Bay Tyre & Automotive Proudly Supports Steve & Kerrie Racing
At Bay Tyre & Automotive, we are proud to support good local families who are passionate about motorsport and work hard to compete alongside the big-budget teams. Steve and Kerrie Cini’s journey with their iconic 1973 Ford Falcon XB Hardtop is a story of family, dedication, friendship and a lifelong love of horsepower. We’re pleased to share part of their journey with our customers and celebrate the commitment it takes to keep a grassroots racing team performing both on and off the track.
A Lifetime of Horsepower, Family and Fast Times
Some cars come and go. Others become part of the family.
For Steve Cini, his 1973 Ford Falcon XB Hardtop has been much more than a car. It has been a lifelong passion, a drag racing weapon, a family adventure machine and a source of countless memories spanning more than three decades
The story began in 1989 when Steve purchased the XB as a daily driver at just 19 years of age. Like many young enthusiasts, he loved the iconic Australian muscle car, but at the time it was simply his transport. As the years passed and the Falcon began showing signs that it needed a major overhaul, Steve decided this was the perfect opportunity to build the car he had always dreamed about.
The original colour was retired in favour of a stunning Metallic Cobalt Blue finish, giving the hardtop a striking appearance that still turns heads today. More importantly, the transformation marked the beginning of Steve's ambition to create a genuine drag car
From Street Car to Serious Drag Car
In the early days at the heart of the XB sits a blown 460 cubic inch engine which ran a carburettor setup. The combination delivered serious horsepower while maintaining the classic mechanical character that Steve has always loved. From the beginning, his vision was simple—build a tough blown Falcon that could be driven on the street, raced at the track and proudly displayed at car shows.
Throughout the 1990s the Falcon became a regular sight at Brisbane Hot Rod events and various car shows around Queensland. In 1996 the XB was featured in Street Heat Magazine and it’s Calendar which was a great recognition for Steve’s dedication and a dream come true. Another highlight of that year was when Steve, accompanied by his wife Kerrie—and a group of friends, towed the XB to Canberra for Summernats.
The trip remains one of Steve's favourite memories. Summernats was an incredible experience, cruising with like-minded people, seeing some of Australia's best cars and being part of such a huge event really reinforced why we loved the car scene. And we came 2nd Runner Up in the Stereo Soundoff which really put a smile on all our faces.
A Car That Became Part of the Family
As the years rolled on and family life became the priority, the XB remained at the centre of many adventures. Rather than slowing down, the Falcon became a way for Steve and Kerrie to share their passion with their children and friends. Events such as Powercruise, Lakeside Park, Chrome Bumper Days and All Aussie Days created countless opportunities to spend quality time together. Cruising lap after lap with family and friends became just as rewarding as the car itself.
In more recent years, Steve's focus has shifted increasingly toward drag racing at Willowbank Raceway. Like any successful race car, the XB has undergone continuous development and refinement. Countless hours by Steve who could always text and Andrew, and Darren would appear in the workshop when needed, numerous upgrades and ongoing modifications have steadily improved the Falcon's performance.
The hard work has paid off.
Today the blown hardtop has recorded impressive personal bests of 8.60 seconds over the quarter mile and 5.50 seconds over the eighth mile at Dragfest. Those achievements represent years of dedication, testing and perseverance. The ultimate reward arrived in 2025 when Steve achieved his first major drag racing event win—a milestone that validated decades of commitment to the sport and the car.
The People Behind the Race Car
Behind every successful race car is a strong support network, and Steve & Kerrie would like to acknowledge those who have helped along the journey. A special thank you goes to Tony at Bay Tyre & Automotive, whose ongoing support with wheel alignments has helped keep the Falcon performing at its best both on the street and at the track.
Steve & Kerrie would also like to sincerely thank and acknowledge Andrew, Darren and our son Jayden, who have played important roles in helping keep the Falcon performing at its best through expert technical and hands on support both at the track and behind the scenes.
The XB Today
Today the XB Hardtop is powered by a blown 530 cubic inch engine featuring a fourbolt main block, diamond forged pistons, SCJ aluminium cylinder heads, a 10/71 supercharger and enderle mechanical fuel injection. Power is delivered through a rollerised C6 transmission fitted with a Frank Merkle transbrake and transferred to a full- floating nine-inch differential with 40 spline axles.
Supported by AFCO shocks, Wilwood brakes, Racepak data logging and a six-point chrome moly roll cage, the XB continues to evolve as a serious drag car.
For Steve and Kerrie, however, the Falcon represents far more than quarter-mile times and horsepower figures. It is the result of decades of passion, hard work and the support of family and friends. It is a car that has grown alongside their family, travelled across Australia and created memories that will last a lifetime.
Follow Steve & Kerrie Racing and keep up with their latest racing adventures on Facebook.