Rachelle on her hiatus
from Drag Racing
While contemplating that first pass back after 10 years,
Rachelle allows herself to admit she is feeling nervous.
But that feeling gives way to confidence knowing that
once she is in the drivers seat, it will feel like home.
Finishing in 2006 was based on family, just having a
break from all the work of owning a Top Fuel team
and putting that time into our children and our
business Dragway Custom Car & Bike. I just needed
time to not think about it and at the time I didn’t
have any plans on when or if I would go back.
“I sure don’t forget what it’s like to drive a Top Fuel
dragster,” she says adamantly.
“The thing that stands out the most is the huge acceleration
these cars have, it’s like you’re about to take off.
“I don’t expect it to be too different but they are going
faster and quicker now so I will just need to get my brain
accustomed to the whole experience again and be really
quick releasing the parachutes.
“I haven’t kept up with racing over the last 10 years so I
have had to catch up on everything very quick.
“Things have changed a lot since 2006 and my team and I
have a lot to catch up on but we will put in the hard work
required and we will do our best.
“I’m going to ease into it with some launches and half
track passes and will only complete a full track pass when I
feel comfortable. We are hoping to do some testing before
our first race.”
That first appearance is yet to be determined as the team
seeks sponsorship. Valvoline is back on board in a minor
role while the naming rights are up for grabs with races
pencilled in all over Australia.
But even though a TBC marks the calendar, Rachelle can’t
help but let the anticipation and excitement of her official
return take hold.
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“I’m excited about a lot of things; jumping back into one of
these powerful race cars, being back out in the excitement
of drag racing, connecting with all the fans again, watching
my kids learn about racing and all the possibilities that
come along with this sport.”
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Rachelle on winning the
1993 Australian Nationals
It’s hard to put into words what it was like. It felt like
this is so where I am meant to be and what I am meant
to be doing as it just felt so good. I had finally found
my calling and I was loving every minute. To win was
just the icing on the cake.
Career achievements
1993
Australian Nationals Top
Qualifier/Winner
Calder Park
1993
National Speed Record,
273.72 mph
Calder Park
1993
Drag Racing
Achievement Award
1994
First female racer to
record 300 mph, 4.86 ET
Houston Raceway Park,
USA
1995
Winfield Pro Series
Winner
Adelaide International
Raceway