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| Wegener's Drag racing comeback at 71 |
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| Tuesday, 04 September 2007 | |
Boasting a drag racing career spanning almost 40 years, Sunshine Coast
driver George Wegener is one of only two drivers aged over 70, to be
currently registered with an Australian National Drag Racing
Association (ANDRA) licence.
Come the 42nd Australian Nationals at Queensland’s Willowbank Raceway from September 14-16, it will be a very significant comeback to the competition strip for the 71 year-old after overcoming medical complications during the past 12 months. “To maintain my drag racing licence I was required to undergo a preventative heart operation with a double bypass which laid me up for about six months,” confirmed the passionate racer. “I then had an eye operation immediately after which meant a further three months of inactivity. “In between operations I did however manage one racing event and was runner-up  so I knew I hadn’t lost anything.
“We’re now ready to go again and start this season off with a blast at the Nationals in September.” There’s no doubting the patience and fortitude of Wegener as he waited 35 years to claim a first ever Willowbank Raceway track championship title in the 2003/04 season. The ageless racer has become one of the more resilient drivers in the Super Sedan class and is intent on making a genuine charge to reclaim his number one status. “I visited my daughter in Western Australia earlier this year and unfortunately missed the Winternationals so now we start with a clean slate and look to get back in the winner’s list during season 2007/08. “I turn 72 in October and the couple of operations I’ve had during the past 12 months haven’t slowed me at all. “I still work out of the performance workshop at Landsborough that I’ve worked at since I was 14 and I continue to drive with the support of Castrol, another relationship which has existed for the past two decades. “It’s all about having fun and not getting too serious with it all. “It’s a simple formula but it works for me.” Intent on having as much fun during the 42nd Australian Nationals is Bundaberg  Junior Dragster debutant, Cody Grohn.
The 14 year-old has already shown his wares in more traditional sporting pursuits, gaining Queensland representation in soccer and touch football. Despite his noted all-round capabilities, Grohn isn’t about to make any rash predictions, as he comes up against other young drivers in this grassroots form of racing that is designed specifically for 8-16 year-olds. “I’ve been coming along to drag racing events with my Dad for quite a while and have always been keen to get more involved, said Grohn. “I love all sports and after sitting on the sidelines for so long it’s going to be great to be finally competing. “It’ll be a big learning curve but you’ve got to start somewhere. “Hopefully I can put it all together and be competitive in my first event and then see how things go from there. “When you see drivers like Mr Wegener doing so well over a long period of time you start to realise how long you can stay in the sport. “Hopefully I’ll get to spend plenty of time behind the wheel in the future.” The annual Australian Nationals kicks off a new season for Queensland drag racing and was secured to the State in 2002 with the support of Queensland Events Corporation under its Major Events portfolio. Such support has allowed Willowbank Raceway to maintain its reputation as one of the premier tracks in Australia. Willowbank officials will use the 42nd Australian Nationals as an appropriate springboard towards a revamped 10-month program of drag racing events.  While it may be considered the off-season so far as Australian drag
racing is concerned, Willowbank Raceway will continue to be a hive of
activity leading into the start of the 42nd Australian Nationals on
September 14-16.
The Nationals will be preceded by the Fast Four Jamboree on August 25/26, while the Nostalgia drag racing Nationals is also booked in for August 19. 42nd AUSTRALIAN NATIONALS – SEPTEMBER 14-16, 2007 Racing Includes: Top Fuel, Top Alcohol, Top Doorslammer, Pro Stock, Top Bike, Pro Stock Motorcycle, Competition, Super Stock, Competition Bike, Supercharged Outlaws, Modified, Super Sedan, Super Street, Modified Bike, Junior Dragster, Super Gas, Screamin' Eagle Harleys, TICKETING Adult Friday Admission $40 Saturday Admission $45 Sunday Admission $45 3-Day Pass $120 Student (must show ID) Friday Admission $30 Saturday Admission $35 Sunday Admission $35 3-Day Pass $90 Children 13 & under are admitted free Program Friday 8th Qualifying 9am -8pm Saturday 9th Qualifying 9am -8pm Sunday 10th Racing 9am with feature racing from 2pm Internet sites www.willowbank-raceway.com.au Ticketing and General Information: Contact – Willowbank Raceway 07 5461 5461 |
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