Australiaās rising F1 star is redefining what young women can achieve on the track Page 9
Your one-stop cooling & thermal management partner Page 8
Learn more about new extendedrange wheel bearings from BW Page 11
Read about Christina's journey leading change in motorsport Page 4
Discover two remarkable women driving this evolution.
The automotive industry is accelerating into a new era, one powered by innovation, diversity and bold new voices. And at the heart of this shift are the women redefining whatās possible. Rev-Up Women in Automotive celebrates the leaders, creators and competitors who are not just part of the industryās future, theyāre actively shaping it.
In this issue, we spotlight two remarkable women whose journeys capture the energy and momentum of this evolution.
Christina Vithoulkas, a powerhouse known for her
resilience and determination, continues to redefine strength and leadership in the automotive world. Alongside her, Melbounite Anagnostiadis, Australiaās rising F1 Academy star, brings raw talent, precision and relentless drive to the global motorsport stage. Together, their stories highlight the passion, ambition and ingenuity pushing the industry forward on the road, in the workshop and on the racetrack. These are the role models lighting the way for the next generation and proving that automotive excellence knows no gender.
The future of automotive starts here - fierce, fast and fearlessly female.
Premium Brands. More SKUs. Greater Coverage. Over the past year, AAD has added 5,000 new SKUs, giving resellers broader coverage, faster availability, and more ways to meet customer demand. Itās not just more products - itās easier selling. From everyday service lines to high-performance hero brands like Protex, Roadsafe, BW, Alcius and Chicane to name a few, our range helps you move stock faster, fill more orders, and keep customers coming back.
Why AAD
ā¢ True full-basket coverage from one trusted supplier
ā¢ Thousands of new and expanded SKUs across key automotive categories
ā¢ Market-leading brands and also AAD hero brands to suit all your needs
ā¢ Improved national inventory depth for faster replenishment and fewer missed sales
ā¢ Simplified purchasing that reduces admin and frees up time
ā¢ Reliable quality and fitment that builds confidence at the counter
2,450+
I donāt take drifting seriously now - I take having fun seriously. ā ā
Raised on a 20-acre vineyard, Christinaās motorsport journey started long before race days. She and her twin sister spent their childhood riding four-wheelers and dirt bikes, tearing up the long farm driveway and highways that bordered the property. Growing up in a small town with limited activities, she found her own opportunities, often by creating them. Motorsports quickly became her outlet for freedom and expression.
Christinaās drift car is a reflection of grit, creativity, and problem-solving. The hours spent modifying, rebuilding, and learning the mechanics by hand taught her the meaning of resilience. It isnāt just a car, itās proof of what persistence can build.
Today, Christina drives with joy at the center of everything. Sheās not chasing trophies or titles, sheās chasing moments, memories, and a space where she can fully express herself. Drifting, for her, is pure fun: sideways, smoky, unpredictable fun.
The more serious the world around her became, the more Christina doubled down on keeping motorsport playful. Her drifting isnāt about competition, itās about connection, creativity, and carving her own line on the track.
A turning point in her journey came when a disabled person told her she was the reason they believed they could build, and drive their own car. Moments like that reminded Christina that representation isnāt just powerfulā¦ itās necessary.
Motorsport gave Christina a place where she felt understood a community of people who shared her passion and embraced her journey. That sense of belonging fuels her commitment to helping others find their place behind the wheel.
Christina sees herself becoming the role model she needed when she was in rehab. Being a woman in motorsports, and a woman who uses a wheelchair, allows her to show others whatās possible.
Her dream? To create pathways for more women and people with disabilities to enter motorsport with confidence.
Supported by
Raceworks featured at Summernats 38 from January 8ā11, at Australiaās premier horsepower festival.
The Raceworks stand hosted key sponsors and partners, with leading builders and influencers including Kyle Douglas (Luxifer) and Jay Duca (Low Standards) drawing strong crowds and high engagement.
From the City Cruise to burnout competitions and show and shine displays, Summernats delivered constant energy, reinforcing Raceworksā position within Australiaās performance and enthusiast community.
Drivers featured:
Summernats 38 By the numbers
130,000+ Attendees
3,000+ Vehicles on display
8 Key sponsors on the Raceworks stand
200,000+ Social content views
12,400+ Likes & comments
302 New followers gained
Raceworks dominated Summernats 38, engaging fans, influencers, and sponsors while showcasing its expertise at Australiaās ultimate horsepower festival.
