By Lucy Waldron
Engines are beginning to rumble as the highly anticipated Volkswagen (VW) Warwick Drag Races readies to return to the Warwick Dragway.
Marking the 16th year of Australia’s premier VW motorsport event, Warwick will come alive with VW enthusiastic from near and far on 5 and 6 October.
VW Warwick organiser and owner of VW Magazine, Craig Hughes said the weekend promises exciting racing, special guest cars, and a few new touches to enhance the experience for participants and spectators alike.
The event kicks off on Friday evening with a Dyno session, featuring Diesel Tune’s mobile dyno. Guest drag cars will run figures on the rollers, offering an early taste of the action for spectators.
Saturday begins with the traditional free street parade and static display at Leslie Park from 9.30 to 11.00 am, a chance for competitors and spectators alike to showcase their VWs to the public.
Craig encourages all to attend, as the display will also include judging for the Sunday Show’n’Shine competition.
Scrutineering back at the track will start at 11 am, followed by a driver’s briefing, which will also provide a demonstration of the staging process for first-time racers. The action truly heats up with unlimited practice and qualifying runs from 1 to 5 pm.
“We’ve got a couple of new cars arriving this year,” Craig added.
“Jamie Haig is bringing his hooligan VA turbo bus, and Aaron Roberts is coming back with his turbo black Kombi, which wowed the crowd in previous years with all those wheel stands.”
On Sunday, the racing continues with a morning practice session from 9 am. to 10 am., followed by a four-round Round Robin competition. The finals will be held in two categories: normally aspirated cars and forced induction, with close competition expected, especially from interstate competitors.
For spectators, VW Warwick promises a unique experience.
“When you say Volkswagens drag racing, people usually look at you funny,” Craig said.
“But you’ll see everything—from slow old VWs to Kombis doing five-second passes. It’s something different.”
Craig emphasised that the event is ideal for novice racers, as VW Warwick’s 1/8th mile track provides a welcoming environment to learn the ropes.
For more information visit vwma.net.au/ and head to Warwick Dragway to get amongst all the thrilling action over the weekend.
