The second round of the IHRA National Track series is on this coming weekend.
SATURDAY 24th, Gates open at 9.00am, $10 gate entry, Race entry opens 10.00am, track opens at 12.00pm, Test and Tune and 1 round qualifying at 4.00pm which is optional.
SUNDAY 25th Gates open at 8.00am, $20 gate entry,Race entry opens 8.30am Track opens at 9.00am, 2 rounds of qualifying and then eliminations.
After extensive discussions, the organising team behind the upcoming NAC Drag Combat event to be held at Fram Autolite Dragway on December 4 are proud to announce the classes, which will add a new dimension to local drag racing.
With the theory being to break the field up into groups running on similar size and compound tyres, three distinct catagories will be run, each with their own size orientated sub-classes.
The classes include:
Street Tyres (All treaded wof standard tyres including circuit race style semi slicks)
DOT Approved Slick (drag racing specific tyres such as Mickey Thompson ET Street and Hoosier Quick Time Pro)
Full Slick (Full slick drag racing tyres, including Goodyear Slicks etc)
The annual Petrolhead Father’s Day Drags took place last Sunday and was bigger than ever. Crowds lined the hills around the track to watch the fastest street cars in the country battle for bragging rights on the strip.
For a full event report, check out the next issue of NZV8 Magazine.
View 230 photos from the days racing in the gallery below.
The annual Petrolhead Father’s Day Drags is the biggest and fastest streetcar meeting on the local drag racing calender and its on this Sunday (4 September). So grab your old man or drop some hints to your kids and get along to Fram Autolite Dragway to take it in all the action.
Hosted by the American Car Club the event is well organised and has real atmosphere. The competition has heated up over recent years so expect to see big horsepower machines fighting for their share of the $10K in prize money. There will be a burnout comp as well. (more…)
Last year’s inaugural Drag Combat event was a huge hit with racers and spectators alike, and this year’s NAC Insurance sponsored event it’s set to be even better!
Unlike last year where the racing was in bracket format, this years classes will be decided by vehicle tyre size, which will see imports verses V8’s, door cars versus rails, turbos versus nirous and plenty of heads up action.
As well as the racing, there will be the first ever wheelstand competition held in New Zealand. The Champion Oils Wheelstand Challenge will see the crowds on their feet and the cars pointing for the sky in a challenge to see who can go the highest for the longest. With $2000 cash up for grabs there’s already been plenty of interest and a bunch of drivers already having confirmed their entries. (more…)
Fram Autolite Dragway has just announced that it will be changing the sanctioning body of its Meremere drag racing facility. Fram will not be renewing it’s membership with the NZDRA and all track sanctioning will change to the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).
This comes as massive news for the Meremere Dragway and for the sport of drag racing in NZ, to find out more read Fram Autolite Dragway’s official press statement below.
(more…)
It was a huge day on Sunday at the annual Nostalgia Drags held at Fram Autolite Dragway in Meremere. There was an eclectic mix of dragsters, muscle cars and vintage speed machines.
NZV8 was there to snap off a couple of hundred photos, so if you want to get all nostalgic then check them out in the gallery below. (more…)
If you’re into nostalgic cars, or just want a great day out with the family, the annual Nostalgia Drags could be the perfect event for you this weekend.
Sponsored by Hamilton’s Nostalgia Motors, this year’s event takes place at Fram Autolite Dragway this Sunday, April 3. There will be a large pack of cool old cars at the venue, it’s as much about soaking up the atmosphere and checking the cars out than the racing. Of course that doesn’t mean the racing is slow or boring. FED’s, flatheads, hotrods and more will tackle the strip in a range of classes, so there’s something for everyone.
For more info on attending or entering your ride check out www.bayrodders.co.nz.
The big boys of NZ drag racing came out for the Nationals last weekend at Fram Autolite Dragway in Meremere. The weather was fine and the racing was tight with the smell of burnt rubber wafting through the crowd and a symphony of tyre squeals to entertain all.
NZV8 was there snapping away a few hundred photos so check out all the day’s action in the gallery below and keep an eye out for a full event report in the next issue of NZV8 magazine.
The biggest race meeting on the NZ Drag Racing calendar is only days away and also concludes the NZ Championship series for this season. The big boys of NZ drag racing are out for this weekend’s NZ Nationals at Fram Autolite Dragway in Meremere. Qualifying is scheduled for this Saturday(19 March) with the racing happening this Sunday (20 March).
