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Pint-Sized Powerhouse Takes To The Track At Willowbank |
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Monday, 30 April 2007 |
Toowoomba’s Yvonne Robertson-Higgins has a one-track mind with regards to her love of horsepower, no matter whether it’s of the four-legged or four wheeled variety.
The 47 year-old former jockey will need to juggle both her horse and drag racing pursuits come April 28 when she competes at the QT Tin Top Titles at Queensland’s Willowbank Raceway.
Her pre-race itinerary consists of a 3.30am start at the Clifford Park race track in Toowoomba where she’ll ride track work for trainer and husband Craig.
Next on the agenda for this pint sized speed junkie is to load her blue
TF Cortina on the trailer and get set for a Super Street bracket drag
racing assault at Willowbank Raceway.
Whether taking the reins across an oval track or steering her fortunes
over the quarter mile, Robertson-Higgins is a true competitor motivated
by sheer determination.
“I suppose the two forms of racing complement each other. Riding track
work keeps me fit and helps pay the bills that come with keeping my car
in good shape,” chuckled Yvonne.
“I really just get off on the speed and adrenaline of both forms of racing.
“Craig gave me a drive of his XY Falcon a couple of years ago and I was
hooked straight away so started competing in the all-girls Powder Puff
Series.
“My Cortina runs 11.36 seconds over the quarter mile and I’ve managed to win a heap of trophies.
“This weekend will be the first time Craig and I have actually come up
against each other in competition so that’ll be a very interesting
situation.”
Robertson-Higgins has also proved no slouch in the thoroughbred racing
ranks where she claimed 245 winners as an apprentice, including an
unbeaten run of eight straight wins aboard North Queensland fancy
‘Asiderite’.
A Mt Isa apprentice jockey’s premiership and numerous regional Cup
meeting victories were also forthcoming, but Yvonne yearned to be
closer to family and that put the wheels in motion for a move to the
Darling Downs seventeen years ago.
Now with the wheels moving even quicker during regular visits to
Willowbank Raceway and on the back end of successive top eight finishes
in the Powder Puff Series, there’s little holding back this drag racing
warrior.
“With a few alterations to the car’s throttle set up we’ll be looking
to have the car running consistent 10-second runs and that’s a very
exciting prospect for the future,” added Yvonne.
“Because this is my first season in an open bracket I’m aiming to win a gold Christmas tree (winner’s trophy).
“That’s what I’ll be eyeing off at the Tin Tops and of course I’m
really looking forward to my first Winternationals during the Queen’s
Birthday long weekend.”
Like most drag racers, Yvonne dreams of one day racing in the Group One
professional ranks, but realises she’d need to ride many more
racehorses to have the funds available.
In the meantime valued support from her day-time employer at Toowoomba
Steering Service allows her to make ends meet and ensure a charge
towards quarter mile successes in the grassroots categories.
Anticipation reigns during the countdown towards the QT Tin Top Titles
on April 28 with the return of the most incredible all-sedan
confrontations as Top Doorslammer, Pro Stock, Pro Street Outlaws and
Pro Turbo categories headline this time honoured tradition of
Queensland drag racing.
In essence the format of the QT Tin Top Titles will see the realisation
of drag racing activities inclusive of Group One sedans plus the vastly
popular Fast Fours Jamboree and Powercruise scenes which have
continually attracted massive interest among drag racing fans.
QT Tin Top Titles (April 28) – featuring Top Doorslammer, Pro Stock, Pro Street Outlaws and Pro Turbo
TICKETING: All ticket prices include paddock admission
Adults $30
Student (must show ID) $20
Children 13 & under are admitted free
LOCATION
Willowbank Raceway
Champions Way (off Cunningham Highway 5km past the Rosewood turnoff)
Willowbank QLD 4307
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