How I got started in
Drag Racing:
Until a month
ago, I was racing in our Beloved Torrie – Tuff 73. She is a Holden 1973 model LJ Torana
holden 355 stroker engine, 2 speed
powerglide, roll cage, slicks, transbrake, mini tubs, Convo pro wheels
and
finished off in a bright Yellow paint
Three
years ago my Husband and I attended the Vic Torana club drag racing
day. After
a few passes, my Husband threw the keys to the Torana at me and said
“there you
go, get in and have a drive”. I had always wanted to go down the
¼ mile, but
had never had the opportunity until this point in time. Alan
went down the track with me for the
first two runs, and I ran the other 5 by myself!
Ever
since that day, we have both been hooked on drag racing!
I
spent all my early days racing this little beast, and I went from
running 12
second passes down to a 10 sec pass! My personal best time
in this car was a 10.31 @ 132 mph, and yes, I beat my
husbands best time in this car!!!
After
reaching our goal of running a low 10, Alan and I decided that we
wanted to go
for the 9 sec bracket. With this decision made, we found the cortina
and our
beloved Torrie was sold to a new owner.
The New weapon of
choice:
1965
Ford Cortina with a 360 Mopar engine, full
chasis, parachute, two speed glide, full tubs, convo pro wheels
finished in
yellow paint with Purple flames.
Racing with your Husband!
Alan
and I both raced the Torrie and now the Cortina, and the last three
years have
been interesting to say the least. It is great to have the support of
my
Husband, without his support I know I could not do the things that I do!
Alan
and I had a bet when we had the Torana, that if I ever beat his
personal best
time in the car or run a low 10 sec pass before him, he would do a
nudie run
down the quarter mile!
Well
I achieved this, and a nudie run is on the cards and will happen very
shortly.
He he he ………waiting for warmer weather, Winter in
Melbourne has been very very
cold!
A
couple of weeks ago was my first drive of the Cortina, and I was
anxious to say
the least!
I
had run a 12 sec pass, an 11 sec pass and a couple of 10 sec passes and
my
husband came up to me before before I staged and said these words,
“ I bet you
$500 that you can’t launch this car off the limiter and run a 9
sec pass”.
Well,
I felt confident that the car would go straight by this stage and
thought … why
not?
Let’s
see if I can crack the magic 9 sec barrier.
So
I launched off the line on the Rev limiter and flew down the track , I
knew I
was moving when I crossed the traps, but what I did’nt realize is
that when I
got back to the pits, I had run a 9.59sec pass @ 141 mph !!!
My
husband lost another bet and I am happy to say that I have beat his
personal
best time again at this stage, his personal best time is 9.71 @ 138 mph
and
Leanne is $500 richer! This could change, so for my first day out, I am
stoked!!!
Licenses –
1.Super
Street Licence – 11.99 t0 10.99
2.
Current - Unlimited ANDRA racing Licence
Acheivements in drag
racing so far :
1.10th Sept 2005- Girls Torque Drag Racing
training
day – Warwick QLD –
Winner
- 1st fastest Mile Per hour
2.Ultimate Drag Challenge – Racers edge Forums -
Dec 3rd
2005 – Heathcote Park Vic
Winner
- Girls Torque Bracket
Runner
Up – DYO bracket Group 1
3. Untimate Drag Challenge 2- Racers Edge Forums
Winner
– DYO Girls Torque Champion
4. AWMN 1st
Victorian Girls Torque Drag Racing training day – Heathcote Park
Vic
Winner
– Fastest Mile Per hour
Winner
– Best Reaction Time
Drag Racing Highlights
so far:
1.
Joining AWMN
! What a fantastic organization it is!!
2.
Joining in
the First AWMN Drag Racing training day at Warwick QLD and
meeting Deb Reed. Deb O’ Rourke and Kath Stevens and spending the
day with
other like minded members of AWMN and learning the craft of Dial in
racing.
3.
Being
involved in putting together the First Vic Drag racing training
day and getting to meet the other girls out there who are now getting
to the
track and having a go at racing!
4.
Running in
the Comp car bracket of the Ford Forums Drag Day in May 2006,
I went rounds all day, and was consistently running close to my Dial in
time
(10.31 on 10.30 dial ins) with .4 reaction times, I did’nt win in
the open
class, I made it through to the last final but was knocked out due to a
slower
reaction time on my part. This was the first time I had gone rounds in
an open
competition and I was in my groove driving well and being consistent, a
day I
will treasure for a long time to come.
5. Running my
first 10.3 pass at Calder Park on a Friday night off street
meet. My first pass had a .41 reaction time on a Pro tree
with a 10.34 pass, I
had never raced at this track before so it was a real buzz.
Interests
My
main interests in the motorsport area is the Drag Racing scene. I
also enjoy watching V8 supercars. I enjoy fishing and four wheel
driving and
when I get time I love to read. I also enjoy catching up with friends.
I love
to ride my dirtbike when time permits too.
The Future…..
I
am hoping to get more of a handle on the new car and eventually be able
to run
9.4 second passes all day with good reaction times.
My
main aim is to be consistent and keep having fun!
To
keep promoting and spreading the AWMN word around to as many women as I
can and
hope to see more of you at the track!
Age: 32 yrs
Status-
Married with 2 kids
Occupation
– Sales / Communications Specialist
