Thu Sep 12 01:31:06 UTC 2024: ## Drag Racing Could Make a Comeback in Newman, WA
**Newman, WA:** Nostalgia for the roaring engines of the past is brewing in the Pilbara town of Newman, as residents call for the return of drag racing, a once beloved event that drew thousands of spectators. The town’s last drag race was held in 2006, but many remember the thrill of seeing cars speed down Welsh Drive, with police cars in hot pursuit, during the annual Fortescue Festival.
Tommy Thomson, a former drag racer who used to compete in his 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, fondly recalls the event’s popularity. He and other enthusiasts, including Dave Garland, attest to the “awesome atmosphere” the races created, drawing racers from Perth and creating a sense of community.
However, concerns about safety and rising insurance costs eventually forced the event to relocate to the Newman Airport runway. But even that was short-lived as further insurance hikes and concerns over airport usage brought an end to the races.
The absence of legal drag racing has left local enthusiasts like Wade Thomson, Tommy’s son, forced to travel over 1,200 kilometers to Perth to indulge in their passion.
Now, a local resident, Brian Surtees, has ignited a movement to bring back drag racing to Newman. He has received positive feedback from the community, who believe it could not only bring a sense of excitement back to the town but also deter street racing.
East Pilbara Shire President Anthony Middleton has expressed openness to the idea but emphasized the need for thorough investigation to ensure safety and compliance with current regulations.
The proposed location for the new drag strip is an unused motocross track near town, with plenty of space for a quarter-mile track.
If successful, the return of drag racing to Newman could rekindle a passion for the sport and inject new life into the community, while also potentially attracting visitors from across the state.
First Piper 