ANDRA Pro Series Board Approves Move To Varying Race Distances

In a move that’s almost seemed inevitable for the sport of big league drag racing, the Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) board announced on Thursday the approval of the use of shorter race distances for championship drag racing, including eighth mile and 1,000 foot courses. The move to varied race distances will allow for the use of more facilities around Australia that are designed for or best suited to distances shorter than a full quarter mile, while tracks with adequate length and safety measures will continue to compete over the full distance.

In 2008, for the first time in its history following the tragic death of Funny Car driver Scott Kalitta, the NHRA shortened its race distance to 1,000 feet. The supremely dangerous sport of drag boat racing soon followed suit, but ANDRA’s announcement regarding differing race distances marks the first of its kind in the sport, and ANDRA CEO Greg Humphreys believes it will only serve to add more excitement to the sport by reaching more markets and more opportunities for its race teams.

“ANDRA has a range of member tracks around Australia that have been running successfully for many years using the eighth mile format,” Humphreys said. “There are also venues that were once designed for quarter mile racing but are now more suited to a 1000 feet distance as speeds in the sport have grown.”

“Championship racing has traditionally been reserved for only the quarter mile strips, but to maximize the strength of our series it is essential that we reach into new areas.”

Not only will this new racing format bring new markets into the ANDRA Pro Series fold, but will also put drivers and tuners to the test in an exciting way unlike any other venue in drag racing. “Many other motorsports change their formats in regards to racing distance or venue type,” Humphreys said. “Now drag racing drivers, riders and tuners will get a chance to show their talents as they are tested at different venues. It’s a great opportunity for the sport and for all of our racers.”