Discover Ipswich Magazine 2020

24 | DISCOVERIPSWICH.COM.AU

ADVENTURE

Ipswich

motorsport

By Dave Reid Motorsport Photographer @dragphotos

With more than five tracks inside Champions Way the iconic Ipswich motorsport mecca hosts events from the Nationals CAMS motorsport series to grassroots racing for the average person that just wants to let loose in their car on their day off. Willowbank Raceway has a year-round calendar of events for the whole family, including the biggest drag racing event outside of North America, the Winternationals. Over five huge days, 500 cars and motorcycles compete on the famous Willowbank drag strip including Ipswich can quite easily be called the Motorsport capital of Queensland, with everything from Drag Racing and motocross, to go-karts.

the flame-throwing, nitromethane guzzling top fuel dragsters. Over 40,000 spectators walk through the gates for the huge automotive festival that is a tradition to many families that travel from all over the world to catch a glimpse of their favourite racer or watch for the many world records that get broken at the event. For anyone new to drag racing, the Winternationals is one to watch, with constant entertainment including ground shaking, flame-throwing, and wheel standing cars on the track and plenty to see around the precinct for the kids with entertainment to keep the little ones happy including jumping castles, face painting, games and race car driver signing sessions. Next door is Queensland Raceway, the motor racing component of the Ipswich Motorsport Precinct which attracts over 500,000 spectators each year and plays host to a massive variety of events including Powercruise and drifting competitions. The list

doesn’t stop there with plenty of businesses making the most of the venue for corporate ride days, with the likes of Porsche and Ferrari making the most of the track to help show their clients the latest and greatest machines or just teach road safety in a safe environment. Queensland Raceway also provides motorsport enthusiasts with the opportunity to drive their choice of supercars around the track. With no speed limits and a professional driver in the passenger seat to help you push the limit of your skills and the car, this is the ultimate experience for any adrenaline junkie! Located only 30 minutes from Brisbane and just under an hour from the glitter strip of the Gold Coast, Ipswich Motorsport Precinct is the place to be for all your motorsport entertainment. Enjoy a great day out with family or friends watching one of the great events on each weekend or why not treat yourself to an unforgettable experience that puts you in the driver’s seat.