The Australian drag racing community will come together at the Top Fuel Slam meeting at Sydney Dragway on January 27, 28 to pay homage to much loved Doorslammer racer Sam Fenech who tragically lost his life in a crash at Willowbank Raceway earlier this month.

“The entire drag racing community is devastated at the passing of Sam Fenech, so we wanted to make this Australia Day weekend an opportunity for the community to come together,” said series promoter, Nathan Prendergast.

Race organizers have also waived entry fees for the meeting, which has attracted over 200 competitors across the Pro and Sportsman categories.

Entry fees for spectators have also been reduced to encourage as many fans as possible to attend the two-day meeting.

“I have known Sam for more than 20 years,” said PremiAir Racing team owner-driver Peter Xiberras. “We started out racing each other in Super Sedan way back when and have always been friends with a lot in common between our love of racing, our business pursuits, our Maltese heritage and the importance we place on family.”

“Nothing can ever undo the tragic events that took him from us or make his terrible loss any less painful for his loved ones, but, we can make sure that we come together in a fitting tribute to Sam and work to keep his memory alive.”

Bruce Read, crew chief for Jim Read Racing, added, “It is not often that you come across a guy who is just a genuinely good man and that was Sam.”

“Our hearts continue to go out to Sam’s family as we all continue to grieve his passing.”

“It will be our privilege to head to Sydney Dragway as part of the Top Fuel Slam, an event which brings the drag racing community together to race for Sam and celebrate this great man's life and the love he had for our sport.”