QUEENSLAND DRAG RACING ICON CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN STYLE
14 February 2019
QUEENSLAND DRAG RACING ICON CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN STYLE
One of Queensland's most dedicated and longest competing drag racers will be back in a freshened up Toyota Corolla for this Saturday's opening round of the Queensland Drag Racing Championships at Willowbank Raceway.
George Wegener is 83 years young and has spent the off season giving his car, nicknamed 'Little Sprinter', some long overdue love thanks to the help of family and friends.
Daughter Ann Gordon was among those recruited to pitch in and bring 'Little Sprinter' back to its former glory.
“My Dad is proud of his car, and this is the first time in 37 years it has been given some fresh paint. After seven seasons without the motor coming out it was time for that too,” she said.
“He's 83, still working, and this was a massive task to undertake. Anyone who knows Dad would know he was in control at all times, but we expected nothing less!”
With Gordon playing trade assistant and long time pit crew members Lachlan Lind and Alan Bell pitching in, 'Little Sprinter' was given a bare metal respray, an engine rebuild and a freshly painted trailer to match the car.
“During the latter part of last year Dad was not feeling his best but he took himself to the drag strip just so he could get out there and race. This year is his 50th year of drag racing, and he couldn't have done it without his crew who have been by his side for decades," Gordon said.
“Drag racing is in Dad's blood and I hope there are still many years left for his racing yet.”
Wegener's Super Sedan is very much old school, but that is a trait he delights in according to his daughter.
“I doubt there is any tech,” she said.
“He comes up with these ideas and makes it; there's no need to spend thousands of dollars if he can do it himself.
“He thinks his old school technology can outdo some guys with high tech stuff, he says he is racing in the dark ages.”
While a day at Willowbank Raceway might take a bit more effort than it used to for Wegener, his daughter said she can see the energy it brings him.
“Drag racing is his outlet – it gives him energy,” she said. “He says he would go around the twist if it wasn't for the time out there.
“He still operates his workshop, working on carburettors, distributors and tune ups on classic cars. He even has a waiting list of people who are seeking his work.”
If there is one part of Wegener's 'Little Sprinter' that says it all, perhaps it is the rear. There is painted 'Fun Car', a play on the drag racing class known as Funny Cars.
“These days Dad is happy just to be going down that strip and doing what he loves. He is so proud of his 'new' car and can't wait to start racing for a new year,” Gordon said.