THE New Year Thunder took a pause and the rain held off until Senator Paul Scarr announced over the microphone on Saturday afternoon that the Willowbank Raceway would receive an Australian Government grant of $11 million to fund a major makeover.

Senator Scarr told fans that the Australian Government would fund an upgrade of the track, lighting and carparking as well as the construction of new amenities and other building works.

“I am delighted to announce this funding, which will generate jobs and economic growth in our Ipswich region,” Senator Scarr said.

“It will enable an exciting improvement to the facility and I would like to pay tribute to the board, staff, volunteers and of course all participants that make the great Willowbank Raceway.

“It really is because of their effort that the Liberal and Nationals Government is providing $11 million to the Willowbank Raceway Upgrade.”

Senator Scarr predicted that the upgrades would attract thousands of people and world-class events.

“This announcement will ensure the future success and growth of Willowbank Raceway. It is a great day for the Ipswich region.”

Raceway President Tony Wedlock said the raceway was “delighted” to receive the funding.

“On behalf of the Willowbank Raceway Board and broader Willowbank Raceway community, I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in making this grant possible.

“The funding will enable us to bring the venue into the 21st Century and offer our patrons and fans an experience worthy of a professional sport when attending Australia’s premier drag racing venue.”

Work on the upgrades is expected to begin within months.

“With the 54th running of Australia’s largest drag racing event in June, the Winternationals, fans will start to see some of these improvements taking place,” Mr Wedlock said.

“We know our racers, supporters and stakeholders will be genuinely excited by the prospect of the fastest track in Australia receiving this type of support.”

Raceway CEO Peter Beaumont said the funding would benefit the entire region.

“Not only is this a great thing for the venue but also the broader Ipswich economy,” Mr Beaumont said.

“After the works are completed our venue will be contributing more than $25 million annually into the community, supporting all aspects of local business within Ipswich and the surrounding areas.”

LNP candidate for Blair Sam Biggins added he was thrilled about the announcement.

“Having owned two RX-7’s, the Fast Fours and Rotary’s Jamboree was an annual event for me in my younger days and Willowbank Raceway is an institution in the Ipswich area, being the only permanent quarter mile drag strip in Queensland and host to the largest drag racing event outside of the US,” he said.

Senator Pauline Hanson’s advocacy for the upgrade project was also acknowledged.