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International Recognition For
Australian Drag Racing Legend
(Tuesday, 22
September 2009) Posted by Rob Sharp
Earlier this week it was announced that Australian Drag Racing legend Jim
Read would be one of eight people inducted into the International Drag
Racing Hall of Fame in March 2010.
Apart from Sir Sydney Allard of Great Britain, who was recognised in 1991
when the IDRHOF was created, Read is the only overseas inductee. In 2010
he will be recognised alongside John Buttera, Jack Engle, Leroy Goldstein,
Dickie Harrell, Bill Simpson, Bob Stange and Bobby Warren.
Jim Read has been a drag racer since 1966. His career has been one of
constant achievement, with 17 National Championships, 16 Australian
Championships, 10 Winternationals wins plus many, many more.
He was the first Australian to break the seven-second barrier, the six-
second barrier, the five-second barrier and the 300 mph (483 kmh) mark in
this country.
In 1982, Read competed in the US. With small budget and a borrowed
dragster he was the first Australian to become Top Fuel ‘Top Qualifier’ at
an NHRA event.
Jim Read is listed in the Guinness Book of Records, the only motor sport
recipient of the Advance Australia Ambassador Award and most recently he
was awarded the Australian Sports Medal, presented by then Australian
Prime Minister the Hon. John Howard.
In 2003, with perhaps his biggest contribution to the sport in Australia,
Jim was a key factor in the return of ANDRA Championship Drag Racing to
Sydney after six years of negotiation with the NSW Government.
“Jim has been synonymous with Australian Drag Racing for more than 40
years and his induction to the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame is a
fitting and well deserved recognition of his success, and the contribution
he’s made,” said ANDRA CEO Tony Thornton.
The IDRHOF Induction Ceremony will take place during the 2010 NHRA
Gatornationals on March 11th, 2010 in Gainesville Florida.
read Jim's response>>
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