They feel the need, the need for speed – and not just for getting a sales contract across the line in record time.
From enduro dirt bike racing to building and racing go karts, these five Aussie real estate agents live life in the fast lane – both professionally and privately. They are also the first to admit they wouldn’t have it any other way.
Find out why they love racing and what their advise is to people looking to turn into speed demons.
PHOEBE MEADS, RAY WHITE COMMERCIAL, GOLD COAST, QLD
An experienced team manager in commercial property management, Phoebe Meads comes with a proven track record in real estate. However, unbeknown to many of her clients, she’s also an established enduro racer who grew up in a motorbike obsessed family.
“My whole family – mum, dad, and brother – ride motorcycles, so I was always around them,” she said.
“I remember going to one of my brother’s Supermoto races and seeing some women on the track. I thought, “I wish I could give that a go.” My brother just said, “Why don’t you?” So, a few weeks later, I got my first bike and jumped in.”
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Queenslander Phoebe Meads is an experienced enduro racer.
She says she got her love for the sport from her family.
Ms Meads said she particularly enjoyed the many friendships she’s made along the way, and the feeling of just being in the moment when I’m riding.
“It’s all about focusing on the next corner and nothing else,” she says.
“Plus, when you’re out on the trails or doing enduro, you can come across some seriously epic views.
“Getting on the podium with my sister-in-law a couple of times has (also) been the best.”
Her tip for beginners or people who might want to give racing a go? Find a good bike shop!
“They usually know the best spots to ride, the cool events, and what gear you’ll need,” Ms Meads said.
“Or, just post in a local club or riding group on Facebook—people are super helpful.
“Also, learn how to maintain your bike; the handbook and YouTube are your best friends for that.”
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PETER DIAMANTIDIS, RAY WHITE DIAMANTIDIS GROUP, NSW
Peter Diamantidis is no stranger to hard work, having worked in real estate since the age of 15. His work ethic has seen him ranked in the top 50 agents throughout Australia five-years-running but it is his love for motorsport that helps him maintain a work-life balance.
“Around 2020 I was invited to a few race days then I decided to buy a car to race on the track,” he says.
“I now race a Porsche GT4 RS but previous to that was a Lamborghini Performante.”
He says racing cars comes with plenty of perks, including travelling around Australia for different events.
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Peter Diamantidis in his Porsche GT4 RS.
His crowning achievement to date, however, was racing at Albert Park in 2022 on the week of the Grand Prix.
For people looking to take up racing, Mr Diamantidis recommends the following: “Get a lot of one-on-one training prior to going on the track and don’t be a hero, follow your lines and you will have great race times.”
DARREN DOWD, RAY WHITE BAULKHAM HILLS, NSW
Ranked within the top three per cent of the Ray White Group in the country, Principal of Ray White Baulkham Hills Darren Dowd is undoubtedly one of the best.
But when he’s not busy helping his clients sell or buy a home, he’s revving it up on the racetrack.
“I grew up in a family of motorsport enthusiasts and spent most weekends at race tracks. I have been racing karts for around 14 years,” he says.
“Spending time with my mates, always working out how to go faster and the adrenaline of course is (what I love most about it).
“Finishing on the podium is also always an achievement (as is) travelling to interstate race meetings with my fellow karters is exciting.”
Darren Dowd is an established Go Karter.
His tips for beginners wanting to Go Karting a go?
“You have to obtain a karting licence to drive a kart as they travel up to 170kph,” he says.
“It is very expensive compared to other hobbies, but that said, buying a used kart to start with is a much cheaper option.”
EDDY PIDDINGTON, RAY WHITE NORTHERN BEACHES, NSW
On week days, Eddie Piddington is all about work as one of the top agents on the Northern Beaches.
But on weekends, the experienced sales agent races a Porsche 911 GT3, which has been converted into a one seat race car that can no longer be registered for road use.
“I have been into cars since a young age and only found my love for the track two years ago,” he says.
“It’s such an adrenaline rush. Once you get a taste you get hooked.”
Mr Diamantidis says the thrill of going out and pushing the car – and his own mental capacity – to the limit is what he loves most about his unique hobby.
“For every millisecond you are on the edge and one small mistake can be very costly both financially and from an injury level.”
Eddie Piddington in his converted Porsche 911 GT3.
For those wanting to give racing a go, Mr Piddington says: “Just do it!”
His tips for beginners or people wanting to give racing a go? Just do it.
“There are so many events and opportunities to try the track,” Mr Diamantidis says.
“The community and people involved are all so nice and accommodating and inspiring from a skill level and from a business level. I have made some great mates and mentors at the track.”
Mr Mr Diamantidis ads that there was also plenty of crossover in skillset between racing and real estate.
“I think in real estate we are always pushing to be better and to be number one,” he says.
“On the track it’s exactly the same. One small mistake and it’s over on the track just like in the living room when trying to win a listing.
Also the thrill of driving and finishing in first place is similar to a listing presentation. You have to be dialled and give it 200 per cent.
“If you nail it you win, if you don’t you lose. There are no prizes for second place.”
CRISTINE JONES, RAY WHITE FERNTREE GULLY, VIC
The mechanic turned racing queen began her career in a very different industry to where she is now.
After finishing high school in 1975, she was inspired by her engineer dad and their time together tinkering with old cars.
It wasn’t easy to find someone to take a woman on as an apprentice at the time but she finally found a job with a mechanic shop in Armadale.
Today she has set up her dream garage and still makes time to work on her latest project as her “ time out go-to”.
There are very few Aussie racing tracks Ray White Ferntree Gully agent Cristine Jones hasn’t taken on in her 1927 Austin Supercharged Racer.
She says the smell of oil and AVgas fuel was the Chanel No.5 of motoring.
“There is just something about the smell of oil and AVgas fuel, I call it the Chanel No.5 of motoring,” she said.
“I never imagined it was going to be so hard to get a job offer as a female motor mechanic, however after a lot of persistence, many cold calls and the media picking up on my story I started and did my motor mechanic apprenticeship with John Ould Motors in Armadale, Victoria.”
Her most memorable experiences were teaching her kids to work on cars and watching them develop a similar passion and of course when she was invited to do the 1/4 mile in a rare machine, The Famous 1951 Twin-Fuselage Tarf on the Fremantle Docklands.
