For many, the thrill of motorsport begins in childhood, and for Karen Bawden, this was certainly the case. Growing up with a passion for cars and the electrifying atmosphere of motor racing events, Karen’s journey into the world of drag racing was a natural evolution. It all began in 2006 when she bought her first project car—a 1969 Valiant coupe, which she affectionately refers to as her “happy place.”
Karen’s love for drag racing is more than just about speed; it’s about the deep connection she feels with her car and the community. The experience of driving a car older than herself, turning up at the drag strip, and running alongside like-minded enthusiasts is something she describes as “amazing.” The atmosphere at these events, filled with camaraderie and excitement, is a major part of what keeps Karen coming back, year after year.
Travelling across Australia to participate in events is a testament to Karen’s dedication to the sport. From local tracks in Mackay and Cairns to the prestigious Drag Challenge in Melbourne, she has raced her Valiant coupe across the country. Her latest achievement, a personal best of 10.99 seconds on the quarter-mile at Palmyra Dragway, is a milestone that highlights her growth and consistency as a driver.
Drag racing, as Karen explains, is not just about going as fast as possible—it’s about consistency. Knowing your car inside and out, and being able to replicate the same performance race after race, is key to success. “If you go too quick, you lose; if you go too slow, you lose; if you’re not consistent, you lose,” she says, summarising the precision and discipline required in sportsman racing.
Karen’s journey in drag racing is filled with memorable moments and achievements. From her personal best time to winning Best Mopar at Palmyra, and successfully completing multiple Drag Challenge events, her accomplishments are a source of pride. Yet, she remains humble, crediting much of her success to the support of her community and supporters like Brinks Performance, Elite Performance, Extreme Motorsports, and others who have helped her build the car of her dreams.
Looking to the future, Karen has aspirations of building a career in motorsport. While she’s still exploring the possibilities, her passion and dedication suggest that she’ll continue to make her mark in the industry. Her advice to anyone looking to follow in her footsteps is simple yet profound: “Have a go.” She encourages new racers to ask questions, get involved, and embrace the learning process, reminding us all that the journey is as important as the destination.
Karen’s journey in motorsport is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. From discovering her love for cars at a young age to traveling across Australia to compete, Karen’s dedication to drag racing has been unwavering. Her story serves as an inspiration to women who dream of making their mark in the motorsport world, proving that with determination and a supportive community, anything is possible.
We’re thrilled to announce that Karen will be taking over the Girls Torque social media platforms during Red CentreNATS, from August 30 to September 1. She’ll be bringing you all the high-octane action from one of Australia’s premier horsepower events, right from the heart of Alice Springs. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook as Karen delivers exclusive behind-the-scenes content, showcasing the excitement and adrenaline of Red CentreNATS through her unique perspective.
Bridget Bell is a seasoned motorsport media professional and a skilled mechanic, with over a decade of experience in On-Air Hosting, Event Hosting, Television Presenting and Commentating. Passionate about supporting women in both the industry and motorsport, Bridget volunteers as a mentor and actively champions female representation.
Disclaimer: While due research has been conducted, the views expressed in our articles are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect everyone’s views. If you notice an error, please email quoting the blog article title and an explanation of the error.