Because of the shortened season it’s anyone’s title and with a record list of pre entries perhaps the racers have realised the 
Championship is theirs for the taking. There is no judging in drag racing and not many chances to gain ground if you don’t get your ducks in a row, you either have your act together or you don’t and when races are won or lost by thousandths of a second a tenth is an eternity, sometimes you need a little luck on your side too.
“It’s been a tough season for racers and many will be putting a lot of effort into their performances at this event because of the cancellation of the Masterton event a few weeks back, the NZ Nationals and Century Batteries finals are turning into a gun fight to the end” said NZDRA CEO Chris Tynan. A gun fight is something Championship Drag racing is often referred to – you’re quick or you’re done. Done meaning no chance of coming back for a rematch.
“Top Alcohol at the NZDRA Northern Nationals produced possibly the most exciting racing ever seen in New Zealand with many 5 second 400kph performances from all but a few of the field, and with their times being mere tenths of a second behind the leaders” said Tynan.
The sport has something for everyone at the Nationals with the whole range of NZDRA classes vying to qualify for a good position in the field Saturday so they have the best opportunity to be the Nationals winner and possibly New Zealand Champion, all in one race meet! (more…)
If you love your drag racing and want to see all the big boys in action, or you want to see how the pros prepare and compete then check out this huge event on the NZ drag racing calender.
There are classes for all vehicles from doorslammers to street cars, V8s to imports, its all going to be there. The popular methanol-burning Top Alcohol Funny Cars and Dragsters are sure to provide some great racing action for the fans with new additions to the race division insuring plenty of 5 second 390kph action.
The other headliner class is Top Doorslammer, these 3000 horsepower machines deliver a wild ride as their pilots attempt to man-handle the wildest sedans on earth from the start line to the end of the quarter mile.
There are 11 other classes in total and one of the best parts of going to the drags is that access to the pits is included in the ticket price, so you can get a up close look at exactly what makes these machines tick.
The NZDRA Northern Nationals are on this Sunday (6 February) at Fram Autolite Dragway in Meremere. Gates open at 8am and qualifying begins from 9am.
General admission is $20 at the gate with kids under 12 rolling in for free.
To find out more go to www.nzdra.co.nz/
With some serious upgrades to the LG-TengTools-Hauraki top alcohol funny car but just a handful of high speed runs completed, Hamilton’s Morice McMillin is ready to take on the big guns at the Century Batteries Power Series, the three-round National Drag Racing Championship.
The first round at Fram Autolite Raceway, takes place on 6 February and sees the 24-year-old fully prepared to take another step closer to the highly experienced and well funded racers leading the Castrol Edge top alcohol division.
McMillin signed with LG Motorsport this season, bringing the well-known brand imagery of LG Electronics and Radio Hauraki to sit alongside the logo of his team’s major sponsor TengTools on the Dodge Avenger funny car.
“Competing in New Zealand’s fastest motorsport certainly has its dangers and challenges,” says the talented young racer who started racing at the age of eight in junior dragsters.
“But we take things very much in our stride. Compared to several other teams, we’re all pretty young, up against guys who have been racing at this level for 20-plus years. Every season we keep learning fast and, this year, we’re out to catch some of the bigger names of the sport, that’s for sure.”
McMillin finished third in the national championship in his debut season and secured a new quarter-mile national record for the funny car class with his best time of 6.66 sec, which saw him hit a top speed of 339 km/h (211 mph).
“We have always been behind horsepower-wise over the last two years, so with some new equipment this year we hope to make that gap smaller. We know there is a lot of hard work in front of us, but I also know the team is more capable of making our mark in the championship hunt!”
Over the past decade, McMillin has quickly gone from a self-described annoying young teenager asking all the questions to a respected competitor in the class.
“I do have to pinch myself sometimes when suiting up to race guys who I have looked up to for years. All we need to do now is beat them!”
Sunday was a huge day at Fram Autolite Dragway! NZPC vs NZV8 Drag Combat was everything we could have hoped for (apart from a few cars breaking down causing delays), with heaps of street and drag cars smashing out runs on the strip, sweltering heat and a massive crowd. The V8s pushed hard and showed the import fans that their really is ‘no replacement for displacement’.
