Families are an intrinsic part of drag racing and the teams that find the most enjoyment in their racing are often the ones where the family is heavily involved.

Such is the case for the small army of family members who make up the Knijff Earthmoving Modified team, who will be competing at Benaraby Raceway this weekend in the eighth round of the Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Championship.

There is Dirk and Trish Knijff who own the dragster, which is driven by Tony Littlewood and has pit crew assistance from Tony’s wife Tanya plus their children Teanah and Tyson.

“The family is extremely proud of their achievements, especially the three gold ANDRA Christmas tree trophies won over the years for winning the 2011 Nitro Champs, the 2010-11 Modified national championship and the 2012 Winternationals,” Trish said.

Chasing the Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Championship has allowed the team to see a lot of Australia.

“We tow the dragster all over the country but the highlight of our travels is when we tow over to Perth Motorplex for the Westernationals which we have done in 2010, 2011 and 2013,” Trish explained.

“This year the team raced at Adelaide Raceway on their way to Perth and made a real family holiday of it. They (the kids) had a fantastic time taking turns to travel in the truck and just enjoying each other’s company and the many laughs were had.

“We have made many friends all over the country and feel at home wherever we travel. These friendships are invaluable and many are now considered part of our family not just drag racing friends.”

Teanah Littlewood has even got her own race car now, beginning competition in the Junior Dragster category.

“We first knew Teanah was interested in drag racing when at the age of about six she asked her Uncle Dirk ‘can you buy me one of those funny cars?’” Trish said.

“She competed at her first national meet, the Winternationals, recently and although she broke out in the first round she was stoked to be racing and the whole family has never been prouder.

“Now she’s got the green light and foot flat to the floor down pat, all we need to do is teach her how to brake and not go faster than her dial in!”

The Knijff and Littlewood team will be racing at this weekend’s Benaraby Nationals.

Image courtesy dragphotos.com.au.