PRO STOCK STAR GETS IN THE SLOW LANE FOR VETERAN CAR TOUR
12 September 2012
This Friday Willowbank Raceway will play host to what some are calling ‘the world’s slowest drag race’ when more than 130 veteran cars and bikes take to Queensland’s premier drag racing facility as part of the 2012 City of Ipswich National Veteran Tour.
Joining them will be Pro Stock star Shane Tucker, who will be swapping his category-leading Pontiac GXP Pro Stock machine – which averages top speeds of 320 plus kilometres per hour – for tour organiser John Day’s 1903 Oldsmobile – the oldest vehicle in Friday’s rally.
While the pair’s machines are both GM products, the similarities end there with the single-cylinder, 1.6 litre, tiller-steered machine hitting top speed at around 40 kilometres per hour.
“It pretty much looks like a horseless carriage so it is safe to say that it is pretty different to what Shane is used to, although they are both black!” laughed Day.
“I have no hesitation in letting Shane take her for a run on the drag strip, I will be sitting in the passenger seat guiding him along and hopefully we can make it to the finish line ahead of whoever is lucky enough to line up against us!”
While Day might not have any reservations, Tucker admits to some nerves ahead of climbing up into the driver’s seat of such a historic machine.
“This car is just amazing, the history that is going to be on track on Friday is really mind-boggling, I can’t wait to get in amongst it!” said Tucker.
“I am a little nervous to be taking this car which obviously means a lot to John onto the race track, but he will be there giving me tips so hopefully we can have some fun!”
Friday’s events at Willowbank Raceway will be part of the City of Ipswich National Veteran Tour, with 132 veteran vehicles from 1903-1918 set to take to the drag strip after taking in a morning at the Amberley RAAF base. After arriving at Willowbank Raceway, the veterans will have the chance to race each other across the eighth mile before enjoying a track side lunch while Tucker and some of his fellow professional Pro Stock racers put on a show in their high-powered race vehicles.
“We have purchased a box of industrial strength ear plugs for the Pro Stock demonstration!” laughed Day.
“I think the guys are going to be blown away by these machines – the speed, the noise, the power and the overall experience - this isn’t something they would have seen on any other veteran car club tour in Australia, so I am really glad we can put this show on for them on Friday!”
Willowbank Raceway Managing Director Steve Bettes said he can’t wait to welcome the 2012 City of Ipswich National Veteran Tour to Willowbank Raceway.
“We see some pretty interesting vehicles on track at Willowbank Raceway, but this is going to be something else entirely,” said Bettes.
“We couldn’t be happier to be a part of the tour, which hopefully will be a great day for the tour participants and for our Pro Stock racers as well!
“It is going to be a big end of the week for us, with the veteran tour quickly followed up with 110 pro street racers for the Australian Pro Street Association’s Pro Street Shootout on Saturday 15 September.
“Shane and a number of Pro Stock racers will also be taking part in that event which will see a wide variety of cars battling it out for prize money and bragging rights.”
The 2012 City of Ipswich National Veteran Tour will kick off on Wednesday 12 September 2012 with a private civic reception at the Ipswich Art Gallery, hosted by Ipswich City Council Mayor Paul Pisasale and attended by club patron her Excellency the Governor of Queensland, Ms. Penelope Wensley AC.
Thursday 13 September will see a day tour from Ipswich through Rosewood and Grandchester before returning to Ipswich for a Gas Light Parade along the top end of Brisbane Street from 6pm. The Veterans will then park in Brisbane Street as part of the TIME MACHINE ADVENTURE and Street Festival on Brisbane Street.
The tour will continue on Saturday with a tour to the Australian Motorcycle Museum at Haigslea before Sunday 16th. sees them undertake a static display open to the public at the Ipswich Showground on the main oval from 9am.
The final three days will see them undertake tours through Kalbar, Moogerah Dam, Boonah, the Rail Workshop Museum and Woodlands of Marburg. For more information on the tour, please visit http://www.vccaq.org or contact the Tour Chairman on 0428740199.or Tour Secretary on 0427 734 350.
Willowbank Raceway is Queensland’s premier drag racing facility, located 45 minutes from Brisbane or just a short drive from Ipswich, offering a year-round program of events for the entire family. For more information and a full event calendar, please visit www.willowbankraceway.com.au