Response from prospective sponsors for the series has been strongly in favour, with their event planning often taking place over a calendar year rather than a financial one.

ANDRA CEO Greg Humphreys said it was one step on the way to building a consistent national show for drag racing.

“The national summit was overwhelming in its support for a calendar year so we had to act on that recommendation,” he said. “The board saw all the benefits that this could offer and approved the change.

“Drag racing needs the weather on its side and to include the northern regions of Australia we need to make sure that we can have championship racing throughout their dry season.”

As well as benefiting sponsors the calendar year allows a focus on the southern states from January through April before shifting north from May through to September, with a grand finish expected at the Australian Nationals in Sydney.

The calendar, which will be released in draft form shortly, will include some rounds from 2012 as the roll over completes, though for all intents and purposes it will be known as the 2013 season.