Aussie Harker twins eye TAD in 2007

With license in hand, Kate Harker eyes TAD ranks

GAINESVILLE, Ga. - Prior to moving to the United States this year, aspiring Aussie NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster driver Kate Harker just thought she had the urge to compete in NHRA's third fastest category. After making successful laps at the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School behind the wheel of one of his Blown Alcohol Dragsters, then finishing her license in Tom Conway's World Championship winning A/Fuel Dragster, Harker's desire to compete is greater than ever. The 23 year old daughter of Aussie Top Alcohol Funny Car standout Steve Harker has her eye set on joining the tour in 2007, and as if one Aussie "Shiela" wasn't enough, she'll be joined by her identical twin sister Diana next year as well.

Kate and Diana aren't your run of the mill twenty something that just wants to drive for the limelight. Rather, they are true competitors at the heart who have worked their way up the Australian sportsman ranks and look forward to the challenge of competiting in the U.S. next year.

After earning her TAD competition license with a blistering 5.355 second elapsed time at 255 mph, better than many drivers' best times, Kate is working overtime to find a ride for the 2007 season with her sister Diana. The twins hope to use a mix of their sportsman experience, good looks and Australian charm to provide a marketable package for race teams and sponsors alike.

"Right now we are working very hard to put together a program to get us both on the track next year," said Kate. "It was such a thrill to get to drive at Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School and then drive Tom Conway's A/Fuel car. They both were very good teachers in making me feel comfortable in their cars and instructing me on the procedures. I'm sure learning from legends like them will help me immensely down the road."

They not only benefit from expert instruction behind the wheel, but a lifetime of experience of racing with their father.

"Our father has been racing all our lives," stated Kate. "He has been a very good role model for both of us to look up to both on and off the track. He's been there to teach us the basics from Jr. Dragsters on up. I've been working on his crew doing everything from helping build the engines to managing the logistics for the team this season. It's been a great education on what it takes to compete at the top level. Diana and I both hope to be as successful as he is one day."

Until the day comes for her to get behind the wheel for competition, Kate will use the lessons learned from her Bachelor of Commerce from Griffith University in Australia, to find marketing partners for the Twins' 2007 season.

"We have some good deals working," commented Kate. "Of course we're always looking for new partners. You just have to keep working until you make it happen or find the right fit."

To find out more about the Harker twins and their quest to compete in 2007, log on to their website at KDHRacing.com

For more information on her father's team, visit HarkerMotorsport.com

Contact: Will Hanna/ Pro Race Communications
Email: Will.Hanna@InsideTopAlcohol.com