Steve Read is a man who has done it all in Drag Racing - and isn't done yet!

In a racing career that spans 57 years and 23 Championships, the Englishman - who now calls Ipswich, Queensland home - is a popular figure within Australian and European Drag Racing circles.

Aptly nicknamed 'The Pom' when he first began racing in Australia, Read's pragmatic, friendly personality is a unique characteristic that draws in race fans of multiple generations. 

A retired businessman, Read ran England's largest tree surgery business until 1992, before selling his stake and moving to Australia, where he built an interstate logistics business. 

Speaking of 1992 - Read achieved something remarkable for any drag racer. 

He ran on 3 different continents with the same car, his Bob Meyer-built Top Alcohol Dragster. Read achieved Europe's first Top Alcohol Dragster 5-second pass, then took his car across to the USA to compete in the final 3 events of the NHRA professional season, culminating in a Runner-Up finish at the World Finals at Pomona, California. 

2 days later, Steve would have the same dragster at the Port of Long Beach, ready for it's biggest challenge (and new life). He was headed for Australia. Read would debut at the 1992 Australian Drag Racing Grand Finals at Eastern Creek, NSW.

Read would race in Top Alcohol until 1995 when Top Fuel team owner, Santo Rapisarda would offer him the seat of his newly-landed ex-McDonalds NHRA Top Fuel car. 

Steve Read last competed in Top Fuel Dragster in 2016 before taking a well-deserved break from the world of Professional Drag Racing.

In late-2023, Read announced his comeback to racing - much to the delight of Australian Drag Racing fans.

In November 2025, Read would score a spectacular B-Final win at the Nitro Nationals in Sydney. With a new crew learning on every pass, the win was a huge morale boost.

2026 has continued to show steady progress for the Ipswich, Queensland team, with a personal best ET to the 1000ft of 4.07. 
 

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