Keeping It In The Family.
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
The Dymond family, of whom have made Penrite Oil the success it is today, have always been about grass motorsport. They are motorsport people, through and through. After all, John Dymond actually purchased Penrite in 1979 to primarily fund his motorsport obsession!
Working with Penrite closely, you see very quickly that they are a different breed. They are warm, friendly, family orientated, and this is evident in many aspects of their business from the inside out. They champion the little guy and the Aussie spirit whenever they can, no matter how big and successful their business is. They have never forgotten where they came
from.
And the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree with daughter Samantha Dymond. We caught up with her ahead of this years’ Phillip Island Penrite 100 Classic.
“I received my CAMs licence back in 1999, after spending many years watching my brother's race cars and motorbikes. I
thought “one day I would like to give this car racing a go”. Dad, of course, was very excited and happy.
I have driven a few cars over the years ; Formula Ford, Elfin Clubman, AC Ace. But my favourite is the Lola.
My late brother Mark drove the Lola and one day sitting at the back of the pits at Sandown, I asked Mark out of all the cars he had driven what was his favourite?
Mark said the Lola and if I was ever lucky enough to drive her one day I would know why. And Mark was right, the Lola is a beautiful old school race car, very pretty to look at and holds a very special place in my heart.
My most memorable Trophy won was the Mark Dymond Trophy, given to the winner at Winton short track.
I had been trying to win that Trophy for ten years. I came 2nd many times and finally my turn was in 2019. It was a very emotional and special day for me.
I've also won the Diana Davison/Gaze award and was also lucky to have the lady herself present the award one year. A remarkable Lady who was truly a ground breaker for women in motorsport.
Other hobbies - I love horse riding, bike riding and hanging out with my 13-year old daughter Hayley who also rides horses.
Growing up in a very male dominated world I hope I have shown my daughter or other women that women cannot only participate in motor sport, but also be damn competitive!”
Samantha will this weekend be driving the 1960 Mk1 Lola that is part of the Penrite Family’s collection of road and race cars.
In fact this weekend, Penrite will also be displaying a large number of cars from their Lane 88 museum. The display will be located behind the pit area during the three days. Some of the cars on display include:
1924 Vauxhall 30-98
1959 Triumph TR3
1951 Aston Marting DB4
1969 Aston Martin DBS Vantage
2002 Bathurst 12 hour Mercedes AMG GT R
Be sure to step back in time at this weekend's Phillip Island Penrite 100 Classic and see this beautiful collection of cars from the Lane 88 Museum, along with over 350 incredible historic racing machines.
March 13th – 15th 2026. Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Tickets available on-line or at the gate. Patrons under 17 enter free, Friday is free for all.
More information on the Lane 88 Museum can be found here.
Be There!
