect to live 400 Thunder Drag Racing Series coverage: HERE