KRISTY Bonsey, 21, is taking on the men in the adrenalin-fuelled world of sprintcar racing and winning.
The Jimboomba resident has been racing for 10 years and last year won the 360 Sprintcar Championships, the only woman driving in that class.
Her career has been boosted by some special coaching from her dad, race driver Russell Bonsey.
“Dad used to race until I took all his cars off him,’’ Bonsey said.
Bonsey is in her second full season of sprintcar racing.
She races a 360 cubic inch Chev engine in the 410 cubic inch class, meaning it is a tough step up in a lesser-powered vehicle.
“I do my best and it’s very competitive,’’ she said. “I want to learn a bit more and then, hopefully, someone will notice me and I’ll get some sponsorship to go into a 410.’’
Bonsey said she had raced in many classes.
These included junior sedans, AMCA Nationals, late models and ringless sprints, with Archerfield Speedway her home track.
Bonsey said it had been difficult racing against men, with many initially hostile about her taking part.
“It was a bit iffy at first but I’m known in the industry now,’’ she said.
“Dad’s given me plenty of good advice. He’s my crew chief.’’
It’s not all been roses, with her dad currently working on her car after the engine blew up.
Bonsey said a used 410 engine would cost $10,000 to $15,000 although top line racers could spend about $70,000 on the power plant.
It can be very expensive,’’ she said.