Look out for full coverage of this event in the next issue of NZV8, but for now, check out the gallery below. (more…)
The very first Drag Combat event is on this Sunday (Dec 5) and will see NZV8 go head to head with NZ Performance Car in what’s set to be an epic battle of eight-cylinder versus import. It’s a true grudge match and there can be only one winner on the day. Us V8 fans need all hands on deck so why not join the battle, assemble your crew and take your car to the strip to help defeat these import drivers and their toy cars. Anyone can take part and vehicles of all abilities are welcome. If drag racing isn’t your thing, there’s also a hardcore burnout comp for those who absolutely hate rear tyres. If you’re ride is too precious or you’re just scared, that’s cool, come along anyway, there will be plenty of racing to watch throughout the day.
The racing is simple and Drag Combat will enable drag racers to compete at their E.T brackets. The Drag combat E.T Bracket classes are 7sec, 8sec, 9sec, 10sec, 11sec, 12sec and 13seconds.
To compete all you need to do is bring your car to the event, have 2-3 qualifying runs and from the best E.T that you have managed to run, you will then be placed in that Drag Combat E.T Class. From there you simply are running heads up with whoever rolls up next to you. The track will be fully prepared as well.
The very first Drag Combat event is on next month (Dec 5) and will see NZV8 go head to head with NZ Performance Car in what’s set to be an epic battle of eight-cylinder versus import. It’s a true grudge match and although it isn’t going down for another few weeks those import lovers are already talking like they’ve won it! We can’t let this happen so why not join the battle, assemble your crew and take your car to the strip to help defeat these performance car fans and their toy cars. Anyone can take part and vehicles of all abilities are welcome. If drag racing isn’t your thing, there’s also a hardcore burnout comp for those who absolutely hate rear tyres.
The racing is simple and Drag Combat will enable drag racers to compete at their E.T brackets. The Drag combat E.T Bracket classes are 7sec, 8sec, 9sec, 10sec, 11sec, 12sec and 13seconds.
All you need to do is bring your car to the event, have 2-3 qualifying runs and from the best E.T that you have managed to run, you will then be placed in that Drag Combat E.T Class. From there you simply are running heads up with whoever rolls up next to you. The track will be fully prepared as well.
Some of the serious firepower taking part on the day includes doorslammers driven by: Mike Witteveen, Wayne Hussey, Wayne Yearbury, Mark Bardsley, Graeme Bates and Reece Fish
So what do I need to kick some import ass?
Just the usual stuff required for any drag racing event, refer to the handy bullet points below:
How much is it going to cost?
Spectators $20
Drag Racing $50
Burnouts $50
Children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult.
I’m in! So when and where do I join the fight against the imports?
Where: It’s on at Fram Autolite Dragway, Meremere, Mercer
When: Sunday 5th December 2010
Time: Competitors 7am, General public 9am, Gates close 5pm
To find out more about entering Drag Combat and being part of this drag racing spectacle, click here.
Fram Autolite Dragway has recently finished installing new concrete safety barriers. This completes stage two of a three stage project at the track.
The safety barriers are 308 metres long with a further 230 metres of Armco installed in the braking area.
Fram Autolite Dragway would like to thank the following companies and organisations for their support, Rapid Construction, Abernethy Civil, Ace Concrete Cutters, Southern Trust, Pub Charities, Lion Foundation and all the volunteers that came down to help.
“The new safety barriers will help minimize accidents at the far end of the track and will ensure drivers are safe at all times”, Fram Autolite Dragway manager Gary Bogaart said.
Earlier this month Alan Thoresen of Black Thunder Racing did a promotion on Kaihikatea Drive in Hamilton in association with Reyad’s Fruit and Veg Market and the Mad Butcher.
The promotion included the Black Thunder Team with two Kawasaki ZX14′s and “Lil Black Thunder” Price Brothers Motorsport with their Top Alcohol Dragster and a Junior Dragster, Morrice McMillan’s Top Fuel Car, and Brent Beere’s RX8 Street Racer.
The team also promoted the sport of drag racing with NZDRA Banners and handouts, along with Fram Autolite Dragway Decals ,Castrol Decals and The Rock Radio Station helping with the promotion and providing giveaways.
Some of the public also got the opportunity to hop in to a Dragster/Junior Dragster or on one of the three Black Thunder Bikes.
The team got together with the idea of bringing Drag Racing to the people. ie If people don’t go to the drag strips to find out about racing…we bring it to them.
Reyads and the Mad Butcher provided a free BBQ and curry samples and through gold coin donations on the day money was donated to charity.
Whilst the poor weather was a deterent on the day, there were quite a number of visitors.
Responses such as …”It has been years since I went to a drag meet”, ” I wondered what drag racing was about”, “I always wanted to go and watch drag racing”, “Can we drag race our cars at the drag strip? – what do we have to do”? – all indicated that the promotion was successful and raised the awareness by enlightening the public about the sport of drag racing.
