Monique Ambruosi is an Australian drag racer, metal fabricator, and graphic designer who pilots the Ambruosi Racing Modified Dragster in the IHRA 400 Thunder Drag Racing Series—and she’s doing it all before turning 25.

EARLY YEARS

Monique’s passion for drag racing didn’t just appear out of nowhere—it’s in her blood. Her father, Robert Ambruosi, raced in Top Doorslammer, and the Ambruosi Racing family has been competing in Australian drag racing for over 30 years[1][2]. By the time she was 13, Monique was already learning the ropes of the sport that would define her life[3]. At 14, she got her licensing and began competing in Junior Dragster at Heathcote Park Raceway in Victoria, Australia[4][5]. She continued racing in that category until she was almost 17, building the foundation for what would become a serious racing career[6].

Ambruosi Racing is a passionate father-daughter operation, and Monique races alongside her dad at events throughout Australia in the National Drag Racing Championship series[7][8]. The team runs a successful engine building and fabrication shop in Melbourne, Victoria, where Monique works full-time as a metal fabricator and welder[9][10]. She handles everything from exhaust systems to tubing cars and chassis work—basically, if it involves metal and precision, she’s your girl[11].

OTHER INTERESTS

When she’s not tearing down the track or torch-in-hand in the shop, Monique runs her own graphic design company called MA Infinite Designs[12][13]. It’s a testament to her multi-faceted skill set—she’s as comfortable with a computer mouse as she is with a welding torch. Her ability to balance design work, fabrication, and racing showcases a work ethic that’s rare and impressive[14]. She’s also built a substantial social media following of over 270,000 people, which has opened doors to partnerships with major brands like FuelTech USA, SS Custom Engineering, SP Tools, and Lincoln Electric[15][16].

EARLY SUCCESS

After aging out of Junior Dragster, Monique stepped up to the big leagues. She now drives the Ambruosi Racing Modified Dragster, a machine equipped with a 355 Holden engine and a 550 FuelTech Engine Control Unit[17]. Once her Comp dragster was rebuilt with this setup, she completed her licensing process at Heathcote Park Raceway[18]. “The moment we fired the car up in the water box” marked the beginning of her official run in Modified competition[19]. Meanwhile, her father Robert has also found success—he finished third in the championship during the 2017-18 race season and took his first final win at the opening of the 2018-19 season[20]. The Ambruosi Racing team expanded back into a two-car operation, with Monique now holding her own seat[21].

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2024: Named to the Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30 list, recognizing her as one of the sport’s brightest young talents[22].
• 2024: U.S. visa officially approved, clearing the way for her relocation and competition in the United States after six months of paperwork and uncertainty[23][24].
• Ongoing: Competes in the IHRA 400 Thunder Drag Racing Series and the Aeroflow National Championship in Australia[25][26].

INSPIRATIONS

Monique’s biggest inspiration is her father, Robert, whose own racing career in Top Doorslammer laid the groundwork for the family’s motorsports legacy[27]. Racing alongside him has shaped not just her driving style, but her entire approach to the sport. Beyond her immediate family, she’s motivated by the opportunity to be a role model for younger racers—she encourages everyone she meets to follow their dreams, be kind, and stay true to themselves[28]. In a sport still dominated by men, she’s carving out space not just for herself, but for the next generation of female racers.

REPUTATION

At just 24 years old, Monique wears many hats—driver, fabricator, designer, influencer—and she wears them all well[29]. She’s known for her dedication, her multi-talented approach to motorsports, and her genuine enthusiasm for the sport. Her social media presence has made her a recognizable face in drag racing, and her networking efforts are relentless—everywhere you look, she’s building connections and expanding her profile[30]. She’s excited about the future of drag racing under the new National Drag Racing Championship and is actively shooting for a championship title within the series[31]. Her story resonates because she’s not just racing—she’s building something, hands-on, from the ground up.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

With her U.S. visa secured and relocation finalized, Monique is officially ready to compete in the United States[32][33]. This move represents years of planning, setbacks, and determination. She’s partnered with major brands like FuelTech USA and Lincoln Electric to support her American racing campaign[34]. The goal is simple: take everything she’s learned in Australia and prove herself on the international stage. It’s a bold move, but if there’s one thing Monique Ambruosi has shown, it’s that she doesn’t do anything halfway.

REFERENCES

[1] Ambruosi Racing: HOME
[2] Australian Racer Monique Ambruosi to Relocate, Compete in United States
[3] DI 30 Under 30 2024: Monique Ambruosi
[4] DI 30 Under 30 2024: Monique Ambruosi
[5] DI 30 Under 30 2024: Monique Ambruosi
[6] MONIQUE AMBRUOSI
[7] DI 30 Under 30 2024: Monique Ambruosi
[8] Ambruosi Racing: HOME
[9] Ambruosi Racing: HOME
[10] Shining a light on Monique Ambruosi #welding
[11] MONIQUE AMBRUOSI
[12] Shining a light on Monique Ambruosi #welding
[13] Monique Ambruosi (MA Infinite Design) – Pario Magazine
[14] Monique Ambruosi (MA Infinite Design) – Pario Magazine
[15] Australian Racer Monique Ambruosi to Relocate, Compete in United States
[16] Monique Ambruosi – YouTube
[17] Drag Illustrated Issue 191, November / December 2024
[18] Drag Illustrated Issue 191, November / December 2024
[19] DI 30 Under 30 2024: Monique Ambruosi
[20] Ambruosi Racing: HOME
[21] Ambruosi Racing: HOME
[22] DI 30 Under 30 2024: Monique Ambruosi
[23] Australian Racer Monique Ambruosi to Relocate, Compete in United States
[24] Australian Racer Monique Ambruosi to Relocate, Compete in United States
[25] MONIQUE AMBRUOSI
[26] Epic sportsman show with the Aeroflow National Championship on the line at Dragway at The Bend
[27] Australian Racer Monique Ambruosi to Relocate, Compete in United States
[28] Drag Illustrated Issue 191, November / December 2024
[29] DI 30 Under 30 2024: Monique Ambruosi
[30] A moment with Monique Ambruosi – YouTube
[31] Super Sportsman show set to sizzle in Sydney this Saturday
[32] Australian Racer Monique Ambruosi to Relocate, Compete in United States
[33] Australian Racer Monique Ambruosi to Relocate, Compete in United States
[34] Australian Racer Monique Ambruosi to Relocate, Compete in United States