Luke Wilson, who took up legal drag racing after he was partially paralysed in a road accident, said he was devastated to find his Mitsubishi Evo 7 badly smashed.

"There was glass everywhere, and the body was badly dented.

"It was one of the few times I didn't have my car locked up in the garage. I'm devastated because I've been working on this car for a good cause."

He said nothing was stolen from the car.

Mr Wilson's family has been involved with Play It Safe campaigns since 1998 after the drowning of four children, including his sister and brother, at Gunnamatta beach in Perth.

He said he decided to use the yellow, navy, and red surf life-saving colours because he wanted to raise awareness about beach drownings.

"The drag racing crowd is one of the most high-risk age groups for beach drownings, so legal drag racing events would be a good place to promote greater awareness," he said. "Not all drag racers are irresponsible, and I wanted to show this by promoting this good cause in partnership with Surf Life Saving Victoria, and getting event organisers on board."

He said the damage would cost him more than $2000 to fix. He has already spent $12,000 doing up the vehicle. "It was disturbing to think people had come onto our property in the night, while my wife and baby were sleeping, and attacked my car. I don't have enemies, I don't know why anyone would want to do this."

Mr Wilson has reported the incident to police.

Detective Senior Constable John Midson said police relied heavily on witnesses for vandal attacks.

"Unfortunately, vandalism of vehicles is very common, usually in relation to car theft. If an attack happens at night, it is unlikely there would be enough witnesses for police to pursue suspects."

Mr Wilson said he would repair his car, and complete the fit-out ready for next summer's drag racing competitions.