DRAG RACING: Travelling from Shell Harbour on the south coast of New South Wales three times a year to Warwick Dragway is definitely worthwhile, according to hot rod driver Royden Hardcastle.

He travelled with his wife and family to Warwick at the weekend for round 1 of JP Racing Dragfest.

It was his second trip to Warwick this year and there is still Dragfest round 2 on October 14-15 to go.

Hardcastle proved you don't need a four-wheel drive to tow a hot rod.

He pulled the trailer and hot rod from Shell Harbour to Warwick in a Ford Territory after deciding very early in the piece he wasn't driving for 11 hours a vehicle which has a fuel consumption of 60 litres for each 100 kilometres.

"The atmosphere at the drags in Warwick is great, our children really enjoyed the music and free pizza on Saturday night,” he said.

Round 1 of Dragfest attracted 120 drivers/riders and the two-round format will be continued in years to come.

It was one from one on Warwick Dragway in the quick ET class for Gold Coast driver Paul Taprell.

Taprell was top qualifier on Saturday and won his class on Sunday.

"This was my second time in Warwick but first in the quick ET class,” he said.

His close mate Andrew Lange travelled from Gold Coast where he is a healthcare worker and was second in blown outlaws behind winner Bart Bedrossian from Coombabah.

"The car ran well, I love the Warwick track, they treat everyone the same no matter what class you are in,” Lange said.

Nambucca Heads driver Phil Penny was fastest qualifier in the extreme sedan class but after six wins from six passes he was eliminated when a relay for the trans brake came loose.