Good news from IHRA Australia

It is truly the International Hot Rod Association, and plans are afoot to expand the IHRA's footprint in Europe, Mexico and other parts of the world, while maintaining a focus on the core business of Sportsman racing in the U.S.

And indeed, according to Dragracingonline.com, the news was good from correspondent Jon Van Daal regarding last week's IHRA Summer Thunder race at Sydney Dragway. The race was "a brilliant success. An excellent crowd, great weather and a solid lineup of cars and bikes were a treat," said Dragracingonline.com.

Top Fuel, Pro Alcohol, Pro Slammer and Top Bike were joined by "a bunch of ET brackets and Extreme (import) cars and bikes."

The only tense moment came when driver Peter Xiberras blew an engine just off the line in his fuel dragster and crashed. He was OK, but the car wasn't and a scheduled race in New Zealand is in doubt.