8 March 2024
The Warwick Dragway at Morgan Park has received a significant $1.9m upgrade to extend the eighth-mile dragstrip to a quarter-mile strip, bolstering the precinct’s capacity to host and attract national-level sporting events.
The project included concreting of the start area for eighth mile, relaying and asphalting the remaining strip, extending the braking area, concrete crash barriers, sealing return road and staging area, new timing equipment, lighting and an additional raised viewing area.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:
“After the bushfires in September 2019, the Federal and Queensland Governments invested $36.8 million through the Local Economic Recovery Program to strengthen local economies and aid the overall recovery of impacted regions,” Minister Watt said.
“The $1.9 million contribution to the Warwick Dragway extension will help with economic and social recovery and strengthen the community as a whole.
“Our Government is pleased to help deliver this work, and will continue to work with bushfire-impact communities to help get them back on their feet faster.”
Quotes attributable to Minister responsible for Queensland Reconstruction Authority Nikki Boyd:
“For nearly 25 years, the Dragway at Morgan Park has brought racing to Warwick,” Ms Boyd said.
“Run by volunteers, the precinct caters for drag racing events, driver training and other community events.
“In addition to providing locals with a safe venue to race and learn to drive, the Dragway upgrade will increase visitors to events which will contribute significantly to the local economy and small businesses.”
Quotes attributable to Dave Burges, CEO Southern Downs Regional Council:
“Warwick is 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,” Mr Burges said.
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Chris Loy, President Warwick District Drag Racing Association:
“This project is a dream come true for the hard-working volunteers, dedicated committee, in-kind supporters and everybody who drove this road with us,” Mr Loy said.
“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.
“This project is a great asset to Warwick Distract Drag Racing Association and the wider community. We now look forward to bringing a large number of spectators and racers to our community.”
The grand re-opening of the Warwick Dragway and the launch of the quarter-mile mile on Saturday 9 March 2024 will see spectators and competitors flock to the scene.
This project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement’s Local Economic Recovery Program.
Last edited date 28 Mar 2024