World-class Dragway at the Bend hosts first event this weekend, Harley-Davidson’s HogFest

It took two years to build, but The Bend’s $35m, world-class drag strip is set to debut this weekend, hosting a wild night of drag racing and burnouts.

Track preparation is nearly complete at the new Dragway at The Bend drag strip. Picture: Facebook.

Track preparation has wrapped up ahead of the highly-anticipated launch of the drag strip at The Bend Motorsport Park with the new venue set to host its first event this weekend.

The $35m world-class drag strip – called the Dragway at the Bend – took two years to build.

It’s part of The Bend Motorsport Park complex at Tailem Bend, a venue already home to a 7.77km racetrack, rally tracks, go-kart facilities and four-wheel driving tracks.

The Dragway at the Bend venue will debut as the state’s premier drag strip when it hosts Harley-Davidson’s HogFest – an event organisers described as a wild night of drag racing and burnouts with a mixture of entertainment to thrill fans.

Track preparation is nearly complete at the new Dragway at The Bend drag strip. Picture: Facebook.

Thousands of dedicated Harley-Davidson owners are set to descend on the Dragway on Friday before the venue hosts the world’s fastest-accelerating cars in the season opener of the National Drag Racing Championship next month.

The Dragway at the Bend secured the opening round of the national competition’s 2023-24 season, which will take place on October 21 and 22.

Construction of the dragstrip was facing delays due to the collapse of building company Felmeri Group, however owner Sam Shahin assured fans it would be ready for the first major event in October.

Track preparation is nearly complete at the new Dragway at The Bend drag strip. Picture: Facebook.

All the venue has to offer will be on show this weekend.
Harley-Davidson ANZ managing director Nigel Keough said The Bend was the perfect location to mark 120 years of Harley-Davidson and 40 years of H. O. G in Australia.

“The facility itself is also something you just have to experience to truly understand,” he said.

“As far as motorsport venues in Australia, I don’t know if there’s one better … from the track, to the hotel, pit garages and general infrastructure, it’s so accommodating and I think our members will enjoy it.”

The iconic Harley-Davidson Thunder Run will take place on Saturday at The Bend with fans invited to see more than 1500 Harley-Davidson motorcycles up close as they embark on a parade.