Karnage in the Kanefields: Schaper family’s one-of-a-kind car takes out ‘most outstanding’

Three generations of Schaper’s returned to the family’s hometown of Mackay for a drag racing event, and tasted success. Discover their incredible story.

The Schaper family’s 1957 Chevy Ute is well known among drag racing circles, and with good reason.

Its slick body, gleaming paint, and smooth shape is one-of-a-kind. Literally.

And it was rewarded over the weekend, taking out the ‘Most Outstanding Radial Renegade’ title at the Kenda Tires 660 Drag Radial Series Karnage in the Kanefields event, an award given to the best car.

“We actually had to build it,” Tony Schaper said of his family’s eye-catching masterpiece.

The car started as an FB EK Holden ute and, through years of hard work, was moulded and rebuilt into the ‘57 Chevy that can be seen today.

“It’s a one off, everyone around drag racing knows it, it’s been around for 23 or 24 years now,” Tony said.

On the track, the weekend did not plan out as hoped, with the Schapers failing to qualify for the finals, but it did not detract from Tony’s experience.

Christopher Schaper stepping into the family's one-of-a-kind 1957 Chevy. Picture: Supplied.

“We had an outstanding weekend,” he said.

“We learnt a lot, had a couple of people teaching us. There was a bloke one of the other teams flew out, he came over and was helping us and taught us a lot.

“We were really happy with the outcome of it really.”

Where the passion began

Tony Schaper, a born and bred Mackay man, now resides on the Gold Coast but was thrilled to return to his hometown with son and grandson in tow.

“It means a lot,” he said.

His love for drag racing was founded many moons ago, watching his brother race TQs.

“I don’t know how or why I got so involved, but I did,” Schaper, who started racing in the 1970s and is now aged 66, recalls.

The passion passed down generations, first to son Michael, and then grandson Christopher, although a lighthearted side of Tony wishes it hadn’t.

The three generations of Schaper’s: Michael, Tony, and Christopher. Picture: Supplied.

“I’d hoped I’d got out of racing early enough before my kids would realise, but it didn’t happen,” he laughed.

“Let’s put it this way, it leaves your back pocket very empty.

“My daughter and son drag-raced, my grandson the day he turned eight started drag racing as well. Now he’s kicked his dad out of the seat and he’s driving.”

While Christopher did not win the title event at Karnage on the Kanefields, the family did pocket a handy $500 for their car’s award.

“There’s a few trophies there on our shelf through father and son,” Tony said.

“I’m proud of my kids and it’s good to see they have such an interest in sport.

“With the achievements they’ve got, what else can I say?”