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Willowbank Provides Safe Ride For Bikers |
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Friday, 16 February 2007 |
Queensland’s home of drag racing Willowbank Raceway continues to offer up unique opportunities to assist in ramming home the road-safe message, with an open invitation extended to all street registered bike riders to this weekend’s Sportsbike Shootout.
Seeking to instruct and educate about appropriate behavior when riding in competition, which in turn is sure to make for more responsible riders on city streets, event organisers have incorporated an introductory training program as part of the bi-monthly event.
This weekend’s inaugural installment of the training module comes in
just the second season of the Sportsbike Shootout series, which was
primarily instigated to encourage riders to learn and race within the
safe and controlled confines of Willowbank Raceway.
“At our previous round in December last year we had 85 riders, hailing
from as far north as Townsville and as far south as Sydney,” said
Sportsbike Shootout event sponsor Dave Wolf.
“While this weekend will be a low-key affair due to Sydney hosting a
Group One drag racing event, in the future we’ll have many of
Australia’s elite drag-bike riders to instruct and assist with the
program.
“It’s all about providing a virtual test ‘n’ tune environment for rookie street registered riders at an introductory level.
“Riders only need to show up from 11.30am Saturday for the training
session and then they’ll also be able to compete at the test ‘n’ tune
session immediately after.
“The emphasis is towards providing a very social atmosphere and a
number of oil giveaways and cash prizes have been kindly donated with
the support of Wolf Racing and LAE Racing.
Willowbank Raceway maintains that the provision for racing in a safe
and controlled environment is at the very core of its grassroots drag
racing activities.
Such a perspective has been central to the ideals of weekly Test ‘n’
Tune and Street Series programs which continue to attract tens of
thousands of drivers and riders to the Ipswich facility each year.
The Sportsbike Shootout is a valued addition with the five round series
complementary of a packed year-long list of things-to-do at Willowbank
Raceway.
“The Sportsbike Shootout represents a good cross section of experienced
and novice bike riders and because of the social nature of the event it
provides ample opportunity for interaction among all competitors,” said
Willowbank Raceway General Manager Steve Bettes.
“The training component goes further in assisting riders in becoming
more competent and therefore more conscious of the machinery they’re
riding.
“As in all drag racing programs there is a strong accent on
responsibility and given the fact these guys are honing their skills in
a controlled environment at Willowbank Raceway says a lot about their
character and willingness to learn.
“Gaining an education in bike craft while at the same time enjoying the
thrills of competition makes for a great day for any bike rider.”
At Willowbank Raceway’s February 24 Street Series round, Steve, Debbie
and Daniel Reed from Nulon Racing will give a run down on the do’s and
don’ts of drag racing of a four-wheeled variety, including some very
special skills they have learnt over their many years of competition.
Event wise the countdown continues towards the QT Tin Top Titles on
April 28 with the return of the most incredible all-sedan
confrontations as Top Doorslammer, Pro Stock, Pro Street Outlaws and
Pro Turbo categories headline this time honoured tradition of
Queensland drag racing.
In essence the format of the QT Tin Top Titles will see the realisation
of drag racing activities inclusive of Group One sedans plus the vastly
popular Fast Fours Jamboree and Powercruise scenes which have
continually attracted massive interest among drag racing fans.
QT Tin Top Titles (April 28) – featuring Top Doorslammer, Pro Stock, Pro Street Outlaws and Pro Turbo
TICKETING: All ticket prices include paddock admission
Adults $30
Student (must show ID) $20
Children 13 & under are admitted free
LOCATION
Willowbank Raceway Champions Way (off Cunningham Highway 5km past the Rosewood turnoff) Willowbank QLD 4307
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