Angie: A Rising Star in Junior Drag Racing
From a young age, Angelina Kondilis found herself immersed in the motorsport world. Raised with the hum of engines and the thrill of racing, she grew up watching her auntie in Super Street and learning the ropes at the iconic Adelaide International Raceway, where her grandfather worked. The racing bug bit deep, and her journey into the world of drag racing was all but inevitable.
But it wasn’t until the closure of AIR and the opening of The Bend Dragway in 2023 that Angie truly began to find her rhythm. That year, after watching and learning at The Bend, she stepped behind the wheel of her own Jr Dragster. By January 2025, she was officially licensed and racing in A/JD – a class known for its precise, calculated driving and high-stakes competition.
Her first big break? A standout performance in the Summer Equipment Track Championships, where she won Round 5 after only her first official race event since licensing. It was a clear indication that Angie wasn’t just another driver – she was a force to be reckoned with. But it’s not just the wins that define her; it’s the journey, the constant pursuit of knowledge, and the drive to keep pushing the limits.
“There are so many opportunities in drag racing that feel one-in-a-lifetime,” Angie says, reflecting on the experiences that racing has brought her. One of her proudest moments came when she had the chance to start up a Nitro Front Engine Dragster – a piece of history that she had only dreamed of until then. Yet it’s not just the glory that keeps her coming back; it’s the camaraderie, the community, and the challenges that drag racing presents on a daily basis.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Racing is as much about overcoming adversity as it is about achieving success. Angie recalls her first race post-licensing, where a series of car problems almost led to a breakout in Round 1. “We had to stay up late fixing the car. It was stressful, but we got it together,” she remembers. She didn’t take the win that day, but the experience taught her valuable lessons in persistence, patience, and problem-solving.
Her journey has been shaped by the unwavering support of her family, especially her mother and grandfathers, who have been there for every race, every setback, and every victory. “I wouldn’t be where I am without them,” she says. “They’ve helped me every step of the way.”
Looking forward, Angie has set her sights high. After her time in juniors, she plans to move up to bigger, faster machines, eventually working her way into the Supercharged Outlaws and potentially even Top Alcohol racing. With her sights firmly set on the future, there’s no telling how far Angie will go.
Her advice to those starting out? “Try it, speak up, and give it a go.” It’s a mantra that has carried her through every challenge, and one she hopes to share with the next generation of racers following in her footsteps.
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