The 43rd annual Westernationals has always been the biggest drag racing event in Western Australia and for the Nieuwhof family has seen regular success.

Luke Nieuwhof will come into this weekend’s event wanting to emulate the success of father Paul and mother Julie who have both won previously in Modified Bike.

“I grew up looking at the plaques you got for winning the Westernationals hanging up in our lounge room and I think it has always been a dream to win one for myself,” he said.

“Dad had a knack for winning at the Westernationals, he won eight altogether, so hopefully we can put some of that accumulated knowledge into the 60foot Kawasaki and get another ANDRA Christmas tree trophy for the house.”

With a win in January’s Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Championship round, the team currently holds the points lead nationally in Modified Bike.

“Points aren’t front of mind, but the thought definitely does come up from time to time,” Luke said. “We aren’t really thinking about pursuing a national championship but a Westernationals win might do a few things to alter that decision.”

At the last event of the track championship, the team reached the second round but the recurring issue of a start line lean condition again caused the eight-second Kawasaki to stall before even launching.

“We had the same issue a couple of events ago, we thought we had it cured but the bad air conditions at the Aeroflow round perhaps just masked it,” Nieuwhof said.

“When the air conditions got better at the most recent round of the track championship, particularly in the gap between the first and second round, that brought the issue out again.

“The Westernationals will be a good time for us to show we have got it over and done with and hopefully I can join my dad on the list of winners.”

The event runs on Friday February 28 – Sunday March 2 at Perth Motorplex this weekend.

Nieuwhof Family Racing would like to thank sponsors 60foot, FME and Glenway Signs for their continued support.

For full details and event schedule for the 43rd Westernationals please click here.

Image courtesy Phil Luyer / High Octane Photos