Profile: Madison Dunston

Sport:       Aussie Racing Cars | Activity:   Driver

Maddy had been racing Go Karts for 9 years, and had even won a few state championships in fields of mostly men, when she thought it was time to setup into another class of racing. Her ultimate dream was then and still is now (4 years on) to go into professional racing, competing in Supercars as well as some of the European circuits, so Aussie Race Cars seemed like the next logical step in her racing career. So looking around at what was for sale, she fell in love with her perfect car, allowing her to debut as 1 of only 4 females competing in a 38 car field, on Phillip Island soon after.

The adrenaline of reaching speeds of up to 200km/hr is just part of the amazing feeling that Maddy gets from racing, it’s the full experience from the moment she puts that visor down and pushes herself to the limits on the track. Unfortunately finding those limits can sometimes be pretty costly, physically, emotionally and financially.

In only her second race, and on her 17th birthday, Maddy crashed out and into another car in Darwin, knocking herself out while doing 150km/hr going around a corner. Although still marking this as one of the scariest moments in racing, she hasn’t let it curb her enthusiasm or eventual goals for this highly male dominated sport.

With a couple of years racing Aussie Race Car, Maddy is quickly showing that she has what it takes to make become a professional racer, finishing the 2018 Aussie Racing Car series with the Women’s Championship trophy.

While all types of circuit racing are quite similar, Maddy says its great to learn and know all the different types of vehicles, building that confidence and experience with vehicle control to enhance your racing. Racing in Australia is very popular and everyone gets behind it. Maddy’s friends and family (especially dad) are right behind her, supporting and cheering her along. Although Maddy’s work colleagues aren’t sure whether to believe what she does in her spare time. We’re sure they’ll be cheering for you too when they see you on TV. 

Like working towards any other career, training to become a professional driver can takes courage and sacrifice. Keeping up with the fitness routines, promoting her sponsors, and even practising on the simulator in the workshop is all part of the process.

It’s very hard work, with finding sponsors, money time and even just keeping fit and looking after yourself.”

Maddy has shown us that if you have a dream, you should just get up and do it. Push yourself to find out what your limits are, and never give up. It’s all about focusing, and not waiting for someone else to do it for you.

If you’d like to follow Maddy, you can through her Facebook. Please don’t forget to also support everyone who makes it possible for her to enjoy her sport; Readings Cinemas (Townsville); Partington 4wd; Pitstop Karting; Wholesale Paint Group; Debeer; Ppsnq; Llama.