When the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals roar to life at Willowbank Raceway this weekend (June 4-7), a spectacular new chapter will be added to the Reed racing legacy.
The first fourth-generation female drag racers to licence in Australia, and quite possibly the world – Makayla (13) and Abigail (9) Reed – will compete in the Junior Dragster bracket.
They will be joined on-track by their well-accomplished parents – defending Pro Alcohol Australian Champion Daniel Reed and former Supercharged Outlaws track champion, Fiona Reed (nee Keating) – marking the first time all four immediate family members will race at the same event.
“We have never all raced at the same event, so this is exciting,” Daniel Reed said.
“The work that goes into each and every car takes a lot of dedication, and without the support of our crew, family, and friends, we wouldn’t be able to achieve these milestones.
“The Winternationals is the biggest event of the year, so for the girls to experience it on this stage is something they’ll never forget.”
The significance of the girls’ participation runs deep. They are the fourth generation of Reeds to race, carrying forward a legacy spearheaded by their great-grandmother Nelma and great-grandfather Jim, continued by their grandmother Debbie and grandfather Steve, and successfully carried on by their mother, Fiona, and father, Daniel.
“As far as we know, the girls are the first fourth-generation female racers to license in Australia, if not the world,” Daniel noted.
“Drag racing has always been part of our family’s DNA. To watch Makayla and Abigail begin their own journey in the sport is incredibly special. They’ve grown up around the sport and have experienced both the highs and the lows. They’ve stood beside us for countless trophy presentations, and now we’re giving them every opportunity to chase their own Gold Christmas Trees.”
Despite their young age, the girls are already fierce competitors. On her debut at the Junior Nationals in Mildura in September 2025, Makayla went all the way to the final to claim the Runner-Up.
“Brittany Olive is my inspiration; she always sends me messages of encouragement and has been one of my biggest supporters since I started driving,” Makayla said. “I want to race in Pro Alcohol and finish what Nanni (Debbie) started, to become the first female champion in the bracket.”
“For now, I am just trying to learn everything I can in the shed with Dad so I know the car inside and out before I even get to the start line. I can’t wait to get on track this weekend – with all of us racing, it is going to be really great,” Makayla added.
Younger sister, nine-year-old Abigail, is also quickly building an impressive resume.
Debuting with Top Qualifier, Best Reaction medallion, and Winner honours at the 2025 JD Warz at Heathcote Park Raceway, she recently added a Runner-Up finish at the 2026 Riverbend Nationals – an event made even more special as her father took home the ultimate win in his category the same day.
“Nelma is my inspiration because she was the first female to race in Australia and she was very brave,” Abigail shared. With wisdom beyond her years, she added, “I don’t get nervous; Mum believes in me to race good. And I am really looking forward to doing my best at the Winternationals.”
For the Gen4 Motorsports duo, racing is far from a token pursuit or a case of family pressure. The girls tried different cars before purchasing their own, selected their colours, and even wrapped the dragsters themselves with Daniel’s help. Makayla also spends countless hours in the shed, learning the mechanics of the car alongside the art of driving.
“This is not something that was a given because of their surname, it is not for show. They wanted it and worked for it, and as long as they continue to enjoy it, we will continue to support them as much as we can,” said Fiona.
“What people see on race day is only a tiny part of the story. They both work hard behind the scenes, because that is where success is built. Makayla has worked incredibly hard to understand every aspect of her car. Combined with her natural driving ability, she is laying the foundations for what could be a very successful career in any motorsport.
“Jimmy and Nelma would be so proud of the kids, they lived and breathed this sport and to see the work the kids put in away from crowds, bettering not only the car but themselves, is truly special,” Fiona said.
“Jimmy was known as ‘Gentleman Jim,’ and I hope they carry those same qualities and values throughout their lives. He loved watching Daniel drive; the grin on his face was unforgettable, and he would be the proudest great-grandfather watching over them.”
Coming off a historic 2025 Winternationals where Daniel secured the Pro Alcohol Championship and Fiona won the Supercharged Outlaws bracket, the family is more ready than ever to take on Willowbank.
Gen4 Motorsports would like to extend a special thanks to Belgravia Apparel, as well as valued sponsors Let’s Go Industries, Allstar Batteries, and Keating’s Transport Bendigo for making this special weekend possible.
“The sport is what you choose to make of it, and we choose to be happy win or lose,” Fiona concluded. “The best memories are made at home in the shed, and sharing a passion that your great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents all carry is unique in its own right.”
The Winternationals remains the premier event on the Australian drag racing calendar, attracting the nation’s top racers and teams to Willowbank Raceway each year. For the Reed family and Gen4Motorsport, this year’s event represents not only competition at the highest level, but the continuation of one of Australian drag racing’s most historic family legacies.
