Family ties are an integral part of the sport of drag racing and in Australia’s ‘red centre’ it is no different.
Alice Springs Inland Dragway plays host to the Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Championship for the first time on June 28-29 as part of the Desert Nationals and among those competing will be Gerladine Willox and her son Daniel.
Geraldine races in the Super Street category and said she had a Holden HJ Kingswood project sitting on blocks for some 15 years before she decided it was time to bite the bullet and go racing.
“Drag racing is the only motorsport I like,” she said. “My other half Mick built the motor so now ‘Crusty’, our nickname for my car’ can drive his little socks off.
“It’s kind of funny because my other sport is my show and dressage horse so I go from one horsepower to many, many horsepower.”
The family enjoys the social side of the sport with racing treated like a get together with friends.
“Our team name is Goodtym Drag Racing and that is exactly what we have,” Willox said. “The Central Australian Drag Racing Association is a fantastic club to be in and Alice Springs Inland Dragway is a great track.
“Everyone is excited about the Desert Nationals; to have something this big come to the Alice is most excellent and we are all set to make everyone feel very welcome.”
Geraldine will be joined on the track by her eight year old son Daniel. He might be barely tall enough to see over the front of his Junior Dragster, but says he is excited for the Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Championship coming to Alice Springs.
“Mum asked me what hobby I wanted and I said something with four legs or four wheels,” he said. “I got a dragster because it’s cheaper than a horse.
“I liking going fast in a straight line and us kids can’t wait for the Desert Nationals.”
Drag racing in Alice Springs continues on a growth path, with funding recently announced to televise the event plus provide upgrades to the venue.
The Desert Nationals takes place at Alice Springs Inland Dragway from June 28 to 29.
