Wilson McShane, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

After starting her drag racing career nine months ago, Harvest Christian College, Kadina, student Bailey Hawke claimed her first-ever victory at the South Coast Nationals (junior dragster) in Portland, Victoria, at the weekend (December 7 and 8).

Hawke, 13, began drag racing in March and has since had seven runner-up performances across Australia.

Going into the weekend she was ranked fifth in her age group in Australia.

Hawke said she was originally attracted to the sport through her dad Adam, who used to drag race.

“When we went to the opening of The Bend (motorsport facility at Tailem Bend), I got to spend time with other kids participating in the event and my interest grew.”

She said her racing dream was to one day compete professionally.

“When I age out of juniors, I hope to step up to a modified dragster,” she said.

“I have made so many friendships, and it is a sport that my whole family can enjoy together.”

While achieving recent success, Hawke said it was challenging to train for meetings because there was nowhere to practice.

Nonetheless, she said her mentors were crucial in helping her continually improve, and credited her sponsors for helping her compete in meetings across Australia.

“I have wonderful mentors to guide me in the sport,” Bailey said.

“I have my mum (Melissa) and dad who support me 100 per cent, and I also have amazing sponsors.”
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Harvest Christian College principal Peter Ayoub said the school was proud of Bailey’s achievements in such a short time competing, and looked forward to seeing how her future in the sport would unfold.

Hawke’s next major goal is to compete in the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals at Willowbank, Queensland, in June. 

This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 10 December 2024.