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Rachelle on her hiatus from Drag Racing While contemplating that first pass back after 10 years, Rachelle allows herself to admit she is feeling nervous. But that feeling gives way to confidence knowing that once she is in the drivers seat, it will feel like home. Finishing in 2006 was based on family, just having a break from all the work of owning a Top Fuel team and putting that time into our children and our business Dragway Custom Car & Bike. I just needed time to not think about it and at the time I didn’t have any plans on when or if I would go back. “I sure don’t forget what it’s like to drive a Top Fuel dragster,” she says adamantly. “The thing that stands out the most is the huge acceleration these cars have, it’s like you’re about to take off. “I don’t expect it to be too different but they are going faster and quicker now so I will just need to get my brain accustomed to the whole experience again and be really quick releasing the parachutes. “I haven’t kept up with racing over the last 10 years so I have had to catch up on everything very quick. “Things have changed a lot since 2006 and my team and I have a lot to catch up on but we will put in the hard work required and we will do our best. “I’m going to ease into it with some launches and half track passes and will only complete a full track pass when I feel comfortable. We are hoping to do some testing before our first race.” That first appearance is yet to be determined as the team seeks sponsorship. Valvoline is back on board in a minor role while the naming rights are up for grabs with races pencilled in all over Australia. But even though a TBC marks the calendar, Rachelle can’t help but let the anticipation and excitement of her official return take hold. b “I’m excited about a lot of things; jumping back into one of these powerful race cars, being back out in the excitement of drag racing, connecting with all the fans again, watching my kids learn about racing and all the possibilities that come along with this sport.” CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Rachelle on winning the 1993 Australian Nationals It’s hard to put into words what it was like. It felt like this is so where I am meant to be and what I am meant to be doing as it just felt so good. I had finally found my calling and I was loving every minute. To win was just the icing on the cake. Career achievements 1993 Australian Nationals Top Qualifier/Winner Calder Park 1993 National Speed Record, 273.72 mph Calder Park 1993 Drag Racing Achievement Award 1994 First female racer to record 300 mph, 4.86 ET Houston Raceway Park, USA 1995 Winfield Pro Series Winner Adelaide International Raceway