Bobbie Stevens' journey with her DATS'ON 120Y sedan is a testament to the transformative power of burnout racing. What began as a means to cope with personal struggles has evolved into a thrilling adventure that has not only reshaped the car but also the driver behind the wheel. This is a story of resilience, passion, and the unexpected ways in which motorsport can become a catalyst for personal growth and empowerment.
A Personal Transformation
Bobbie's story starts with a challenging period as a single mother grappling with severe mental health issues. The introduction of her husband, Karl, and the establishment of their blended family brought a new sense of stability and joy. Together, they embarked on a new venture, starting their own workshop, Primary Mechanical Repairs, which soon became a hub for their shared passion for motorsport.
The couple's initial foray into drag racing with Karl's '92 VP Commodore laid the foundation for Bobbie's future in burnout racing. Karl's suggestion that she might want a hobby of her own led to her first burnout experience, and she was hooked. The old VP Commodore, with its welded diff, became her first love, and she fell head over heels for the thrill of sending it flat out.
Building the Dream Machine
The desire to build her own car, a 1974 Datsun 120Y, was driven by her love for the car's shape and the challenge of fitting a powerful engine into a compact package. The initial setup, featuring a turbocharged Barra engine and a factory-style BTR transmission, was a unique choice in the burnout world, and it immediately grabbed attention. As Bobbie's confidence grew, so did her car's performance, and it began competing in Pros and Blown classes against more established builds.
However, the car's success came with challenges. The weak links in the initial setup became apparent, and a major wake-up call came during the Tropical Meltdown in 2023 when the gearbox failed spectacularly. This led to a crucial decision to switch to a two-speed Powerglide transmission, a staple in serious burnout builds, and a more robust setup for the Barra engine, which was now running on E85 and methanol injection.
The Evolution of Power and Personality
The team's efforts to push the car's performance further led to another significant change. The Barra engine, despite its success, was retired in favor of a more powerful 6.0-liter L98 V8 topped with a BDS 6/71 supercharger, still backed by the Powerglide transmission. This new combination transformed the car's personality, offering instant throttle response, brutal wheel speed, and the unmistakable scream of a roots blower, perfect for the Pro Burnouts category.
Bobbie emphasizes that Pro Burnouts are far more technical than many people realize. It's not just about holding it flat and making smoke; it's about constant management of wheel speed, throttle control, engine temps, track position, and tyre wear while adrenaline levels are through the roof. This controlled chaos is what keeps her coming back to the sport.
A Platform for Empowerment
Beyond the thrill of the race, Bobbie's journey has become a platform for empowerment, especially for women. She hopes that being a familiar face on the burnout pad will inspire more women to get involved in the sport. Despite the fear and uncertainty that come with being on the line, the moment she puts her foot down and starts her burnout, all that fear disappears, leaving behind a feeling of pure magic.
Bobbie's passion for burnout racing has not only enhanced her confidence and strength but has also significantly improved her mental health. She believes that the sport has given her the chance to show her daughters that girls can do it too, challenging societal norms and inspiring others to embrace their fears and find their own magic in the chaos of burnout racing.
The Future is Bright
As Bobbie prepares to unleash her car's latest evolution at Rockynats, she embodies the spirit of resilience and passion that has defined her journey. Every event is an opportunity to refine the car, sharpen her driving skills, and push deeper into the sport she loves. The support of her fans and the sense of community she finds in the burnout racing world are integral parts of her success.
Bobbie's story is a testament to the transformative power of burnout racing, where personal struggles can become fuel for success, and a passion for cars can become a platform for empowerment and self-discovery. As she continues to push the boundaries of what's possible, she inspires others to embrace their fears and find their own magic in the chaos of the burnout pad.
