Port Elliot, SA local Anthony Mohring is preparing to make his debut at Street Machine Drag Challenge this October in the Unrivaled Engineering Stick Shift class, stepping up from being a fan of drag-and-drive events to finally experiencing one behind the wheel.

Street Machine Drag Challenge brings together more than 280 street-registered cars for five days of racing at different drag strips across South Australia and Victoria.

After each day’s racing, competitors must drive hundreds of kilometres to the next venue without support crews or car trailers. It is a rare test of endurance and reliability, and one of the most unique motorsport events in the country.

Anthony, 43, has long followed the format in Australia and overseas and says it inspired him to enter.

“I have always watched drag-and-drive events in Australia and the big ones like Sick Week and Hot Rod Drag Week in the USA. These events always look like a lot of fun and a great experience,” Anthony said.

“This is my first entry into this type of event and I hope it’s not my last. They really appeal because of the challenge of finishing the whole event as well as battling for your own personal victories on and off the track.”

His car is a 1976 Chrysler Centura known by its number plate BOOGER.

“My car is a home shed-built Chrysler Centura, built by a fridge mechanic. I originally wanted it to be a weekend car to take my kids to sport,” Anthony said.

“It runs a 1JZ single turbo backed by a five-speed R154 manual gearbox. It’s grandpa spec, with a stock interior and the original hubcaps.”

While the car hasn’t yet been down the strip, Anthony expects it should be capable of running around the 10.6-second mark. More than the numbers, though, he’s excited to see how it goes and is aiming to make it right through to the last day of the event.

“I’ll be there to soak up the atmosphere of the stick-shift class and the whole event. My aim is to finish and hopefully improve my times each day,” Anthony said.

He says the format is what makes Street Machine Drag Challenge such a unique test.

“For me, the appeal is in the format. It’s not head-to-head, but time averaged,” Anthony said.

“The ability for the big boys to put together five days of racing and then drive between tracks is an amazing achievement, let alone the times they’re able to put down.”

Anthony also encourages locals to come out and see the event for themselves.

“This is an event unlike anything else you’ll see at the track. It’s full of real stories from home-grown racers, not big-budget teams. Just guys and girls with genuine passion for the experience and the journey,” Anthony said.

The 10th annual Street Machine Drag Challenge runs from Wednesday 29 October to Sunday 2 November across South Australia and Victoria.

More than 280 street-registered cars will race at a different drag strip each day before driving hundreds of kilometres to the next under their own power. No car trailers, no support and no excuses.

Spectators are welcome at every stop, with wall-to-wall racing, tyre smoke and real street car action.

Visit dragchallenge.com.au for tickets and more information.