Queensland’s Jodanna Pullen is set to take the next step in her motorsport career this March when she graduates to the Sportsman drag racing category of Super Stock thanks to the purchase of a powerful new race car.
Pullen, who has been competing in motorsport since eight years of age, has acquired the proven car of well-known professional drag racer Denis Whiting to allow her to make the jump to the ‘group two’ sportsman bracket which is known for its V8 and rotary sedans boasting more than 1000 horsepower.
The VZ Holden Monaro was until recently the national speed record holder in the professional (group one) Pro Stock class and is the perfect vehicle for the blonde pocket rocket’s next step within the highly competitive Australian drag racing arena.
“I have been racing for 20 odd years, most recently in the group three Super Sedan bracket,” said Pullen, the Mining Sales Account Manager for resources giant Komatsu.
“After starting out as just a kid in the Junior Dragster bracket before dabbling in Modified and then competing in Super Sedan, I am so excited to now have the opportunity to step up into Super Stock thanks to the purchase of Denis’ respected and proven race car.
“While I have a lot of experience at the wheel, the VZ Holden Monaro takes us to the next level as far as equipment and sees us ready to make a full assault on the Super Stock category!
“Growing up as a female racer I remember sitting on the hill watching my idol Donna Sizmur, a multiple-time Super Stock champion. It really is special to me that I now have the chance to race in the same category in which she had so much success.” Pullen and her team – FemRPM
Racing – will undertake their first testing session at Willowbank Raceway during February before shipping the car to Perth’s Westernationals event (2 and 3 March) for its competitive debut with the 31 year old at the wheel.
“I cannot wait to get in the car and do some testing in February at our home track, I have been absolutely itching to get in the seat and put down some passes ever since I purchased the car,” said the Brisbane-born, Mackay-based racer.
“If all goes to plan with testing and I feel comfortable in the car, we will be making our race debut in Super Stock with the new car at the Westernationals.
“As part of the professional series, the Westernationals is expected to host more than 300 racers so it is no small outing – hopefully we can get out there and punch out some good results!”
When Pullen makes her race debut in Super Stock, she will be the only female competitor in the bracket but she certainly isn’t tentative about taking on the boys.
“People are always saying I don’t really fit the average perception of a drag racer, or someone who works in the mining industry for that matter!” laughed Pullen.
“Both drag racing and the resources industry are predominately male arenas – but that doesn’t bother me at all.
“Drag racing really is my passion. I live for the sound and fury of the sport, and the adrenalin rush I get from the acceleration and braking force provided by these amazing machines.
“When it comes down to it, this is what I love, so it really doesn’t matter who is in the lane next to me, I just want to race hard and race fair and do a good job for my team and for my sponsors.”
