Racer Profile: Mackenzie “Dilly” Silver

A Rising Star in Dirt Racing

At just 13 years old, Mackenzie Silver, better known as Dilly, is already making waves in the world of dirt racing. With a passion for speed and a competitive drive that’s hard to match, she’s swiftly making her mark in a sport that’s deeply embedded in her family’s history.

Mackenzie was practically born into the world of motorsport. Growing up surrounded by her family’s love for speedway racing, it was only a matter of time before she started racing herself. “I started racing at 10 years old,” Mackenzie shares. “My family are all into speedway, so as soon as I was old enough, I started.” Her journey from a young fan to a dedicated racer is one of determination, with a goal-oriented mindset that drives her to push the limits each time she hits the track.

“I love the speed of the racecars, socialising, and meeting different people,” Mackenzie says. It’s clear that for her, racing isn’t just about the thrill of the sport; it’s about the connections and experiences that come with it. With a racing schedule that keeps her on the go every weekend, Mackenzie and her team travel all over Western Australia, with annual trips to the Northern Territory for their prestigious titles. And despite a non-stop calendar, she has one dream on the horizon: “I would love to race on every track in WA.”

Mackenzie’s support system is just as strong as her competitive spirit. Her school friends regularly come out to the local meetings to cheer her on, and her family plays an instrumental role in helping her achieve her dreams. “My family does the absolute most to support my goals and dreams,” she says, a testament to the close-knit support behind every success.

Her achievements speak for themselves. In 2024, Mackenzie made history by becoming the first female to win the Perth Motorplex Championship in 20 years. It’s just one of the many accolades she’s earned in her three years of racing, with multiple club championship titles, a Motorplex championship, and numerous fastest lap times under her belt.

However, the journey hasn’t always been smooth. “I got relegated two spots for a hit, which made me lose my transfer position to the A main at the WA state title,” she recalls. “Needless to say, I definitely learned that day.” But Mackenzie takes every setback in stride, using each challenge as an opportunity to grow.

Racing in the junior sedans category, Mackenzie drives a Mitsubishi Mirage 1.5L SOHC, a car that was professionally built for her 13th birthday as a gift. “I take a lot of pride in this car,” she says. It’s clear she’s deeply connected to her vehicle, and her pride in her racing machine only fuels her ambition to achieve more.

For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Mackenzie has one piece of advice: “Definitely go to a track and meet some of the drivers, or message them on social media. They’re always willing to help where they can.” Mentorship plays a crucial role in her journey, and she credits drivers like Veronica McCann for being instrumental in offering guidance and support.

With big dreams on the horizon, Mackenzie’s short-term goal is to secure a title, but long-term, she aspires to race Late Models, rail the fence like Kye Blight, and perhaps even race in the USA. But no matter where her career takes her, she’s determined to stay grounded, focused, and always ready to race.

Her sponsors—Peak Transport, Clark Tyres, A1 Sandblasting and Spraypainting, Trenys Injector Cleaning, and Rockets Racecars—make it possible for Mackenzie to keep chasing her racing dreams. And the person who deserves the most thanks for her success? “My mum, mainly. She’s so strong and amazing. She’s the backbone to my racing, always makes it happen no matter what we’re challenged with. And Paul Bowman, who built me this awesome car. I wouldn’t be where I am now without him.”

Mackenzie Silver is a force to be reckoned with in dirt racing. Her fierce determination, love for the sport, and commitment to her dreams are just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and successful journey in motorsport.