Melbourne-based Alexandra, who was born in Orange, is a category administrator for the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, and is currently working up at Mount Panorama to ensure the race runs smoothly.

Ms Zylstra’s grandfather, Peter Zylstra, was involved with the 12 Hour and V8 Supercars for many years, which resulted in motor sport becoming just as much a part of his granddaughter’s life as his own.

“My grandfather and my mother have been involved since my mum was a little girl,” the 24-year-old said.

“My grandfather was known as an official here in Bathurst

“It’s been all I’ve known for about the past 15 years.”

After growing up around race tracks most of her life, it was a natural move for Ms Zylstra to continue the family tradition and stay with the 12 Hour, and motor sport in general.

“This is my fifth year by myself, but I actually started with my mother back in 2008,” she said.

“I’m the liaison between all the teams, the officials and the promoter.”

Included in Ms Zylstra’s duties for the 12 Hour festival this year, are arranging visas for international teams, booking accommodation, organising garages for each team and ensuring all cars have the appropriate stickers.

Such a role requires constant contact with the professional drivers and the teams they travel with.

Sometimes there can be language barriers, mainly with the support crews of the international drivers, but Ms Zylstra knows how to make sure there is an understanding between herself and them. 

“You always find a way around it,” she explained.

“I have a slight knowledge of a couple of languages ... it is just about being patient.”

Ms Zylstra has been lucky to meet a wealth of famous drivers, including Mika Salo and Rick Kelly, but said she does not back a particular team, although said it is natural to develop close friendships.

“I don’t have any soft spots for any one team, but they’ve all got a place in my heart,” she said. “It is nice to work with them, and I’m happy to say I’m personal friends with many of the drivers.”

Despite having met so many drivers during her years, one remains a favourite.

One of the drivers she had the pleasure of meeting was the King of the Mountain.

“I remember growing up meeting Peter Brock,” Ms Zylstra said. “I got to watch the race from the top of his truck.”

But, motor racing is a male dominated sport. From the drivers to the officials to the support teams, a clear majority of those involved in the 12 Hour are men.

Despite V8 Supercar driver David Reynolds’ sexist comment towards the only all-female driving team in last year’s Bathurst 1000, Ms Zylstra she had not experienced any sexist behaviour or comments.

“I don’t think the sex really comes into it as much as competency and my rapport with people,” Ms Zylstra said. “It is all about give and take.”

Ms Zylstra has been in Bathurst since last Sunday night and will remain until the 12 Hour wraps up. 

She said that Mount Panorama was an incredible track and was part of why the event is one of her favourite on the calendar.

“All the drivers love coming here,” Ms Zylstra said.

“It’s fast, it’s technical, it’s scary and the weather is unpredictable and the speed changes.

“There are so many factors that go into making it a good track.” 

The major event of the 12 Hour festival will be held tomorrow from 5.45am and see the best drivers from Australia and the world go head-to-head in a gruelling endurance race.