Aidan Abel has a long history in the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series, racing in the Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster bracket for eight years from the age of eight to 16.
Most recently, he has been stretching his legs in the senior ranks, licensing in Supercharged Outlaws in his dad’s Supercharged Outlaw 1978 Plymouth Arrow Funny Car and undertaking testing at local events, including the recent Nitro Up North.
Now, the son of Top Doorslammer racer Matt Abel is readying to make his national-level debut in the senior ranks at the Hidden Valley Drag Strip’s Top End Nationals event – the first Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series event of 2023 (July 14/15).
“I raced in Junior Dragsters from about a week after my eighth birthday until just before my 16th birthday,” Abel explained.
“I had plenty of highlights in that time, including my first national event win at the 2019 NT Nationals and coming the runner-up at the 2020 Westernationals. Although I didn’t win at the Westerns, the Board family lent me a motor after I damaged mine and it really showed the camaraderie of the bracket.
“The thing I always loved most about Junior Dragster racing is the family of racers and parents that you meet along the way, and I will always miss the friendships and the excitement of racing in Juniors.
“Stepping up into Supercharged Outlaws hasn’t been easy – anyone who runs or works on Supercharged Outlaw cars knows how time consuming they are!
“The car is a Supercharged Outlaw 1978 Plymouth Arrow Funny Car; these cars have a long history in drag racing. Made famous by Don ‘The Snake’ Prudhomme and most Australian drag racing fans would also recognise the L.A Hooker formerly owned by Graeme and Wendy Cowin. Having so much history and such an uncommon body style makes these cars very special to me.
“Driving the car was daunting in the beginning, but it was made easier by the amazing people around me, and all of the advice and support I have been receiving has been invaluable.”
Heading into the Top End Nationals, Aidan is looking forward to making his national-level debut in the senior ranks.
“I feel quietly confident in my team and our car,” he said.
“Having ironed out a few issues at the Nitro Up North event, we are going into the Top End Nationals with an optimistic attitude.
“I wouldn’t use nervous to describe the feeling. I have raced more than half my life so far and have been around the sport my whole life, so that has made me comfortable in and around these cars.
“What makes me confident in making the jump is the preparation that we put into the car. Leading up to every event, everything gets looked at and double-checked. Knowing that allows me to go out and drive without anything in the back of my mind. I have also had such great mentors to help me along and I can’t thank everyone enough.
“My goal for the Top End Nationals is to make consistent A to B passes all weekend long, I can’t ask for more and if that is what I come away with, I am sure the crew and I will all be ecstatic. Right now, I wouldn’t say we are aiming for event wins, it is more about just trying to get confident and comfortable driving the car. But having said that, I wouldn’t say that it is off the table.”
The Top End Nationals is a favourite event for the 18-year-old.
“I have loved the Top End Nationals since my first event in Junior Dragster,” Abel said.
“Having the opportunity to race at my home track with racers from all over the country is awesome. It’s a long drive for a lot of those who travel to come here but there is so much to do up here and the weather at this time of the year is fantastic.”
As he looks ahead to his national-level debut outside of a Junior Dragster, Abel is quick to point out the people who have made his racing journey possible so far.
“I would like to thank my Dad especially for giving me the opportunity to drive this car, it has been a true blessing,” he said.
“Thank you also to all of the track officials that have helped me through this journey and for pushing me around the corner anytime I haven’t made it the whole way around.
“A big thank you too to the A&M Motorsport crew, Mark Sherwood, Andrew Latham, Michael Coleman, Malcom Horton, and a massive thank you to Bronte Henning for the help, advice and guidance.
“I also need to acknowledge the advice, support and experience I have gained from Rory Taylor of Speedtorque in WA; it has been greatly appreciated.”
The Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series will open at the Hidden Valley Drag Strip across July 14 and 15 with the Top End Nationals, before heading to the Alice Springs Inland Dragway for the Desert Nationals the very next weekend on July 22 and 23. For event information, visit www.hiddenvalleydrags.com.au and www.cadra.com.au
For more from ANDRA, visit www.andra.com.au