No stopping Anna, the speed queen rookie

IN another life, Anna Stapleton (24) could probably have been a ‘Bond girl’. Or maybe a female version of 007, such is her penchant for what most would deem ‘dangerous thrills’.

She appears afraid of nothing, and loves a challenge.

Proof of this is her performance at a KZN Motor Racing Club drag racing event in Mtubatuba recently, where, as a rookie racer, she finished second in her class (6A) and was the third best women competitor overall.

She shot down the track in a Rotary powered Nissan Champ, normally aspirated. Not bad for a first attempt.

Anna is dating Marco Yannikakis. He and his father Terry are heavily involved in drag racing and attend events on almost a monthly basis.

“I have always attended as a keen supporter but recently was offered a chance to learn about cars and their mechanics, and thus take part in the sport myself,” she said.

Needless to say, she did not hesitate at the opportunity.

“The only condition was that I had to be involved in all the dirty work, too,” she laughed.

She’s not sure yet just how fast she has travelled. “It’s difficult to say, we practice mostly with launching and takeoff and so don’t reach optimum speeds as it is too dangerous around here. I’ve only raced once and unfortunately have not received my time sheet yet,” she said.

She admitted to some pre-race nerves, but it was probably more excitement than anything else.

“This event was my first time and, on the day, approaching the start line the adrenaline was indeed pumping! However, the organisers were most accommodating to ‘newbies’ and really helped calm me down and got me to focus,” she smiled.

Anna has built up quite a reputation on the South Coast due to her involvement in fishing and modelling, but said this was way more fun.

“There’s no comparison. As soon as the helmet is on, all you can hear is the engine and your heart beat! It’s absolutely thrilling. When you reach the finish line, all you want is to go again, to do better, be faster!” she enthused.

She pretty much blames her boyfriend and his dad for getting her involved in racing.

“They are the reason I am involved. Both are so supportive, encouraging and patient – I ask endless questions about the cars. Marco’s mum, Rene cooks dinner for us on the evenings that we work on the cars and always attends the racing and supports the guys as well as me now!” she said.

“I love taking part in new sports, and has tried horse riding, soccer, fishing, running, snorkelling, cycling and hiking,” she explained.

Not surprisingly, she’s also something of an adrenaline junkie, and has had a go at the Oribi swing, Lake Eland zip-line, and white water river rafting.

“The Moses Mabhida arch jump is on the cards for next year,” she said. “I love the edge, exhilaration and excitement. But racing is a totally different ball game as you are ultimately in control of all of that power, it’s madness,” she exclaimed.