Other promotions will be planned as the weather improves with the objective of including more Drag Race Cars/Bikes/Teams for the local area.
The annual Petrolhead Fathers’ Day Drags is the biggest and fastest street car meet on the local drag racing calendar and it’s all on for this Sunday (Sept 5) at the Fram Autolite Dragway, Meremere.
Hosted by the American Muscle Car Club, it’s always well run and has become a must attend event, not just for dads but for everyone. There’s also a Thrill Performance top 8 shootout and, of course, a burnout comp because who doesn’t dig a big smokey burnout on a Sunday afternoon?
The competition has really heated up over the last few years, and we know there are a few drivers who are going to fight hard for this year’s title.
If you attend only one drag race meet this year, the Fathers’ Day Drags should be it.
Entry is $20 with kids under 12 rolling in for free. Gates open from 7am and qualifying begins at 10am.
The final round of the Winter Drag Wars series is going down this Sunday (8 Aug) at Fram Autolite Dragway in Meremere. It’s the last of six meetings for the season and like usual, competitors will be able to enter in two different classes, either heads up for bragging rights against mates or a DYO class.
The overall winner of the DYO class will be up for a Mag and Turbo wheel and tyre package worth $2000.
The track will open from 10am. Gate admission will be $15 per person (with under 12s free) and to race it will only set you back $30 for a full days racing.
For any other enquiries please call Gary on 027 405 6060 or visit http://championdragway.co.nz/
Check out details on classes and dates below and for more info click here to visit the Drag Wars website.
Turbo 4wd – Heads-up – even start slower than 11.00
4WD Turbo, Supercharged, NOS, 3,4 & 6 cylinders – automatic loss if you run under 11.00 during racing.
Turbo 2wd – Heads-up – even start slower than 11.00
2WD Tubro, Supercharged, NOS, 3, 4, 6 cylinders and Rotary – automatic loss if you run under 11.00 during racing.
All motor – Heads-up – even start slower than 11.00
Naturally aspirated 3, 4, 6 cylinders and Rotary – automatic loss if you run under 11.00 during racing.
Quick 8 – Heads-up – even start slower than 11.00
All V8 powered vehicles – automatic loss if you run under 11.00 during racing.
King of the Street (was Pro Street) – Heads-up – even start quicker than 10.99
Street legal, WOF cars running 10.99 seconds or quicker, DOT approved tires ok. Will be run if 4 or more entries. NZDRA Sportsman Licence and tech inspection required.
Motorcycles – Dial Your Own – staggered start
All motorcycles
DYO Racing – Dial Your Own – staggered start
All welcome
Bridgestone Scorched Earth Burnout Competition
For all those racers and competitors who love to waste a bit of rubber. Sign on at the beginning of the evening for your chance to melt some pavement and fry some tyres.
The next round of the Winter Drag Wars series is taking place this Sunday (25 July) at Fram Autolite Dragway in Meremere. It’s the fifth of six meetings for the season and competitors will be able to enter in two different classes, either heads up for bragging rights against your mates or a DYO class.
The overall winner of the DYO class will be up for a Mag and Turbo wheel and tyre package worth $2000.
The track will open from 10am. Gate admission will be $15 per person (with under 12s free) and to race it will only set you back $30 for a full days racing.
For any other enquiries please call Gary on 027 405 6060 or visit http://championdragway.co.nz/
Check out details on classes and dates below and for more info click here to visit the Drag Wars website.
Turbo 4wd – Heads-up – even start slower than 11.00
4WD Turbo, Supercharged, NOS, 3,4 & 6 cylinders – automatic loss if you run under 11.00 during racing.
Turbo 2wd – Heads-up – even start slower than 11.00
2WD Tubro, Supercharged, NOS, 3, 4, 6 cylinders and Rotary – automatic loss if you run under 11.00 during racing.
All motor – Heads-up – even start slower than 11.00
Naturally aspirated 3, 4, 6 cylinders and Rotary – automatic loss if you run under 11.00 during racing.
Quick 8 – Heads-up – even start slower than 11.00
All V8 powered vehicles – automatic loss if you run under 11.00 during racing.
King of the Street (was Pro Street) – Heads-up – even start quicker than 10.99
Street legal, WOF cars running 10.99 seconds or quicker, DOT approved tires ok. Will be run if 4 or more entries. NZDRA Sportsman Licence and tech inspection required.
