ENTRIES have opened for a second annual drag racing event set to get engines starting later this year.<\/p>\n
Following its debut late last year, the Western Highway Shootout will return in December with dozens of cars expected to burn rubber and send smoke drifting across the Ballarat Airport\u2019s old runway.<\/p>\n
Organiser, Luke Preston, said he\u2019s keen for more racers to take part this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cEntries opened up last week. We had 50 cars last year and this year we\u2019re really hoping to get it up to about 75, 80,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s simple heads-up drag racing. There\u2019ll be four different classes which are based around engine capacity each with and certain times for certain cars.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s categories for the full-on drag racer to entry level where someone can race their daily driver.\u201d<\/p>\n
Once each race has been had down the runway\u2019s 200-metre circuit, each competitor will head to Ararat\u2019s Barkly Street via the Western Highway to display their vehicles in a show and shine.<\/p>\n
Last year\u2019s display saw about 120 cars.<\/p>\n
Following a $150 entry fee, each competitor must hold an Australian Auto Sport Alliance day licence as well as pass a safety check before the race.<\/p>\n
The winners and runners-up in each category will receive $1500 and $500 respectively, while proceeds from the event will go towards the Ballarat Drag Racing Club.<\/p>\n
Mr Preston said with this year\u2019s event he wants the race to become a family-driven one.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re really wanting that family atmosphere. There\u2019s lots of entertainment for the kids this time with jumping castles and face-painting. It\u2019ll be free entry for kids as well,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019ll be family-oriented. Racing for dad to watch. Free entertainment for the kids. It\u2019ll cater for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Western Highway Shootout will take place on Saturday 9 December and to register, visit the event\u2019s Facebook page.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ENTRIES have opened for a second annual drag racing event set to get engines starting later this year. Following its debut late last year, the Western Highway Shootout will return in December with dozens of cars expected to burn rubber and send smoke drifting across the Ballarat Airport\u2019s old runway. Organiser, Luke Preston, said he\u2019s […]<\/p>\n