Fresh off a season-ending victory in the Aeroflow Sportsman Series at the Winternationals, 29-year-old Adriana Cartledge is set to compete in Modified Eliminator at the distinctive Aeroflow Allstars event, held as part of the upcoming Nitro Nationals on August 23.
“I’m excited for the upcoming Aeroflow Allstars event, as it’s we get to compete against the top eight racers in Australia in a three-round format, which is different to what we are used to,” said Adriana.
“I’m even more excited that we’ll be racing for the iconic Rocket Trophy which is available to Sportsman racers for the very first time.”
It’s been a stellar season for the Victorian primary school teacher, finishing third in the Aeroflow Sportsman Series despite missing a majority of the season with her pregnancy.
“This season turned out to be an incredible one for us, despite a delayed start. We missed the first half of the calendar after welcoming our beautiful baby boy, Kash,” said Adriana.
“As soon as I was able to race to the dragster, we got back on track. We competed in four events, securing two finals wins and a semi-final finish—ultimately ending the season just five points shy of second place in the Australian National Championship. We capped it all off by winning the Winter Nationals in a highly competitive 32-car field.”
Adriana is yet another product of the Junior Dragster system that introduced her to the sport at age 14 while her father was crewing for Pro Alcohol racer Russell Mills, and it didn’t take long for Adriana to experience that winning feeling, claiming the NSW Junior Dragster Track Championship in her first season, and securing seven consecutive event wins.
Mills continued to shape Adriana’s racing career lending her a front-engine dragster to race once she stepped out of Junior Dragster, and is a figure Adriana still looks up to alongside the girl-power effect of Lisa Gregorini.
“Russell Mills and Lisa Gregorini have been major inspirations in my drag racing journey,” said Adriana.
“Russell always takes his time to share his knowledge and his passion for thinking outside the square to achieve performance shows me it’s ok to try something different. Lisa’s success in my dream class and her running an all-girls team shows that women can and will excel drag racing, motivating me to chase my goals with confidence and determination.
“My ultimate dream is to compete in Group One, but we chose to step into Modified as it is a highly competitive and tough field to race in. We bought my car as it was a good package and had the power to go fast consistently.”
Adriana’s rear-engine dragster is motivated by a Sunset Performance 598ci Big Block Chev and has run a best of 6.95 at 190mph.
While Adriana has achieved great success on the track, the heart of drag racing runs much deeper for her.
“Whilst I thrive on the competitive nature of drag racing, what I love the most is our community,” said Adriana.
“In the Modified category especially, it feels like one big family—everyone is welcoming, supportive, and always willing to help, whether it’s by sharing knowledge or lending parts to keep each other on track.
“I love the technical aspects of Sportsman racing and the level playing field it provides. Success comes down to precision and consistency – cutting a good light, understanding how your car performs under varying weather conditions, and having confidence in your dial-in.
After the Aeroflow Allstars event, Adriana will focus on next year’s NDRC Aeroflow Sportsman Series.
“My goals for the upcoming NDRC season are to get out on track, enjoy the racing, run fast times, cut consistent lights, and give it my all,” said Adriana.
“I’d love the opportunity to chase the Championship, especially after coming close in the last two seasons. We had to step back from the first due to my pregnancy and got a late start in the second, so I’m excited to see what we can achieve with a full season.
“In addition, a long-term dream of ours is to raise Kash in and around the sport, hoping he develops his own interest and passion for drag racing. One day, we’d love to see him behind the wheel of a Junior Dragster!
