By Lucy Waldron
The countdown is over, the Warwick Dragway at Morgan Park is officially ready to host thrill-seekers and car enthusiasts following a significant upgrade funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement’s Local Economic Recovery Program.
With a total investment of $1.9 million, the dragway underwent extensive enhancements, transforming the eighth-mile dragstrip into a quarter-mile strip. The upgrade aims to expand the precinct’s capacity to host national-level sporting events, attracting visitors from across Australia and New Zealand.
Southern Downs Regional Council CEO Dave Burges said Warwick was known as the Horsepower Capital of Australia and sporting events have always been a major drawcard in attracting visitors to the region and supporting the local tourism industry.
“The Warwick Dragway extension upgrades at Morgan Park will bolster the precinct’s capacity to host national-level events and boost economic vitality by positioning Warwick as a hub for drag racing enthusiasts from all over Australia and New Zealand,” Mr Burges said.
President of the Warwick District Drag Racing Association Chris Loy said this project is a dream come true for the hard-working volunteers, dedicated committee, supporters and everybody who drives the road.
“We have come a long way since our first opening meeting in 2000. From building an eighth-mile dragstrip to give the youth a safe environment to race to now running 6000 horsepower nitro funny cars down the new quarter-mile track,” Mr Loy said.
“This project is a great asset to Warwick District Drag Racing Association and the wider community. We now look forward to bringing a large number of spectators and racers to our community.”
The upgrades were officially unveiled on Saturday, 9 March by David Littleproud, Leader of The Nationals and Federal Member for Maranoa, alongside representatives from the Southern Downs Regional Council and the Warwick Dragway Executive Committee.
Mr. Littleproud highlighted the significance of the project in promoting economic recovery and growth in the Southern Downs community.
“This upgrade promises to be a major benefit to not only the Warwick Dragway, but to the entire Southern Downs community as it allows for even bigger events to be held at Morgan Park, which in turn promises to attract more visitors to the region,” Mr Littleproud said.
“The Southern Downs community showed incredible strength during the Black Summer Bushfires and this funding was helping the community recover and grow, so I am proud to see this funding go towards a meaningful project that will attract visitors to the region and boost the local economy.
“It gives me great pride to officially unveil these upgrades and I can’t wait to see the positive impact this new and improved dragway will have on the Southern Downs region in the years ahead.”
Key features of the project include concreting of the start area for the eighth mile, relaying and asphalting of the remaining strip, extension of the braking area, installation of concrete crash barriers, sealing of the return road and staging area, implementation of new timing equipment, lighting upgrades, and the addition of a raised viewing area.
The completion of the Warwick Dragway upgrades marks a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to attract visitors, promote tourism, and stimulate economic growth.
