A Passion for Racing, Family, and the Future of Drag Racing
From a family with deep racing roots, Emelia Wright has grown up surrounded by the roar of engines, the thrill of competition, and the tight-knit community of motorsport. At just 14 years old, she was behind the wheel, her passion for racing ignited long before she ever hit the track.
“I love the fun, competitive nature of it. I love the adrenaline rush from every pass down the track. Every round win just makes you hungry for more,” Emelia shares, reflecting on her drive. As a junior dragster, she is no stranger to the highs and lows of racing, but what sets her apart is her ability to balance the fierce competition with the strong family support she has at her side.
Racing locally at Willowbank Raceway and across several tracks in Queensland, Emelia’s commitment has seen her rise to the top. “My friends and family think it’s pretty cool. They’re all really supportive,” she says. But what makes her stand out is not just her success on the track, but her ability to inspire other young women in the sport. “Girls outnumber the boys most of the local meets in junior dragster,” she points out, emphasising how the sport is evolving to make space for more women.
In 2024, Emelia achieved top qualifier and runner-up at Palmyra, an unexpected triumph that added to her growing list of accomplishments. She also made it to the semi-finals at the prestigious Winternationals, finishing third out of 40 juniors. “It was really the turning point in the competitive side of things,” she reflects. One of her proudest moments came when she made her second final at the Easter meet at Ironbark Raceway in Queensland and took home the winner’s trophy. As she continues to refine her skills, her ultimate dream remains firmly in sight: to race in Pro Mod, a highly competitive and thrilling category in drag racing. Pro Mod cars are among the most powerful and modified vehicles in the sport, with speeds often exceeding 400 km/h and engines capable of over 3,000 horsepower. Pro Mod’s blend of extreme speed, engineering innovation, and close competition has made it increasingly popular in Australian drag racing.But for Emelia, it’s not all about the wins. It’s about the journey. “Just go for it, send it and have fun,” she advises other young women looking to make their mark in the sport. “If you’re a girl and your passion is motorsport, don’t let that stop you.”
With the unwavering support of her family, including her parents and boyfriend, Emelia is setting her sights on even bigger goals in the coming years. “I would like to thank my parents for letting me do what I love, making my dreams come true,” she says, showing her gratitude for those who make her journey possible.
As Emelia Wright gears up for more races, her story serves as a reminder that passion, persistence, and a supportive community are the keys to success in motorsport—no matter your age or gender.
What’s your why? Whether you’re a racer, behind the camera, on the tools, or the loudest cheerleader, we want to hear your story! Share with us your passion and motivation to inspire others. Submit your story: https://bit.ly/4aYoxO4