Valenhold Racing, Slaughter Motorsport: Precision in Motion at Sydney Jamboree 2025

Bringing real-world engineering to the racetrack

On March 16, 2025, Valenhold Racing made its official appearance at the Sport Compact Jamboree — one of the most recognised motorsport events in Australia. The venue: Sydney Dragway. The challenge: high-speed performance under intense conditions. The goal: apply engineering discipline to racing and test how precision thinking holds up under pressure. 

Leading the charge was Ben Slaughter, General Manager of Product & Engineering at Valenhold and driver for Slaughter Motorsport, now officially competing as Valenhold Racing, Slaughter Motorsport. 

This event was more than a race. It was a live demonstration of what Valenhold stands for: innovation in action, real-world testing, and execution under extreme pressure. 

The Jamboree Up Close  

For over 30 years, it has been the top platform for sport compact drag racing in Australia. It’s where technical expertise, fast thinking, and mechanical precision come together — and only the most prepared teams shine. 

What makes it special is that it’s not just about speed. It’s about how teams handle real-world variables — track conditions, temperature shifts, time pressure, last-minute changes. Every second counts, and there’s no time to recover from a poor setup or rushed decision. 

It’s a direct match for how Valenhold works in industry — solving tough challenges, under tight timelines, where outcomes matter. The same mindset we bring to OEM partnerships, field repairs, or product rollouts was applied to every race pass. 

Racing Through Heat and High Stakes 

This year’s event pushed everyone to their limits. Sydney recorded its hottest March night in more than a century — with ambient temperatures above 38°C and track conditions constantly changing. The heat affected engine performance, tyre grip, even crew movement. Every team had to adapt fast — or fall behind. 

This is exactly the kind of environment Valenhold Racing prepares for. The car isn’t just tuned for power — it’s built as a controlled system, where every part works together to perform, even when conditions go off-script. 

Backed by engineering planning and contingency strategies, the team worked through the heat methodically. Each pass was treated like a system trial — observed, measured, adjusted. 

And it paid off: Ben Slaughter clocked a new personal best of 7.03 seconds at 205mph. In these conditions, that’s not just impressive — it’s evidence that careful engineering works when it matters most. 

This reflects our Innovative brand pillar — where preparation meets adaptability, and real data leads to better outcomes. 

A Partnership That Reflects Real Values 

The 2024 naming rights agreement between Valenhold, Slaughter Motorsport, and VALC Mining Solutions was a strategic move built on alignment — the same respect for process, reliability, and performance. 

Both sides bring something vital: 

• Slaughter Motorsport brings racing experience, trackcraft, and vehicle insight. 

• Valenhold brings engineering systems, testing logic, and solution-oriented problem-solving. 

Together, they form Valenhold Racing, Slaughter Motorsport — a platform that puts Valenhold’s engineering mindset into motion. 

This partnership gives the Valenhold team new ways to test, learn, and refine — just like we do with field product performance or OEM upgrades. Racing becomes a feedback loop, improving how we think and operate across all business units. 

Engineering at 200 Miles Per Hour 

For Ben Slaughter, racing and engineering are two versions of the same thing — systems under pressure. Whether he’s in the pit lane or the boardroom, Ben uses the same approach: diagnose, adapt, execute. 

Behind the wheel, he’s making decisions based on temperature readings, driveline behaviour, and how the car reacts under throttle. These aren’t guesses — they’re data-driven choices, just like the ones made when designing or refining Valenhold’s industrial products. 

“It’s not just about getting from A to B quickly,” Ben explains. “It’s about control, consistency, and how you respond when conditions change. That’s what makes a difference — on track and in business.” 

From Setup Issues to System Success 

The car used at Jamboree was a heavily reengineered Mk3 Toyota Supra, featuring a Mazworx 3.2L billet block, Whinberg lightweight crank, and new driveline upgrades. It was built for both power and control — but race day brought unexpected challenges. 

During qualifying, the team experienced unexpected mechanical behaviour due to the high temperatures and the way the new driveline interacted with the rest of the platform. This could have derailed the weekend — but instead, it became a live test of process. 

Each run became a case study. Data from sensors was reviewed, mechanical responses were logged, and decisions were made with intention. No shortcuts. No panic. 

The 7.03-second pass wasn’t just a performance milestone — it was proof that our approach to engineering delivers results, even under stress. 

Although the goal was to break into the six-second range, a driveline issue cut the last run short. But even with that, the crew earned recognition with the “Best Crew Style” Billet J trophy — a nod to professionalism, preparation, and execution. 

Lessons That Go Beyond the Track 

Every lap is more than just racing — it’s research. It’s a chance to test how engineering thinking translates into unpredictable, high-pressure environments. 

From component performance to how the team communicates and reacts, every part of the weekend is evaluated and applied back into Valenhold’s operations. That’s what makes this more than a passion project — it’s a mobile, high-intensity extension of our engineering lab. 

These race events reflect the same principles that guide our client work: 

• Build systems that hold up in harsh conditions 

• Create solutions that adapt to changing variables 

• Learn fast, and improve with every test 

Looking Ahead: Winternationals, and Beyond 

With Jamboree behind them, Valenhold Racing, Slaughter Motorsport now look ahead to the Winternationals — another major event, and another chance to push the platform forward. The goal: break into the six-second bracket. 

But it’s not just about speed but learning more, refining the setup, and continuing to build a program that reflects Valenhold’s values: innovation, solution -focused, and firmly established. 

Stay Connected

🌐 valenhold.com.au
📱 LinkedIn & Instagram: @valenhold