ANDRA is proud to announce Fuchs and Crow Cams have joined as the naming rights partners for Fuchs Nitro Thunder presented by Crow Cams on October 19 at Melbourne’s Calder Park Raceway.

All bodes well for the return of the ANDRA Drag Racing Series to Melbourne, with motorsport fans set to enjoy national championship rounds of Top Fuel, Top Bike and Pro Stock Motorcycle for the first time since 2001.

ANDRA CEO Malcolm Bulley said he was proud to have Fuchs and Crow Cams on board for the historic event.

“Fuchs are a great supporter of drag racing already through their backing of the Fuchs Winternationals, Top Fuel driver Phil Lamattina and Top Doorslammer racer John Zappia plus many more,” he said. “Crow Cams have been a favourite of Australian performance enthusiasts for a long time and their brand is another perfect fit for this event.

“When it came to returning to Melbourne, it was an event Fuchs and Crow Cams really wanted to be a part of and we are looking forward to Fuchs Nitro Thunder presented by Crow Cams being an action-packed day and no doubt even a little emotional for Melbourne drag racing fans.”

Fuchs Lubricants managing director Wayne Hoiles said the event was a natural fit for one of Australia’s biggest and best lubricant companies.

“Fuchs are proud supporters of drag racing, where we can test our products in a competitive environment,” he said. “Coming on board with Fuchs Nitro Thunder presented by Crow Cams will give us the chance to demonstrate our brand and our products in front of many Victorians who will be seeing ANDRA championship drag racing for the first time.”

Crow Cams marketing manager Robert Henty said their partnership with the event was a continuation of a long connection with the sport.

“Crow Cams have always had a strong relationship with drag racers and have worked closely with Calder Park in the past,” he said. “Crow Cams are excited to see the return of ANDRA championship drag racing to Melbourne and we are very happy to support the event alongside Fuchs Lubricants.”

The event, plus a number of preliminary events including street meets and test and tunes, are being run as a “dry-hire” of the venue and a joint venture. ANDRA and its JV partner, Peter Pisalidis has agreed to take on the role of third party promoter, providing much needed stability for the return to Calder Park.

“We recently met with Rodney Jane and the venue’s management team to outline some final points in our contract and everyone is very positive about the return of ANDRA Drag Racing to Calder Park,” he said.

“The challenge now is getting all the logistics sorted before October and we would love to hear from anyone who believes they can assist in any areas of the event.”

Progress continues to be made around the venue including a recent inspection and upgrades of the Compulink timing system. Walls for the braking area have been sourced and are expected to be in place by early October.

Top Fuel dragsters, Top Bikes and Pro Stock Motorcycles will all feature at Fuchs Nitro Thunder presented by Crow Cams, competing in ANDRA championship rounds.

Top Fuel will be running the three round format first seen at Adelaide earlier this season. There will be a compulsory qualifying session at 5pm, an elimination round at 7.30pm and a final at 10.00pm.

Top Bikes and Pro Stock Motorcycle will use the traditional eliminations format with two qualifying sessions during the day to determine the field before their first round at 5.15pm, semi finals at 7.15pm and finals at 9.45pm (please note times are subject to change).

As part of increasing the flow of information before the event, a new website has been set up at www.calderparkdragracing.com.au to provide all the details competitors and spectators need to know.

Racers will be able to enter online through the site while spectators will be able to purchase tickets to the premium viewing area as well. General admission tickets will be available at the gate.

ANDRA would also like to take this opportunity to confirm a number of dates of street meets and test and tunes before Fuchs Nitro Thunder presented by Crow Cams (please note dates of street meets and test and tunes are subject to change).

September 27 – ANDRA Street Meet
October 5 – ANDRA Test and Tune
October 11 – ANDRA Street Meet
October 12 – ANDRA Test and Tune
October 19 – Fuchs Nitro Thunder presented by Crow Cams featuring ANDRA Top Fuel, Top Bike and Pro Stock Motorcycle