For more than 30 years, Premier Auto Trade (PAT) has been at the forefront of the Australian automotive aftermarket

Traditionally, PAT focused on fuel and ignition systems. However, since launching its performance division, Raceworks, a little over a decade ago, the company says it has grown into a dynamic player, offering a diverse range of products for everything from high-performance upgrades to vehicle preparation products.
Raceworks was initially launched as a performance upgrade extension to Premier Auto Trade’s product line.
Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive brand offering a vast array of products, from braided hoses and anodised fittings to fuel injectors and vehicle preparation equipment.
“We’ve doubled the product range in the last three years and are on track to double it again,” Premier Auto Trade National Sales Manager, Travis Carstens, noted with pride.
“The brand’s ability to adapt to market trends and anticipate customer needs has been instrumental in its growth.”
Raceworks’ close connection to its customers and the automotive community is one key factor driving this success.
“We work with everyone from YouTubers like Skid Factory to performance shops like Precision Racing,” Travis said.
“This direct engagement helps us develop products that suit the unique needs of our market.
“Our customer-focused approach extends beyond collaboration, and Raceworks has built a reputation for creating custom solutions to specific vehicles and engine setups.”
Travis says one of Raceworks’ key strengths is its unwavering commitment to quality.
“We’re not trying to be the cheapest on the market. Instead, we focus on delivering products that perform exceptionally well and are priced competitively,” he stated.
“Every product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets our high standards.”
This focus on quality extends to a commitment to innovation, with Raceworks constantly developing new products to meet the needs of an evolving market.

“Whether it is creating bespoke components for unique engine swaps or expanding our silicone and aluminium tubing range, we’re always working on something new,” Travis explained.
“For instance, LS engines remain hugely popular, but we’re also seeing increased interest in K20 swaps, and we’re building out our range to cater to this trend.”
Raceworks has built a loyal following among automotive enthusiasts, with Travis recounting a memorable moment at Summernats, where a customer shared feedback about the brand’s reliability.
“He told us that after using 300 litres of methanol, torching seven sets of tyres on Skid Row, and completing over 25 laps of the cruise route, the only time he needed a spanner was for an oil change. Hearing that makes all the hard work worthwhile,” Travis said.
While Raceworks’ products are its backbone, the people behind the brand are its soul. Travis quickly credits the company’s success to its dedicated team.
“Our customer service and product teams are incredible. They’re passionate, knowledgeable, and always willing to go the extra mile. Their support allows me to focus on growing the brand and meeting customer needs,” he said.
Premier Auto Trade and Raceworks are known for their collaborative culture. Despite being part of a larger corporate structure, the company has maintained a close-knit, family-like atmosphere.
“It is a great environment to work in,” Travis remarked.
“The team’s passion for cars mirrors my own, and that shared enthusiasm drives us to achieve great things.”
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Raceworks is positioning itself to stay ahead of the game.
While electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid technologies are gaining traction, Travis remains confident that traditional performance cars will remain a vital part of the market.
“Old-school cars aren’t going anywhere,” Travis said.
“There’s a timeless appeal to these vehicles, and we’ll continue to support enthusiasts with the parts they need.”

At the same time, Raceworks is investing in the future by exploring opportunities in new technologies.
“We’re working on solutions for modern vehicles and staying ahead of the curve in terms of innovation.
“The automotive world is changing rapidly, and we’re excited to be part of that journey.”
Travis asserts that Raceworks’ success is a testament to its ability to combine innovation, quality, and a deep connection to its community.
He says the brand has become a trusted name in the automotive aftermarket, earning a reputation for reliability and excellence.
From supporting grassroots car enthusiasts to working with professional racers, Travis says Raceworks is helping shape the industry’s future.
“Our goal is to ensure every customer gets the right parts for their build. Whether it’s a DIY project or a full-scale race car, we’re here to help them achieve their vision,” he said.
Raceworks prides itself on fostering a culture of support and collaboration, which informs its engagement with the broader industry.
“As a member of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the company takes pride in being part of a community that celebrates excellence and innovation,” Travis explains.
“The AAAA connects us with the best in the industry and helps us showcase what we’re capable of. It’s been invaluable for our growth.”
Travis leads the sales team at PAT with the experience of a 25-plus year career in the Australian automotive aftermarket behind him.
Born in Melbourne before moving to Campbelltown, Sydney, at an early age, some of Travis’s earliest and most treasured memories revolve around the time he spent in and around his father’s mechanical workshop.
“I was changing brake pads at 10 and spending weekends around tools and engines,” Travis recalled. “It ignited my passion for cars that still burn as strong as ever today.”

As a youngster, Travis aspired to a career in architecture. While still in school, he jumped at the opportunity to work part-time at the local Autobarn, after which he quickly realised his true calling lay in the automotive industry.
“I learnt a lot at Autobarn,” Travis said. “During my time there, I progressed my remit to the point where I managed car audio across multiple locations, which was the perfect foundation for my next role as a sales rep at Clarion Car Audio.”
After successful stints at Clarion Car Audio and Tridon, where Travis honed his craft and gained invaluable industry experience, he joined Premier Auto Trade in 2021.
“My time at Tridon was invaluable,” Travis said. “I was lucky enough to be part of a fantastic team, many of whom I’m still in contact with today.”
Applying his experience, knowledge, dedication, and passion, it didn’t take long for Travis to rise through the ranks at PAT and secure a leadership position.
Travis’s passion for the automotive aftermarket industry is evident in everything he does. Whether it is helping customers build their dream cars or exploring new product opportunities, he approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and dedication.
“I treat my job as if I own the business,” he says.
“I put everything into it, and I think that passion shows in what we do.”
When asked for his advice for others in the industry, Travis had the following to say.
“Staying true to yourself and being honest has always been my mantra. This industry is tight-knit, and relationships matter. If you focus on doing the right thing and earning your place through merit, success follows,” he said.
“The best advice my old man ever gave me was a day you don’t learn anything new is a day you’ve wasted. I grabbed onto this little nugget of gold early on, and it continues to serve me well to this day.”

To learn more about Raceworks, visit www.premierautotrade.com.au