Australia’s oldest drag racing superstar
By Sonia Isaacs
GEORGE Wegener, one of Australia’s most celebrated drag racers and a pioneer in the sport, has passed away at the age of 89. His extraordinary life spanned decades of racing achievements, mechanical ingenuity, and dedication to family and community.
Born on October 26, 1935, in Brisbane, George’s early years were spent growing up in the suburb of Kangaroo Point, where his love of speed began with childhood games of chase. His family later moved to Landsborough when George was 10, and where his father’s garage laid the foundation for George’s lifelong passion for mechanics.
Leaving school at 14, George apprenticed under his father, honing the skills that would make him a sought-after mechanic across Australia. George’s racing career began with go-karts in the late 1950s, where he quickly rose to prominence, becoming Queensland’s Champion of Champions.
He transitioned to TQ (Three Quarter) racing in the mid-1960s, achieving the Queensland championship in 1968. It was during this time that he met and married his first wife, Daphne, with whom he shared not only a love for racing but also a family, raising three daughters: Ann, Paulean, and Judy. In 1969, George turned to drag racing, a sport that became his lifelong passion.
His first drag car, a 350 GTS Bathurst Monaro, was followed by a series of iconic builds, including ‘Mighty Mouse,’ ‘Lil’ Hot Stuff ,’ and ‘Little Sprinter.’ Over his illustrious 50-year career, George amassed over 200 championship trophies, set 15 Australian records across four classes, and became the first drag racer to hold six national records simultaneously.
Recognised as a legend of the sport, George was inducted into the Australian National Fuel Association’s Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2014.
Known for his ‘old school’ approach, he relished defeating more advanced competitors with his ingenuity and skill. George’s life was enriched by his deep love for his family.
After meeting his long-term partner Gaylene in 1974, the couple shared decades of happiness, and step-children Arun and Joanne came into George’s life. Even in his late 80’s, George continued to race, securing a runner-up position at his final meeting at Willowbank this August. At age 89, he was not only the oldest drag racer in Australia, but one of the oldest drag racers in the world to continuously race for over 50 years, from 1969, until his death.
George was allocated racing number 513 and retained that number for over 50 years. George Wegener leaves behind a legacy as a drag racing icon and a devoted family man. He will be remembered as much for his mechanical and technical brilliance as for the joy and inspiration he brought to those around him.
