Finding My Place in the Burnout Scene

By Keiralee

If you’d told me a few years ago—back when I was a city girl in Brisbane—that I’d be out near the paddocks in the Whitsundays, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am, alongside my family, co-owning a mechanical workshop, raising three kids, owning our own burnout car, and spending weekends on the road, chasing burnout events across FNQ.

It’s been a wild ride to get here, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Being a Woman in the Scene

We all know being a woman comes with challenges, but stepping into a male-dominated sport like burnouts—and the trades that go with it—brings a whole new level of pressure. You’ve got to prove yourself, over and over.

Lucky for me, the fellas in the burnout scene have welcomed me and my crew with open arms. But I’d be lying if I said I haven’t copped judgment from others. If I had to scale it, I’d say the judgment lands harder on the ladies’ side. I see the stares. I hear the whispers. And yeah, sometimes it gets to me.

But I love this sport, and I’m not going anywhere.

Juggling Family and Motorsport

Motorsport isn’t just something I do—it’s something my whole family is part of. But outside of cars and burnouts, we’ve also got a battle of our own.

My son, Kohen, has Perthes Disease—a rare condition that affects his mobility. He’s been through surgeries, hospital stays, and more appointments than I can count. Through it all, he’s stayed strong, and I just want to shout him out for how brave he is.

Kohen, mate, you’re our hero.

My other two kids blow me away with how much love and support they show their brother. They’ve rolled with every change we’ve had to make as a family, and they prove every day that we’re in this together.

And to Kohen’s dad—you’re the head of the support pack. Thanks a bunch, you’re awesome and always the strongest one of us all!

The Unspoken Struggles Women Face in Motorsports

There are plenty of things that make it hard for women in the industry. Here are just a few:

🔧 People thinking we don’t know our stuff – It doesn’t matter if we’ve been around cars for years, there’s always someone who assumes we don’t have a clue.

🏁 Not enough women out there – My personal experience? When you don’t see other women in the pits or behind the wheel, it makes it harder for new girls to feel like they belong. But girlies, we DO belong.

🤝 Getting left out of the boys’ club – Motorsport is all about who you know, and for women, cracking into those networks can be bloody tough. But don’t be afraid of the fellas—just say G’day! You never know, you might find a best mate.

🙄 Mansplaining – I hadn’t even heard this word until a mate told me about it, but I sure as hell know what it feels like. It’s when a bloke talks down to you, like you don’t understand—even when you know more than he does.

Shoutout to the Women Who Keep Pushing

I’m lucky to know some amazing women in this scene.

💜 Temeka from No Limits Co – Balancing business and motherhood while building a legacy. She’s faced every bit of judgment and just keeps pushing through. Absolute legend.

📸 Tynelle Collyer (Evelyn Photographics) – One of the kindest people I know. She’s given me so much confidenceand always has my back.

🛍 Danielle Adamski (Toy Locker) – We clicked straight away, and I know we’re gonna get up to some crazy adventures. Can’t wait to see where life takes us!

🚗 Lara Wilde – For seeing me for me.

📽 Hope (HOPELISS Media) – Sisterhood is strong in those bones! Thank you, girl.

🐸 And lastly, my Frog Pack – My daughter is the most adorable member. Thanks for believing in me and my ever-sparkling ideas. Without your support, I wouldn’t have had the courage to get behind the camera and start showing my love for burnouts.

Why This Matters

Every time I see my kids cheering from the sidelines, I know I’m doing something right. They’re growing up seeing that their mum can hold her own in a sport that’s not always welcoming to women.

And if that makes it even a tiny bit easier for the next girl to step into the burnout scene, then it’s all worth it.

I want my sons to learn from the mates we have—the ones who are good men—and see that acceptance isn’t about age, size, gender, or IQ.

Acceptance and kindness are key.

So yeah, we cop judgment. We have to fight for our place. But we aren’t going anywhere.

Us wild, wonderful women are not going to stop.

We love what we do, and we’ll keep doing it.

Yeah, the girls! 🚗💨

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