As the sun sets over the industrial landscape of Eastern Creek on a Wednesday evening, a distinctive rumble begins to build at Sydney Dragway, accompanied by the sharp scent of ethanol in the air. This weekly street meet is about to commence, drawing drivers from diverse backgrounds who converge to test their skills on the quarter-mile strip. Cars are unloaded from trailers, engines roar to life, and the cacophony of revving fills the expansive car park, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation.
A Hub for All Enthusiasts
The popularity of Sydney Dragway has surged in recent years, particularly following the Covid lockdowns, with over 100 vehicles often arriving for these midweek events. Entry is priced at $60, plus an additional $50 for helmet hire, welcoming any street-legal car—from race cars and classic V8s to hot hatchbacks, supercars, and even the occasional Honda CR-V. At the scrutineers' station, each vehicle undergoes a thorough safety check to ensure it meets rigorous standards.
Veteran Perspectives and Newcomer Dreams
Among the participants is Ross Bielby, a seasoned racer with 27 years of experience behind the wheel of his grey Ford Falcon, which evokes imagery from a Mad Max film. For Bielby, the appeal lies not in competition but in the sheer thrill. "We muck around, there's no pressure, we just go out, get a bit of an adrenaline rush," he explains. "That's what I like about Wednesdays – anyone can turn up and just have a go, from motorbikes to Mini Minors to drag cars, it doesn't matter."
On the track, cars line up in various divisions, preparing for their runs. They proceed two by two, performing quick burnouts to warm their tyres before staging at the starting line, awaiting the countdown lights on the Christmas tree. One standout competitor is Sammy-Jo Johnson, an up-and-coming talent piloting a bright green VH Commodore. A former professional cricket player from the Northern Rivers region of NSW, Johnson discovered drag racing at 17 and fully embraced it after retiring from cricket in 2023.
Breaking Barriers and Setting Goals
In just a year and a half, Johnson has completed nearly 500 runs down the track, earning a reputation for her dedication. "Everyone was like, 'you're a lunatic', but I loved it. As soon as I did my first pass I was hooked," she recalls. "They say that drag racing bites hard and it's certainly bit hard." Having placed in the top five of her division last season, Johnson now sets her sights higher. "Yeah, we've got some wild goals," she says. "The big goal would be to race in America. That would be top notch, that's dreams. [But] I want to win the New South Wales state championship. That's number one on the list."
Johnson emphasises the inclusive spirit of the sport, particularly as a woman in a male-dominated field. "I've been really competitive so I just want to keep showing the boys that the girls can do it as well," she states. "It doesn't matter who you are, where you're from. Put yourself in a car and go out there. It's you against yourself."
The Community and Challenges of Drag Racing
Back in the car park, Eden Abela, a diesel mechanic, works hastily under his bright red VY Commodore after an axle snapped on his third run of the night. For Abela, the allure of drag racing lies in the visceral experience. "When you're going through the tunnel, even if there's no one in the crowd, it's just the feeling of your car slowly starting to build up and get faster – that's the enjoyment," he describes. "You can see the numbers on the time slip at the end and you can feel it in the car. When it does that, man, that's the maddest feeling."
Despite the accessibility of Wednesday nights, advancing in the sport can be costly. Veteran racer Joe Sorbello notes that one of his three cars alone has cost between $30,000 and $40,000. Abela laments the lack of sponsorship in Australia compared to the United States, highlighting the untapped talent within the country. "Sponsorship in drag racing in Australia has been a little bit lacking," he observes. "I believe we should be like in America. We have an unbelievable amount of talent in this country."
Risks and Camaraderie on the Track
Drag racing is not without its dangers, even with stringent safety measures. Sorbello recounts a mishap three years ago when he lost control of his Skyline at 200km/h, breaking a radiator hose and sliding backwards 80 metres. "But I tell you what, that got the blood circulating," he remarks wryly. Between runs, drivers often gather to discuss technical details like displacements, tyre pressures, and gear changes, fostering a collaborative environment. When a car breaks down on the starting line, fellow competitors and crew members quickly assist in clearing the track.
This sense of community is palpable, as Abela notes: "We're just a small community, good bunch of friends. I guess they would have some rivalries, but it'd be friendly rivalries." He captures the essence of the dragway, saying, "This is the most peaceful place you can come. As soon as you put that helmet on, it doesn't matter if you're driving a car that runs 16 seconds or a car that runs eight or six seconds. At the end of the day, we've all got that same ambition to get to the end as fast as we can."
From the roar of engines to the shared passion for speed, Sydney Dragway's Wednesday street meets exemplify a unique blend of accessibility, ambition, and camaraderie, making it a cornerstone of Australia's motorsport scene.
