DRAG racing fanatics have defended their high-octane sport after an eight-year-old girl was critically injured when the machine she was driving crashed at the Perth Motorplex at Kwinana Beach.

The devastated family of the girl were last night with her at Princess Margaret Hospital as doctors tried to save her life.

It is believed the girl, who turned eight on Thursday, lost control of her dragster just before 2pm yesterday and slammed into a wall near an exit gate.

The impact was so great she had to be revived at the crash scene by paramedics who were on duty at the event.

An ambulance spokesman said she was taken to Rockingham Hospital before being transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital late yesterday afternoon in a critical condition.

media_camera Those who witnessed the incident comfort each other outside Princess Margaret Hospital.

Scores of friends and well-wishers posted their prayers and messages of love and support for the family on her father's Facebook page.

It is believed the girl was attempting to do a solo drive, which is required for young drag racers wanting to be licensed and then compete in future events.

VenuesWest confirmed that no other vehicles were involved and that it was helping WA Police investigate the incident.

The girl comes from a drag racing family and their Facebook page has numerous videos and posts of the young girl in and around drag cars.

She had her own purple dragster, with the words “Pony Power” on the sides and a picture of the Rainbow Dash character from My Little Pony. The dragster was powered by a 210cc engine.

One video shows the girl practising her drag starts out of the family’s garage under the watchful eye of her father.

media_camera Spectators wait outside the gates. Picture: Trevor Collens

Perth Motorplex suspended racing after the crash, but reopened the track after 5pm.

Mike Sprlyan, of Junior Dragster Australia, said it was not unusual for an eight-year-old to get behind the wheel.

He said competitors in junior drag racing ranged in age from 8 to 17 and were placed in three classes depending on experience.

The beginners drive what are known as “tin pots” that can reach top speeds of 40-50km/h, he said.

“We thank all patrons and participants for their patience and understanding. Our thoughts are with the driver and family,” a statement from Motorplex said.

Originally published as Young girl critical after Motorplex crash