This weekend at the Australian Nationals at Sydney Dragway, Ben Bray will make his first visit to a drag racing track since his crash at the Winternationals in June.

Ben’s father – drag racing icon, Victor – will make his own quarter mile return after a recent hiatus in a new-look ‘57 Chev, with Castrol EDGE branding on the side.

30-year-old Ben is still recovering from the back injury sustained in the Formula Xtreme crash at Willowbank, but sees returning to an ANDRA Championship event as an important part of his recovery, particularly with Victor racing in the crack Top Doorslammer field.

“To be going back at an ANDRA event and be with the team as dad races in Top Doorslammer, even only as a spectator, is something I am really looking forward to,” Ben said.

Victor admits that while his focus has been on Ben’s recovery since the incident in June, the races he has been part of have been difficult. With a couple of months on the sidelines and working overtime in the race shop, he can’t wait to be back at the track with Benny.

“Over the last few months I have discovered that while I absolutely love racing, I enjoy it most when Benny is with me,” said Victor.

“To have Ben at Sydney Dragway with us this weekend will be very special indeed.

“Over the last few months we have taken a break for the first time in 35 years while Ben has continued to recover, and it has given me and the team some time to get things straight in the workshop, but it will definitely be good to get back on-track at the Nationals.

“While we had a great time (with the racing commitments we’ve completed), it just wasn’t the same.”

The Australian motorsport community rallied around the Brays following the Willowbank incident and the former Australian Top Doorslammer Champion will be a popular figure in the paddock this weekend.

The 13-strong Doorslammer field includes defending Australian Champion, John Zappia, and local driver, Maurice Fabietti – who will debut a new-look Holden Trade Club Monaro at the event and last round winner, Grant O’Rourke.

There are a  number of drivers will be aiming to end the year strongly – none more so than sentimental favourite, Bray.

Australian Nationals Qualifying for the ANDRA professional categories, including Top Doorslammer, Top Fuel, Top Alcohol and Pro Stock car and bike begin at Sydney Dragway from 12pm Saturday, with eliminations from 10:20am Sunday.