Golden Square, Victoria local Brenton Edwards is preparing to return to Street Machine Drag Challenge this October in the HP Tuners / VCM Performance Dial-Your-Own class with his rare Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG, determined to make history.

Street Machine Drag Challenge is Australia’s toughest test for street-registered cars. Across five days, more than 280 competitors race at a different drag strip before driving hundreds of kilometres to the next. With no car trailers, no support crews and no excuses, it is the ultimate test of endurance and reliability.

Brenton made his debut in 2024 and finished 11th in the Dial Your Own class. He impressed with remarkable consistency, keeping his time gap within just 0.206 seconds across all tracks.

This year, he is aiming higher with his sights set on the world record for a C32 AMG.

“My aim is to break the C32 AMG world record of 11.5 seconds,” Brenton said.

“My personal best is 13.3 at 106mph, but I’m chasing a 10-second pass and a top 10 finish in my class.”

The 2000s-era Mercedes is rare in Australia, with fewer than 100 sold new, and Brenton’s car is made even more unique by its twin-charged set-up.

A rear-mounted turbo feeds into the factory supercharger, making it one of only a handful of builds like it in the country.

“I can assure you it will be the only twin-charged car at the event,” Brenton said.

“There would be fewer than you could count on one hand in Australia and my plates read TWNCHG, you won’t miss me.”

Brenton will once again compete as part of a three-car team from All GM Automotive, travelling with seven people across the five-day marathon.

He will also have the backing of a close-knit group of supporters who have played a part in getting his rare AMG ready for the challenge. Terry and the team from All GM Automotive will again be central to the effort, alongside Kirk from Forced Induction Interchillers, Ole Fejer from OF Gear in Denmark, John Ricca from Race Parts Melbourne and Rob from NeedsWings.

“We love the time spent competing, travelling and sharing accommodation together,” Brenton said.

“It is also my personal respite from being a full-time carer for my 97-year-old father and 91-year-old mother.”

For Brenton, Street Machine Drag Challenge is about more than racing. It is also about creativity and problem-solving.

“Every day you’ll see teams turning their cars from street trim to race trim and back again, often in the pits,” Brenton said.

“I also love the variety of trailers people build to carry spares, wheels and tools. It inspired me to make my own out of a motorcycle tow-behind trailer with a ute canopy on top.”

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.