AWMN in Profile: Abbey Pickering

Abbey Pickering: Born to Race

From the roar of the engines to the cloud of dirt kicked up on the final corner, Abbey Pickering has always felt at home on the track. Her journey began at just seven years old, racing dirt karts with a spirit that hinted at what was to come. Fast-forward to today, and she’s behind the wheel of a dirt Late Model—an elite class in Australian speedway racing, often described as “NASCAR on dirt.” For Abbey, this isn’t just a passion. It’s who she is.

“I believe I was born to race,” she says simply. And her story proves it.

Raised around motorsport, Abbey’s first taste of racing came through karting—a natural introduction for someone with racing in her DNA. Competing nationally as a young girl, she developed the grit and drive that would later fuel her transition into the big leagues.

At 18, Abbey started crewing for Michael Holmes’ #91 Late Model team, where she was introduced to the world of high-powered dirt sedans through a family friend. She began with the basics—scraping mud and changing tyres—but never stopped asking questions. Over time, her responsibilities grew: learning about car suspension, set-up adjustments, and what it took to extract every ounce of performance out of the vehicle. That hands-on experience would lay the foundation for the next chapter.

By 20, Abbey had saved enough money working long hours as a diesel mechanic to purchase her own Late Model. From that moment on, she was no longer just a crew member. She was a competitor.

There’s something almost sacred about race day for Abbey. “The world stops when the helmet goes on,” she says. And it shows. She’s fearless in the cockpit, darting between racers with laser focus, addicted to the rush of speed and the technical precision it demands. It’s a space where instinct and intelligence collide, and Abbey thrives in it.

She’s a regular fixture at speedway meetings, whether she’s racing herself or supporting fellow drivers. Travelling to different tracks around Australia, she’s immersed herself fully in the community, drawing strength from the friendships she’s formed along the way.

“The people are what makes this sport special. The friends I’ve made have become family.”

Racing in the Late Model division means Abbey competes at one of the highest levels of sedan racing in the country. These cars are custom-built and imported from the United States, where the sport draws enormous crowds. The WA Late Model scene boasts both a winter and summer series, with up to 20 rounds of competition annually.

Hitting speeds of around 100km/h depending on the track, the cars are designed to handle the chaos of dirt oval racing. It’s demanding—physically, mentally, and mechanically. But for Abbey, that’s all part of the appeal.

Abbey’s rookie season in 2023–24 was nothing short of remarkable. In her very first year racing in the Pro Dirt Series, she placed 14th out of 41 drivers—a feat that earned her the coveted Rookie of the Year award. But the highlight of her season came at Albany Speedway over Easter weekend, where she claimed her first-ever feature race win, beating none other than the driver who would later be crowned national champion.

She went on to finish 3rd in the winter series and placed 21st out of 52 drivers at the 2025 Australian Titles—proof that she’s not just here to compete, but to climb.

Her worst moment? A rollover crash in Kalgoorlie in 2024. But like any true racer, Abbey took it in stride. “I take pride in my mistakes,” she says. “That’s how I learn.” She doesn’t dwell on embarrassment or fear—instead, she absorbs every lesson and keeps pushing forward.

Abbey’s day job as a diesel mechanic feeds into her racing in more ways than one. Not only does it help fund her dream, but it also builds her technical knowledge and sharpens the hands-on skills she brings to the garage. Whether she’s on the spanners or behind the wheel, she’s in her element.

Her sponsors—S & S Industries, Elite Design Industries, Turbo Signs, MHR Performance Parts, Road Line Civil Contractors, CRS Racing, and BMR Engineering—have been instrumental in helping her chase this dream. And she’s the first to give credit where it’s due.

“I wouldn’t be here without my family, my crew chief Darren, and all the racers who’ve supported me and pointed me in the right direction.”

So what’s next for Abbey Pickering?

Her ultimate goal is clear: to race in the United States, the home of Dirt Late Model racing. Competing on American soil—against the best in the business—is what drives her forward. Every lap, every adjustment, every early morning in the shed is fuelled by that vision.

In the off-season, Abbey continues racing dirt karts to stay sharp and maintain her edge. She studies setups, experiments with gear, and constantly looks for ways to improve—because in her world, there’s no such thing as standing still.

For young women thinking about taking up motorsport, Abbey’s advice is direct and powerful:

“In a male-dominated sport, stand your ground, hold your line and let the racing do the talking.”

She knows the challenges, but she also knows the joy and freedom that comes from doing what you love. Her journey is proof that with grit, curiosity, and a strong support crew, you can carve your own path—even in the toughest corners of the track.

Because Abbey Pickering isn’t just racing dirt. She’s rewriting what’s possible—one lap at a time.