Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines and take your places – the 2023 Festival of Horsepower is back for another high-octane month of racing. Taking place in June, the annual festival includes a number of Australia’s signature racing and motorsport events. From thoroughbreds battling it out in the Ipswich Cup to Australia’s largest drag racing event – the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals – June has it all for those with a need for speed.
Read on to see what events to book.
2 Days of Thunder
From intense wheel-to-wheel battles on track and motorsport legends wandering the paddock, 2 Days of Thunder is not to be missed! This year’s edition features a blockbuster line up of TA2, Australian Excel Championship, QLD Production Cars, QLD Porsche Cup, Heritage Touring Cars – Group N, QLD Touring Car Championship, Australian Trans Am. See all the action over June 3 and 8 at Queensland Raceway.
Ipswich Cup Golf Day
Join the Ipswich Turf Club at Brookwater Golf and Country Club for the Ipswich Cup Golf Day on Monday June 5. It features a shotgun start at 12.30pm for a four person ambrose. Team bookings include food, drinks and prizes. Email [email protected] to register your team.
Winternationals
Don’t miss four days of fast-track action at Australia’s largest drag racing event, Gulf Western Oil Winternationals, featuring the final round of the 400 Thunder Championship held over June 8-11. There will be non-stop action each day both on and off the track, with thrilling racing complimented by a wide range of activities. See the amazing flame-throwing Top Fuel Funny Cars, and up to 400 cars and motorcycles competing over four days for national championship honours. This high-octane fun family-day includes children’s activities, entertainment, and up-close pit action with the drivers.
TAB Ipswich Cup
The TAB Ipswich Cup is back for 2023! Rich in history, heritage and horses there really is nothing like the Ipswich Cup. But it is more than a horse race; it is the social day of the year for South East Queensland since 1866. The event features a host of areas to enjoy the Cup action and social activities, including trackside marquees, in-field DJ entertainment, Fashions on the Field and After Party, and the Festival of Horsepower Marquee. Gather your friends together now for the 2023 TAB Ipswich Cup on June 17!
Ahead of the big day you can attend the barrier draw, on Tuesday June 13, in the Nicholas St Precinct 4pm-5pm.
Roll racing and moto ride days
During the Festival of Horsepower there’s a chance to try Roll Racing or take part in a Moto Ride Day at Queensland Raceway.
Roll racing is open to everyone and all types of registered cars on Saturday June 10. Whether you just want to have a bit of fun, get a little taste of what your car can do or delve deep into putting together a package of eliminations, there’s a lot on offer!
Moto Ride Days are being held on Sunday June 11 and Monday June 12. These recreational ride days are aimed at providing exciting and fun on track experiences for all riders, from first timers through to seasoned track day junkies, who prefer riding on a closed race-track environment.
V8 Race Experience
Jumping in the drivers seat of a purpose built Camaro or Mustang GT is as close as you’ll get to the cars in the V8 Race championship. What will you pick the Camaro or Mustang? Or will you reignite a legendary Bathurst battle in a Commodore or Falcon in the classic experience. Either way, get strapped in and feel the power! V8 Race Experience days are being held on Saturday June 17 and Saturday June 24 at Queensland Raceway.
