Legacy Runs Deep: Steve Read Returns to the 57th Winternationals

Next weekend, we return to Willowbank Raceway for the 57th Gulf Western Oil Winternationals — the biggest event on the Australian drag racing calendar, running June 6–9, 2025.

My first taste of Top Fuel at this event came nearly 30 years ago, back in 1995. While I haven’t raced here every year since, the Winters have always held a special place in my story — and in the history of Australian drag racing.

Some years, it’s given me the kind of moments you dream about. Other years? Well, let’s just say 2024 served a slice of humble pie. But that’s the nature of the beast. This sport asks everything of you — physically, mentally, emotionally. There are nights you question your sanity. Days you wonder if it’s time to hang it up.

But then, there are the runs that light you up inside. The kind that remind you why you still show up, even after all these years.

For a small budget team like ours, those moments hit different. We’ve never had the resources of the big operations, but what we’ve lacked in dollars, we’ve made up for in determination. Over the past 12 months, we’ve trained up a new crew, dug in deep, and rebuilt with grit and heart.

And now, we’re ready. Ready to mix it up with the likes of Rapisarda Autosport International, Jim Read Racing, Lamattina Top Fuel Racing, and Kyle Putland Racing. Ready to fire up 11,000 horsepower and put on a show for the fans.

Let’s light the candles and make it count.

Special thanks to our incredible partners:

Walkers Turf Supplies · Velocity Sport Design · Wild Ink by Activated Industry · CPWS Queensland · Gonzos Racing Pipes · Headsense Cylinder Heads & Engines