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Lara Wilde is an Australian motorsports enthusiast, automotive writer, and keynote speaker who’s turned her lifelong obsession with cars into a career that spans racing, restoration, journalism, and business development across Far North Queensland.

EARLY YEARS

Growing up as a self-described “automotive addict,” Wilde developed her passion for cars early, though she jokes she’s a “don’t cook” kind of woman—her expertise lies under the hood, not in the kitchen. With over 20 years of driving experience, she learned her lessons behind the wheel the hard way, through trial, error, and an unstoppable love for horsepower.

OTHER INTERESTS

Beyond motorsports, Wilde has built an impressively diverse career. She’s worked in local government, project management, recruitment and retention, and economic development. As Managing Director of AgriFood Catalyst, she leads innovation initiatives in the agricultural sector despite admitting she doesn’t cook. She’s also a certified Alexander Technique practitioner, graduating after 1,600 hours and four years of training—a journey she describes as unwinding 50 years of painful physical habits. Photography is another outlet; her work has been featured on All About Photo. Her professional life reflects someone who refuses to be boxed in by a single passion.

EARLY SUCCESS

Wilde’s motorsports journey kicked off with a 1972 Chevrolet that became the centerpiece of her racing adventures. In 2014, she competed in the inaugural Drag Challenge event run by Street Machine magazine—a grueling drag week-style competition that involved driving to five different tracks over five consecutive days. The format demanded not just speed but mechanical reliability and endurance, traits that would define her approach to motorsports. She’s also participated in events at Springmount Raceway with the Far North Queensland Motorsport Club, tackling bitumen khanacross competitions that test precision driving on sealed surfaces.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2014: Competed in the first-ever Drag Challenge event, driving between five tracks over five days[1].
• Multiple years: Won awards at car shows for restoration work[2].
• Ongoing: Organized car events and promoted race teams and race tracks throughout her career[2].
• Ongoing: Regular attendee and participant at SummerNats in Canberra, Australia’s biggest horsepower party[3].

INSPIRATIONS

Wilde’s inspiration comes from the cars themselves and the community surrounding them. She’s an authority on road trips, having logged countless miles behind the wheel exploring Australia’s highways and backroads. The annual pilgrimage to SummerNats isn’t just about the spectacle—it’s about being surrounded by people who share her unfiltered enthusiasm for modified machines and automotive culture. Her website, Wilde Drive, carries the tagline “Love Your Car Without Getting Dirty,” a philosophy that speaks to making car enthusiasm accessible to everyone, not just those with grease permanently under their fingernails.

REPUTATION

Known as an engaging storyteller who makes automotive adventures relatable, Wilde has shared her motoring experiences across national media outlets. She’s a contributor to Girls Torque, the Australian Women’s Motoring Network, where her writing combines technical knowledge with personality. As a keynote speaker, MC, and workshop facilitator, she’s built a reputation for making car culture approachable. She’s also authored “Shopping for the Perfect Car,” an eBook offering safe, simple, and stylish advice for finding dream wheels with confidence. Her work with the Motor Traders Association Queensland and appearances in Motor Trader magazine have established her as a trusted voice in the industry. Whether she’s buying, selling, or restoring cars, Wilde approaches everything with the same enthusiasm that first put her behind the wheel of that ’72 Chevy.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

While specific future racing plans aren’t publicly detailed, Wilde continues to balance her roles as Managing Director of AgriFood Catalyst with her automotive passions. She remains available for keynote speaking, commentary, and MC work, suggesting her focus is on expanding her influence as an advocate for women in automotive spaces and motorsports. Her ongoing involvement with Girls Torque and support for Global Road Safety Week indicates a commitment to building safer, more inclusive car communities for the next generation of enthusiasts.

REFERENCES

[1] Advice and Tales from behind the wheel – Wilde Drive
[2] Let’s Meet – Wilde Drive: Love Your Car Without Getting Dirty
[3] Advice and Tales from behind the wheel – Wilde Drive
[4] Lara Wilde – Girls Torque – Australian Women’s Motoring Network
[5] Shopping for the Perfect Car by Lara Wilde | eBook | Barnes & Noble
[6] Lara Wilde – Tropical Innovation Festival
[7] Lara Wilde – Startup & Innovation Tablelands
[8] Lara Wilde: Blog – Why Didn’t You Tell Me?