The Reed name has been synonymous with Aussie drag racing since the motorsports’ inception Down Under more than 60 years ago.
Reed Racing patriarch and pioneer — Jim ‘Gentleman’ Reed passed away in 2023, but his legacy was commemorated at an extra special race meet in October.
Jim was a founding member of the Queensland Drag Racing Association, an Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) Hall of Famer and is highly regarded among both the Australian and American drag racing communities.
Son Steve Reed took his dad’s ashes for one last spin in the funnycar at Willowbank Raceway.
A renowned racer in his own right; Steve hasn’t hit the tarmac in two years.
However, his return at Willowbank marked part of a larger celebration of what Reed Racing had accomplished thanks in no small part to his old man.
“Reed Racing has never missed a season in 60 years” Steve said.
“Dad never went 200mph, so one of his last wishes was to do that.”
“So I took his ashes for that 200mph run. It was a weekend of celebration, but also to get my feet wet again and test a few things.”
Jim’s ashes got more than they bargained for, with Steve clocking in at 249.07mph.
Lasting legacy
Reed Racing is the incumbent champions in the pro alcohol category, with Steve’s son Daniel at the helm.
Not only has Reed Racing been passed down by the blokes of the family, but also through four continuous generations of women drivers.
Steve’s mum Nelma, wife Debbie, daughter in-law Fiona and granddaughters Makayla and Abigail have all raced.
“When you look at motorsport in general across all its forms, there’d be quite a few four-generation race teams. But there’d be no four-generation female race teams,” Steve said.
“It’s something that’s really unique — it’s something to be celebrated.”
Fully charged
The Reeds have had plenty of success off the track as well, with family business Allstar Batteries running in three locations across northside Brisbane.
Locations in North Lakes, Caboolture and Brendale make it convenient for any mobile mechanic or auto electrician to swing by.
Given Allstar Batteries’ clientele is 60 per cent trade-based, being connected to a supplier with a longstanding reputation for trustworthiness and quality is a must.
Throughout the business’ 15 years, Allstar Batteries has relied on Sealed Performance Batteries (SPB).
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“SPB have been a big supporter of everything we do,” Steve said.
“In everything we do, loyalty is very important, and we’ve been with SPB since we opened the first Allstar Batteries in 2010.
“They’ve got a great team … they always deliver the best products and service.”
SPB-supplied ACDelco batteries has been particularly supportive for Reed Racing, serving as one of the team’s main sponsors.
“ACDelco is our primary brand in our stores,” Steve added. From Jim through to his great-granddaughters and beyond, there’s no doubt the Reed Racing legacy is fuelled by loyalty, love for family and love for the sport.