A combination of unseasonably bad weather and material supply issues have pushed back the completion date for South Australia’s brand new $35 million dollar Dragway complex build.
With building underway at The Bend Motorsport Park Complex, the Dragway is slated to be the jewel in the crown of Australian drag racing.
The venue will house a dual-lane strip over 1km long, with a 402m concrete timed length, and lighting for night events.
There will also be an auditorium style terraced seating arrangement for viewing, and viewing spectator mounds surrounded by over 30,000 square metres of paddock and staging areas, plus a 1200 square metre burnout pad.
The first major event at The Bend’s drag strip was initially scheduled for January, where the 400 Thunder Aeroflow Drag Racing Series was set to open their 2023 calendar, an event that has now been moved back to March 25-26 – depending on test events to test the timing systems.
General manager of The Bend’s dragway, Steve Bettes, has commented on the constructions delayed progress.
“Whilst work is progressing well, an unseasonably wet winter has delayed the construction timelines more than originally planned,” Bettes said today.
“We are disappointed not to be able to open on the original timetable, but we need this venue finished to the highest level, and there will be no shortcuts taken on the quality of the build.”
Events at the dragway are expected to attract well over 120,000 attendees annually, with 400 Thunder series expected to be a big draw card having signed a three year agreement to host its events.
The 400 TADR General Manager, Jason Hedges, is excited for the future of the sport in the country with the addition of such a major venue.
“I have personally visited the site and had discussions with the Management of The Bend Motorsport Park complex, and I am absolutely blown away at the scale, quality, and vision of what they are building here,” Hedges commented.
“Without a doubt, this will be a jewel in the crown of Australian Drag Racing and a welcome addition to our calendar for years to come.
“I can’t wait to see the sport embrace The Bend as the new home for Drag Racing in South Australia.”
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