Monday, November 13, 2017

Anita Board - Young Drag Racer Dies

Anita Board - Young Drag Racer Dies

Eight-Year-Old Drag Racer Dies At A Junior Championship After Losing Control Of Her 'Pony Power' Car And Smashing Into A Concrete Barrier/ Rest In Peace #PonyPower

Anita Board - Young Drag Racer Dies

An eight-year-old Perth girl has died in a crash while trying to get her drag racing license, three days after reaching the minimum age to compete. Anita Board is believed to have lost control of her 210cc engine dragster before slamming into a wall at the Perth Motorplex at Kwinana Beach on Saturday.

Earlier, her father Ian told media on Sunday that his family are keeping vigil by his daughter's bedside.

“We are all hurting at this time,” Mr. Board said, “Our baby girl is getting the best of care. We'd like to thank our family and friends and our motorsport family for the love and support.

Anita Board - Young Drag Racer Dies
Mr. Board also posted a photo of the girls in a car, saying “Our angel setting out on what was meant to be day to remember for all the right reasons. My heart in a million pieces.”

The impact of the crash was so great, paramedics on scene had to revive Anita before rushing her to Rockingham Hospital. She was later taken to Princess Margaret Hospital in a critical condition to undergo emergency surgery. She died the next day.

Perth Motorplex released a statement on their Facebook page, offering their thoughts and condolences to the family. 

“Unfortunately an incident occurred during racing at Perth Motorplex this afternoon and a driver has been taken to hospital,” they wrote. “Police are currently at the scene and on their advice racing has been suspended until further notice.” The facility was reopened after the completion of an investigation. 

Perth Motorplex is the location for automotive based activities including Drag Racing, Dirt Track Speedway, Burnout competitions, Street Machine Car shows, Monster Trucks, Stunt Shows and Super Cross events. 

The eight-year-old girl is believed to be from a drag racing family, racing in her own purple dragster words 'Pony Power' on the sides. Competitors in junior drag racing can range in age from 8 to 17 and are placed in three classes depending on experience. The beginners drive what are known as 'tin pots', reaching top speeds of 40-50km an hour. 


Australian National Drag Racing Association Statement:
Perth Motorplex Incident - 11 November 2017

The Australian National Drag Racing Association is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Junior Dragster competitor Anita Board following an on track incident during an event held at the Perth Motorplex on the 11th of November. 

Everyone at the Australian National Drag Racing Association extends its sincere and deepest condolences to Anita’s family, friends and the wider drag racing community at this tragic time.

ANDRA will continue to work with VenuesWest and continue to assist police with their investigations while supporting Anita’s family, and ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this tragic time.


The Board family said they don't believe in the need for major changes to drag racing for children.

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