Motorcycles – Dial Your Own – staggered start
All motorcycles
DYO Racing – Dial Your Own – staggered start
All welcome
Bridgestone Scorched Earth Burnout Competition
For all those racers and competitors who love to waste a bit of rubber. Sign on at the beginning of the evening for your chance to melt some pavement and fry some tyres.
The third round of the Winter Drag Wars series is all on for this Sunday (20 June) at Fram Autolite Dragway in Meremere. It’s the third of six meetings for the season and competitors will be able to enter in two different classes, either heads up for bragging rights against your mates or a DYO class. Now the Winter Drag Wars and Fram has been officially endorsed by Greg Murphy (read news), there are no excuses not to get involved.
The overall winner of the DYO class will be up for a Mag and Turbo wheel and tyre package worth $2000.
The track will open from 10am. Gate admission will be $15 per person (with under 12s free) and to race it will only set you back $30 for a full days racing.
For any other enquiries please call Gary on 027 405 6060 or visit http://championdragway.co.nz/
Check out details on classes and dates below and for more info click here to visit the Drag Wars website.
Turbo 4wd – Heads-up – even start slower than 11.00
4WD Turbo, Supercharged, NOS, 3,4 & 6 cylinders – automatic loss if you run under 11.00 during racing.
Turbo 2wd – Heads-up – even start slower than 11.00
2WD Tubro, Supercharged, NOS, 3, 4, 6 cylinders and Rotary – automatic loss if you run under 11.00 during racing.
All motor – Heads-up – even start slower than 11.00
Naturally aspirated 3, 4, 6 cylinders and Rotary – automatic loss if you run under 11.00 during racing.
Quick 8 – Heads-up – even start slower than 11.00
All V8 powered vehicles – automatic loss if you run under 11.00 during racing.
King of the Street (was Pro Street) – Heads-up – even start quicker than 10.99
Street legal, WOF cars running 10.99 seconds or quicker, DOT approved tires ok. Will be run if 4 or more entries. NZDRA Sportsman Licence and tech inspection required.
Motorcycles – Dial Your Own – staggered start
All motorcycles
DYO Racing – Dial Your Own – staggered start
All welcome
Bridgestone Scorched Earth Burnout Competition
For all those racers and competitors who love to waste a bit of rubber. Sign on at the beginning of the evening for your chance to melt some pavement and fry some tyres.
Fram Autolite Dragway has announced that world-renowned car racing professional Greg Murphy is actively supporting the race facility, in particular the Night Speed Drag Wars and Winter Drag Wars, which provide a controlled environment by taking racing off the streets.
Fram Autolite Dragway provides a safe outlet for young drivers to explore the performance of their vehicles, taking away the risks associated with breaking the law on public roads and endangering 
their lives and the lives of others.
Murphy says, “As it is proven time and time again, a motor vehicle can be a deadly weapon, and accidents do happen, but I believe that if young drivers had the chance to experience some basic skills training based around understanding the dynamics and limitations of cars they would be better prepared and may think twice about some of the poor decisions they make and therefore reduce the risk of becoming a statistic. The ‘Boy Racer’ issue is a combination of the problem outlined above, the lack of deterrents and lack of respect for other road users and young people just being young people. The team from Fram Autolite Dragway are providing these drivers with a controlled safe environment to explore the performance of their vehicles, taking away the risks associated with breaking the law on public roads.”
Start gathering up those second hand burnout tyres because Skidfest is all on tomorrow (Saturday 12th June).
Get ready for the screeching, smoking action at the Fram Autolite Dragway burnout pad. Gates open at 12 noon and the burnouts start at 1pm.¨The admission fees are only $15 and children under five will get in free of charge. Make sure you bring cash though as there will be no EFTPOS.
The burnout classes will be:
Competitors enter on the day from 11:30 its $30 to compete and if you have any enquiries contact Tash either via email tash@ontrackpromotions.co.nz or on mobile 021 991 847.
Start rounding up those unloved burnout tyres because Skidfest is coming soon.
The Skidfest is locked in for Saturday 12th June 2010 and will be held at the Fram Autolite Dragway burnout Pad¨Gates open at 12 noon and the burnouts start at 1pm.¨The admission fees are only $15 and children under five will get in free of charge. Make sure you bring cash though as there will be no EFTPOS.
The burnout classes will be:
Competitors enter on the day from 11:30 – $30 or contact if you want to pre enter or have any enquiries contact Tash either via email tash@ontrackpromotions.co.nz or on mobile 021 991 847.
