From street car roots on the NSW South Coast to NDRC Championship success on the national stage, Sean Maher’s drag racing journey is built on passion, persistence, and family as he fronts up to chase Gulf Western Oil Nitro Champs gold and continue his pursuit of another NDRC Super Sedan Aeroflow Sportsman Series National title.
Finishing school in 1990, Sean was part of a tight-knit group immersed in the tough street car scene. A trip to Summernats 4 proved to be the spark that ignited a lifelong obsession with horsepower and competition, while back home South Wollongong Beach was the hang-out for a crazy car culture scene, where Sean spent countless nights surrounded by mates and tough street machines.
“We were hooked from that point on,” he said of that first Summernats experience.
After owning a string of street cars including an LJ GTR, VK Calais and HG, Sean stepped into something more serious in 1995 with the purchase of an LJ Torana powered by a 350 Chev. That car became the foundation of his racing journey, with early passes at the original Eastern Creek Wednesday night street meets quickly escalating from a 14.1-second baseline to a 10.6-second performer after progressive upgrades.
Now with drag racing’s hooks firmly in place his appetite for competition began. Appearances at Eastern Creek, Canberra and Nowra followed, delivering valuable experience despite limited success. However, just as his racing was gaining traction, track closures forced a pause, leading Sean to sell the car and focus on building a home life.
The break from racing lasted until 2004, when the opening of Sydney’s new drag strip reignited the passion.
“I went to the opening and knew straight away I needed a car again,” he said.
By 2006, Sean had secured a matt black HB Torana as an unfinished project, completing the build in 2008 and returning to competition. The car proved consistent, running in the 9.5–9.6-second range and forming the backbone of his racing program for nearly a decade.
In 2017, Sean transitioned into his current blue HB Torana, a car with its own rich history. Originally campaigned by Graeme Chapman as part of the Chapman Bros Racing team, it was a machine Sean had long admired—even racing against it in earlier years. When the opportunity to purchase the car resurfaced years later, he seized it, acquiring the roller and transferring his established drivetrain.
The Torana remains a old-school classic Super Sedan combination, featuring a full chassis with RHS rails, ladder bar rear suspension, a 414ci small block Chev with an alcohol carby, a trans-braked Powerglide, and a 9-inch rear end.
The identity of the car carries deep family meaning, with the “SEANS HB” plates gifted by his daughter Hannah.
“She has come to every race meet she can since she was about five – she is now twenty-two and brings her daughter Adeline to the races too,” said Sean. “She has always brought me presents for the car, garage or ace kit, like the dial in board on the car!”
Family sits at the core of Sean’s achievements, none more significant than claiming the inaugural NDRC Aeroflow Sportsman Series Super Sedan Championship. The milestone was made even more meaningful by sharing the journey with his late father, children and crew. Multiple Gold Christmas Trees across ANDRA, 400 Thunder and NDRC competition, along with a Sydney Track Championship, further highlight an accomplished driving career.
What keeps Sean engaged after nearly two decades of continuous racing is the balance the sport provides—the thrill of speed, the intensity of competition, the challenge of the mechanical side, and the camaraderie within the racing community.
“There are four sides to racing for me. The thrill – it’s a buzz doing wheelstands and that first 60 feet in a race car is like nothing else in the world. The competition – I grew playing team sports and the drive to compete, winning is a like a drug, and when you do win the high is addictive. The mechanical side – I enjoy doing as much as I can myself and learning new info and working on the car trying to improve what I have. That constant thirst for knowledge keeps my brain ticking over. And the people – you meet some of the best people in the world from racing, most of the people I have meet through racing are good people!” he explained.
Influence and guidance along the way have played a key role, particularly from mentor Bob Chapman, whose approach to family-focused racing left a lasting impression. Equally important has been the mindset of staying grounded in defeat and racing within realistic means.
“Two things have always stuck with me,” listed Sean. “Learn to be humble when losing as 75% of racers go home after two rounds, and race what you can afford to race, not afford to build.”
Coming off the stella first NDRC season with championship glory, the team was grounded with a tough following year.
“Last season wasn’t the best for me. It all started when I put the number one on my car. My crew member Terry, was not happy, saying it’s bad luck to change a name or number on a car or boat – he was right,” lamented Sean
The 2025 season went on to present its share of challenges. Mechanical setbacks, including converter, electrical and brake issues, disrupted momentum and left the team working to regain consistency.
The year also brought personal loss with the passing of Sean’s father, Laurie “Poppy,” who had been a constant presence throughout his racing journey. For 18 years, Sean’s father travelled the country as part of the crew, contributing tirelessly both on and off the track. His legacy now rides with Sean at every event.
“I’ve got some of his ashes in the car with me now, and winning that first meet with him there meant everything,” he said. “Even at 83 years old, he travelled the country with me racing, swaging it at the track, towing and cooking for the crew. He never complained, except about my snoring!”
Despite missing the opening round of the current NDRC season due the passing of his father and not able to attend the upcoming Nitro Up North event, Sean remains committed to contesting the remainder of the series with a clear mindset.
“I plan on racing every other meet, and to win every round I can. I don’t go to races to make up numbers, I try to win every meet just like everyone else I’m competing against,” he said.
The upcoming Nitro Champs is a highlight on the calendar, with the atmosphere of major events hits differently for Sean adding a new level of excitement and energy.
Looking ahead, the focus is simple: continue racing for as long as possible, making the most of every opportunity while building more memories with family and team.
With strong support from his wife Sara, daughter Hannah, son Sam, granddaughter Adeline, crew members Terry Davie and Brad Horner, and long-time supporters including the McNiff family (St Marys Engines), Dennis Athans (Rocket Industries), Fred Soleiman (ProTrans), and Powerplus Fuels’ Alan and Martin, Sean’s journey is far from over.
The Gulf Western Oil Nitro Champs will bring together BLAHST Top Fuel and XPRO Nitro Funny Car, alongside Top Doorslammer, Top Fuel Motorcycle, Pro Mod, Pro Alcohol, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Bike and the Aeroflow Sportsman Championship at Sydney Dragway, Eastern Creek, NSW, from 1–3 May 2026.
Kids 13 and under go free, and for more information or to get your tickets, visit nationaldragracing.com.au.
