REBECCA Rowbottom’s family sedan leads a double life.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Ford Falcon BF XR6 is reliable transportation to and from work and her daughter’s daycare on most days.
But this month the car’s other identity was revealed.
Rowbottom jumped behind the Falcon’s wheel at a Warrnambool and District Drag Racing Association (WDDRA) meeting three weeks ago, put the gear stick into sports mode and stomped on the pedal.
The Falcon roared to life and propelled the 26-year-old to second place in the super sedans class.
Not bad for the Koroit mum making her debut on the track against seasoned racers.
“I think it was a bit of beginner’s luck,” Rowbottom said.
“I would encourage more women to have a go.
“It’s not really that scary.”
Rowbottom will try to back up her maiden performance at the association’s event tomorrow.
With the support of husband Aaron, who has also had success in super sedans, she will face her male opponents head-on.
“A lot of them were quick to snigger that there was a female lining up against them,” Rowbottom said.
“But they soon went quiet.”
After spending years trackside cheering on her husband, Rowbottom said she finally got the courage — and the car — to compete herself.
The Koroit resident said she had seldom been interested in a sport before.
“Now I’ve found a new hobby,” she said.
“I love it. It’s just a great chance to get out there and go for it.
“It’s really exciting.”
Rowbottom said she struggled with the drag racing light system on debut.
But now the nurse is prepared.
“There’s the stage light, three orange and green,” she said.
“It’s quite tricky working out when to go but I got better as the day went on.
‘I’m luck I had Aaron there coaching me.”
Other events including quick 16, bikes and super street will also feature at Warrnambool Aerodrome tomorrow.
Gates open at 7am with racing from 9am-5pm.
The club will hold its next meeting on March 27.
