The backbone of Top Fuel racing in Australia, Santo Rapisarda will be the next drag racing inductee into the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame, with the ceremony taking place at this week’s Australia Formula One Grand Prix
Founded in 2016 by Motorsport Australia, the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame is the highest honour in Australian motorsport. It is an exclusive honour-roll made up of less than one inductee for each of the 125 years motorsport has occurred in Australia.
The Rapisarda name has been a cornerstone of Top Fuel for more than 40 years. Their commitment has been unwavering, their sacrifices at times heartbreaking, yet the team has continued to devote everything to the sport — amassing 13 National Championships along the way. It began with Santo Rapisarda himself, claiming back-to-back titles in 1982 and 1983.
As team owner, a further two National Championships were secured with drivers Glen Mikres and Steve Read, before the team evolved into what is now known as Rapisarda Autosport International, claiming another seven national titles with current drivers Damien Harris and Wayne Newby.
“It’s fantastic to see Dad recognised for everything he has contributed to the sport, both as a racer and as a team owner,” said proudly Santo Rapisarda Jr.
“Over many decades he has built an incredible team and a legacy that has helped shape Australian drag racing. He has never been someone who chased recognition or accolades – he simply loves the sport. As a family we are incredibly proud of him and everything he has given to drag racing throughout his life, including sacrifices few could truly understand.”
Santo Rapisarda will now be officially recognised among the greats of Australian drag racing previously inducted into the Hall of Fame — Ash Marshall, Jim Read, Graeme Cowin, Eddie Thomas, Larry Ormsby, Victor Bray, Graham Withers and Chris Matheson — cementing his place in the sport’s rich history.
