THE BEND SECURES BACK-TO-BACK DRAG RACING GRAND FINALS AS NOVEMBER WEEKEND TRIPLES THE ACTION
Littlelion PR on behalf of Shell V-Power Motorsport Park
EMBARGOED UNTIL 1.30PM ACDT / 2PM AEDT, WEDNESDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2026
4 November 2026: The Bend has secured back-to-back National Drag Racing Championship Grand Finals, confirming its return in 2027 as South Australia prepares to host its first NDRC season decider later this month over 20–22 November.
Announced today as part of the NDRC’s 2027 season calendar launch, next year’s Grand Final will take place on 5-7 November 2027.
Shell V-Power Motorsport Park Managing Director Dr Sam Shahin said securing the Grand Final for a second year was another motorsport coup for South Australia.
“Securing next year’s Grand Final before we stage our first shows the confidence in The Bend and South Australia to host the biggest occasions in Australian drag racing,” Dr Shahin said.
This month’s rescheduled SPRY Spring Nationals now headlines a triple bill, sharing the weekend with the Australian Road Race F1 and F2 Sidecar Championship and the separately ticketed Drifting SA’s Locktoberfest.
Sidecar teams will contest their national titles on the road circuit on 21–22 November, while Locktoberfest brings drivers from across Australia to The Bend Driftdrome for three days of drifting across two tracks and multiple layouts.
“The change of dates has created an opportunity to experience three very different forms of motorsport in one visit to The Bend,” Dr Shahin said.
“You can follow the national title battles, see the teamwork it takes to race a sidecar and watch drivers test their car control at Locktoberfest. There’s every reason to make a weekend of it.”
At the centre of the weekend, the SPRY Spring Nationals will feature BLAHST Top Fuel, XPRO Nitro Funny Car, Top Doorslammer, Pro Stock, Aeroflow Sportsman Championship, Top Fuel Motorcycle, Pro Stock Motorcycle, Pro Alcohol, and Pro Mod, with national champions crowned on Sunday 22 November.
Top Fuel dragsters produce more than 11,000 horsepower and accelerate beyond 500 km/h in less than four seconds. Away from the start line, general admission includes pit access, bringing spectators alongside the crews preparing the machines between runs.
NDRC promoter Andy Lopez said the focus now turned to settling this year’s championships.
“The season of racing comes down to this weekend. Every start matters, and there is very little room for error when a national title is on the line,” Mr Lopez said.
“For spectators, that means seeing the contenders go head-to-head with everything to race for, then being able to walk through the pits and see the work behind each run.
“We’re pleased to have our return to The Bend secured for 2027. First, though, we have this year’s champions to crown.”
Spring Nationals general admission starts at $50 on Friday and $65 on Saturday and Sunday, with three-day passes available for $100. Children aged four and under are admitted free with a paying adult. Parking is free.
Fans can stay on site at Rydges Pit Lane Hotel, BIG4 The Bend Holiday Park or event camping, subject to availability.
Tickets and event information: springnats.thebend.com.au. ENDS.
MEDIA FACT SHEET – SPRY SPRING NATIONALS 2026
MEDIA ASSETS
- Please use current car reference images. Justin Walshe will race in the Gears of War livery. Exclude Jim Read Racing / Hydraulink footage.
- NDRC’s 2027 season calendar launch - Assets and Media Release
Media accreditation: springnats.thebend.com.au/media
EVENT DETAILS
Event: SPRY Spring Nationals — National Drag Racing Championship Grand Final
Dates: Friday 20 – Sunday 22 November 2026
Championship decider: Sunday 22 November
Venue: Dragway at The Bend, Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, 543 Dukes Highway, Tailem Bend, South Australia
Significance: First NDRC Grand Final held in South Australia and outside Queensland
2027 Grand Final: Returning to The Bend on 5-7 November 2027
THREE EVENTS ACROSS THE WEEKEND
SPRY Spring Nationals — 20–22 November
National drag racing championship decider at Dragway at The Bend, featuring Group 1 and Aeroflow Sportsman categories.
Australian Road Race F1 and F2 Sidecar Championship — 21–22 November
Australian titles contested over one championship meeting on The Bend’s road circuit. Driver and passenger work together, with the passenger shifting their weight to balance the three-wheeled machine through corners.
Locktoberfest — 20–22 November
Drifting SA’s three-day, non-competitive event at The Bend Driftdrome, using the main drift track and a separate skidpan layout. Drivers participate in experience groups, with spectator pit access.
Tickets start from $20 and can be purchased here - https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/1660985 + ticket holders get 50% on a SPRY Spring Nationals ticket.
DRAG RACING CATEGORIES
BLAHST Top Fuel • XPRO Nitro Funny Car • Top Doorslammer • Top Fuel Motorcycle • Pro Alcohol • Pro Stock • FuelTech Pro Mod • Pro Stock Motorcycle • Aeroflow Sportsman Championship categories
TOP FUEL — THE NUMBERS
- Horsepower: More than 11,000 hp
- Top speed: More than 500 km/h
- Racing distance: 1,000 feet / 305 metres
- Elapsed time: Less than 3.8 seconds
- Cost per run: $15,000–$25,000
CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS
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BLAHST Top Fuel |
XPRO Nitro Funny Car |
Top Doorslammer |
Pro Stock |
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Phil Lamattina – 74 points |
Josh Leahy – 84 points |
Emilio Spinozzi – Championship leader |
Robert Dekert – 62 points |
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Damien Harris – 64 points |
Morice McMillin – 70 points |
John Zappia – Two points behind; 11-time champion |
Omar Sedmak – 62 points |
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Wayne Newby – 60 points |
Justin Walshe – 66 points |
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TICKETS & KEY EVENT DETAILS
Friday 20 November: General admission from $50
Saturday 21 November: General admission from $65
Sunday 22 November: General admission from $65
Three-day pass: $100
Children aged four and under: Free with a paying adult
Parking: Free
Pit access: Included with general admission
General admission includes unreserved terrace seating and grass viewing areas on the eastern and western sides of the dragway. Reserved grandstand seating, Park & View add-ons and hospitality options are also available.
Tickets: springnats.thebend.com.au/tickets
START-LINE EXPERIENCES
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- The Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Car centre-lane experiences are sold out. With side experiences now on sale.
- Start-line experiences are restricted to guests aged 18 and over.
- Participants check in at the Dragway Office at least 20 minutes before their session for equipment fitting and escorted access.
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ACCOMMODATION
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- Rydges Pit Lane Hotel
- BIG4 The Bend Holiday Park
- Event camping
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All accommodation is subject to availability.
Contact details:
Gabrielle Leonello from littlelion PR
0425 554 454 [email protected]