Drum brakes may look like old technology, but theyāre becoming increasingly relevant again, especially in small EVs and light commercial vehicles. Their practicality, efficiency, and durability are driving renewed demand in key market segments.
Market Shift: Why Drums Are Back
Small EVs
ā¢ EVs rely heavily on regenerative braking.
ā¢ Mechanical brakes are used less often.
ā¢ Drums are lighter, cheaper, and more corrosion-resistant, ideal for brakes that rarely engage.
Light Commercial Vehicles:
ā¢ Known for durability and load-handling strength.
ā¢ Lower maintenance costs keep drums a workshop favourite.
Workshop Tip:
ā¢ Always replace wheel cylinders when fitting new shoes or drums.
ā¢ Old cylinders leak and wear internally
ā¢ Leaks contaminate new shoe
ā¢ Replacing together = consistent pressure + even braking + long-term reliability
Key Takeaways
ā¢ Saves labour: same teardown Easy upsell message for workshops: Shoes + Drums + Wheel Cylinders = Best Practice Fitment
Source: Oscar coverage export 5/12/25 catalogued current parts
For resellers, speed, reliability, and simplicity are everything. Thatās why Alcius is expanding its cooling and thermal management range to make sourcing easier than ever. Over 300 new part numbers have been added in the past yearāand even more are coming in 2026, including radiators and water pumps.
Why it matters:
ā¢ Streamlined Ordering: Fewer suppliers, simpler logistics, consistent quality.
ā¢ Comprehensive Coverage: Meet customer needs in one go.
ā¢ Trusted Partnership: Alcius is a reliable, long-term partner focused on continuous improvement.
For resellers, the message is clear: Alcius now offers a broader, more reliable range that simplifies stocking, sourcing, and selling.
Fast, fearless, and just getting started, Australiaās rising F1 star is redefining what young women can achieve on the track.
Early Inspiration
Aiva grew up around motorsport - her mum raced, her Nonno was a mechanic, and her dad later joined the team. At six, when her mum returned to racing, Aiva hopped into a kart and hasnāt looked back.
Every time I put on a helmet, it feels like this is where I belong. ā ā
Training & Fitness
ā¢ Gym: Strength & endurance
ā¢ Simulator: Practice & race footage analysis
ā¢ Track: Driving sessions
Racing Prep
ā¢ Engineering meetings with Hitech GP
ā¢ Telemetry reviews
ā¢ Media & sponsor duties
āIām racing for myself and representing young Australian girls who want to break into motorsport.ā
At 18, Aiva became Australiaās first F1 Academy driver. From her first kart to racing with Hitech TGR and TAG Heuer, her journey is powered by passion, focus, and determination.
Inspiration & Advice
āThereās no specific mould you need. Work hard, believe in yourself, and donāt wait for permission to chase your dream.ā
Off-track, Aiva enjoys music, cooking, and sim racing with her brother James - a fun way to challenge herself while unwinding.
Women in Motorsport
Life in F1 Academy
"Intense, competitive, and full of growth."
Every weekend is packed with engineering meetings, track sessions, fitness routines, and media duties. Injuries and tough weekends happen, but Aiva focuses on what she can control training, preparation, and mindset - to make the most of every race.
āOver the next five years, I want to establish myself as a front-running driver in singleseaters - improving, growing, and pushing myself every step of the way.ā
Her ultimate goal is Formula 1, but she emphasizes steady, achievable growth and inspiring the next generation of female racers.
āF1 Academy has created visibility and opportunity. I hope to see more competitive women in mixed-gender series and more female engineers and mechanics in the paddock. I want to be part of that shift.ā
Off-Track Fun
ā¢ Cooking & family time
ā¢ Music & friends
ā¢ Sim racing with brother James
Quick Facts
ā¢ Age: 18 | First kart: 6
ā¢ Family in racing: Mum, Dad, Brother
ā¢ Dream: Formula 1
ā¢ Motto: āWork hard, believe in yourself, and donāt wait for permission.ā
Fun Stats
20+ Training hours/week
10+ International races
Favorite track: Silverstone
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Roadsafe 4WD New Product
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Why Stock Motorgear?
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Motorgear brake pads arenāt just parts, theyāre a smart business move. Reliable, profitable, and easy to sell, they help resellers keep customers safe and coming back for more.
