Chelsea Leahy may have a famous last name in Drag Racing circles but the Helensvale racer is making a name for herself this season.

The daughter of accomplished Competition racer and Willowbank Raceway Board member Greg Leahy and granddaughter of the legendary Roly Leahy, Chelsea is being recognised for her efforts off the track as much as on it with the help of Make-A-Wish Australia. 

“This race season, being my first in my new car I wanted to do something special and make a difference,” said Leahy. 

“Seeing Tommy Johnson Jr team up with Make-A-Wish I thought it was a great cause. It is a cause I am passionate about, as I have had my own wish come true with racing. Why not share what I have and help others with life threating illnesses? 

To date Leahy has raised just over $1k since February while her intended goal is to hit $5k before December. 

“I have been going out to my local track Willowbank Raceway and fundraising at events as well as promoting it online. I have had great help with businesses such as Repco, Autobarn, Cheapa Auto Spares and dragphotos.com.au during my fundraising.” 

While her work with Make-A-Wish goes far beyond Drag Racing, Leahy has also created Look Who’s Torquing (www.lookwhostorquing.com), a website focussed on recognising the achievements of those within Drag Racing aged 25 and under. 

“Look Who’s Torquing is a website I made up to recognise people under 25 and their achievements in Drag Racing,” she explains.

“Whether they are a crew member or a racer I think a lot of young people out there need to be recognised for their hard work and achievements in racing. 25 and under is the next generation to hit the Drag racing scene and take over, I feel like its important to keep encouraging that. 

“I have spoken to many friends in racing and since stepping up from Junior Dragster they have done some incredible things in racing that I wanted to acknowledge. So far for me it is a non-profit organisation that I update in my spare time, which I love doing. My goal with my website is to keep up to date with the young achievers in Drag Racing and follow their journey.” 

Leahy’s own journey continues this Saturday (April 11) in Round 4 of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series at Willowbank Raceway in her striking front engine dragster carrying on a family tradition. 

“Saving up for a car for three years I thought I would end up with a rear engine dragster but when I was shown this ad online for the front engine dragster I couldn’t say no. 

“It was in my price range and it was a great set up, also front engine dragsters run in my family starting from my Grandpa so it is cool to be a third generation racer and be part of the tradition. 

My front engine dragster will give me great practice to one day step into my Grandpa’s car – which Dad and my Uncle Pete decided they would let me drive when I’m ready. 

“The last time my Grandpas Front engine dragster was run my brother was driving and he went over 200 mph at 6.60 seconds. My car currently has a personal best ET of 8.46 seconds at 154 mph. I love it. The speed, the aggression, and the power that my car has is awesome, I can’t get enough of it! 

“I’m looking forward to what should be a great meeting at Willowbank Raceway and the first Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series event here in Queensland. 

“My chances are just as good as everyone else’s. My aim is to stay competitive and consistent throughout the weekend and I’ve spent at least over a week preparing myself for what’s to come. For me I believe your only racing yourself til the other person beats you, but before that everyone has got an even chance of turning on that win light.”

The Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series at Willowbank Raceway commences with qualifying from 9:30am with eliminations from approximately 4pm (be sure to check the schedule on the Willowbank Raceway website). 

Tickets are available at the gate for adults at $20.00 and just $18.00 for students and concession card holders with ID, while children aged 13 and under gain free entry. For full event information, please go to www.willowbankraceway.com.au

To donate to Chelsea’s Make-A-Wish campaign please click here

Image courtesy: dragphotos.com.au