SPRINTCAR racer Kristy Bonsey is preparing for the upcoming race season, and with an extra vehicle in the mix the 22-year-old Jimboomba resident is seeking sponsorship ahead of her return to the track.
“This season there will be approximately 25 nights of sprintcar racing at Archerfield Speedway,” she told the Times this week.
“The races are generally on Saturday nights from 4pm, with the first race starting on September 16.
“There is also opportunity for racing at Toowoomba Speedway for the Ultimate Sprintcar Challenge rounds.”
Kristy usually drives an open-wheel, purpose built racing car powered by V8 Chevy engine.
“I have also been given the amazing opportunity to run a midget speedcar this season, thanks to Buddy and Shane at BC Motorsports,” she said.
“There are also 15 plus midget races on the calendar at Archerfield Speedway this season.”
Racing with the big boys
Kristy has been driving sprintcars for the past three years, but has raced at speedway since she was 12 years old.
“Before sprintcars I was racing in wingless sprintcars, which are the same car with a small V6 motor and no wings,” she said.
“I was also racing in the dirt late models category, which are an American sedan class with a V8 Chevy motor.
“When I became successful in the wingless class, we decided to put the V8 from the late model into the wingless, put some wings on and go run with the big boys.”
New season looms
Kristy says racing with sprintcars has been challenging, especially having an under-powered motor.
“But it has been the most fun, and gaining my craft and knowledge in the class has seen me grow and become more competitive,” she said.
“I am so excited for the new season to get back behind the wheel.
“Preparing for a new season can be exciting, but also takes hard work and commitment. It means many hours in the race shed and trying to save money for the new season, but also spending money to make sure the car is completely ready for the first race meeting.
“For our team, the off season is making sure the motor gets a rebuild, replacing old and worn out parts on the car, purchasing new tyres for the new season, organising what race meeting we can afford to do and try come up with a game plan for the new season.”
Supporting the dream
Kristy and her team are looking for support to get them back on the track fast.
“Anything big or small will help us keep living our dream, and we would love to put your name or business on our race car, apparel, hero cards/posters and social media releases.
“Our biggest expenses throughout a season are tyres and fuel.
“To get us back on track we need help with costing of our engine rebuild, to hopefully get more power to be more competitive, licencing and car registration fees,” she said.
“We are looking for support to hopefully head to the midget Australian title at Murray Bridge in February next year.”
Kristy said her goal this season is to qualify for as many main events in the sprintcar and midget and finish inside the top 10.
“I want to keep gaining more experience and skills on track and become more competitive in the front end of the field.”
To contact Kristy about sponsorship or keep updated on her season results, go to her Facebook page at facebook.com/kristybonseymotorsport/.
