Standing on scaffolding platforms as clouds of tyre smoke surrounded me, I quickly realised Rubber Rampage was unlike any motorsport event I had worked at before. The two-day burnout event in Collie, Western Australia, brought together powerful cars, passionate drivers and an event team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to keep everything on track.
Held at Collie Motorplex, Rubber Rampage had its second year running, attracting drivers from across Western Australia and beyond to compete in the burnout competition, drawing crowds of skidding fans eager to see high-powered cars push their tyres to the limit.
This year, I joined the event team in a mix of roles including content creation, administration and runner duties, keeping the social media pages up to date and getting the judges’ scores back to the office.
Working behind the scenes offered a different perspective of the burnout scene, one that extends past the smoke on the pad.
Alongside our very own president, Bridget Bell, as well as Kelly Frost and Hanna Stewart, I was able to take on a range of tasks — from maths in the office with the scorecards to conducting interviews and gathering media coverage. The fast-paced environment meant no two moments were the same.
From the incredible roar of engines to the constant smell of fuel and the slight smoke inhalation, the atmosphere at Rubber Rampage was intense and highly energising. Drivers prepared their cars in the pits while spectators gathered along the grandstands and fences, waiting for the next group to start.
Behind the scenes, we worked quickly to keep everything running as smoothly as possible and, dare I say, we did a good job of it.
For me, the experience also highlighted the growing presence of women working across different areas of motorsport, from media and administration to driving and management. Seeing these women actively contributing to the event reinforced how motorsport spaces are continuing to evolve.
By the end of the weekend, the burnout pad was coated in thick layers of rubber and the air still carried the lingering effect of smoke. But for those working behind the scenes, Rubber Rampage was more than just tyre smoke (in an array of colours) and loud revving engines — it was a reminder of the teamwork, passion and people who make grassroots motorsport events possible.
Charlotte Hunt is a motorsport writer who enjoys documenting the people, events and atmosphere that define grassroots racing. Through her contributions to Girls Torque, she shares firsthand experiences from the track and behind the scenes, offering insight into the teamwork, passion and community that drive motorsport forward.