Australia’s 400 Thunder Drag Racing Series continues a nitromethene experiment….

Fans attending the 54th edition Gulf Western Oil Winternationals at Willowbank Raceway may very well have been provided a glimpse of the future.  

During the 2-year COVID pandemic period there has been some off track developments — including another significant division within the political ranks for Top Fuel class racing in Australia.  The end result of which is that Top Fuel dragsters will (for the foreseeable) no longer be a part of the 400 Thunder Drag Racing Series’ event agenda.

But to counter that, the 400 Thunder Series has decided to move forward with a “Plan B” for nitro powered racing – introducing fuel Funny Cars to some of their events.

Buoyed by the rousing success story and history of the Aeroflow Outlaw Nitro Funny Car series spearheaded by Graeme Cowin – the 400 Thunder Series appears to be gearing up to take that potential partnership to higher levels.

While nitro-powered Fuel FC racing at Willowbank’s 2022 Winternationals was labeled exhibition only, the 400 Thunder series (and fans included) can rightfully be hopeful that may be a prelude to something bigger for the category.   

Four cars made runs during the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals – setting a foundation for perhaps  establishing a bonafide eliminator in the future.

Post and photos by Bruce Biegler

Visit 400 Thunder Drag Racing Series official:  HERE