Big Al Stainer 1950-2008
It takes a very special human being to leave so many people with such a powerful impression, that they name an event after them. Al Stainer was one such person. One of the driving forces behind the quest for land and funding for a drag strip in Alice Springs, Al worked tirelessly to make the dream of Alice Springs Inland Dragway a reality.
His commitment to the sport of Drag Racing and to the Central Australian Drag Racing Association was second to none. He could always be found at working bees, out seeking sponsorship and generally boosting morale – and always wearing his trademark Top Hat.
Thanks to his great efforts, drag racing has a permanent home in Alice Springs and the racers and fans are loving it. Sadly, Al passed away in June 2008 before he could see the Official Opening of the track in August.
The “Big Al Stainer Memorial” is just one way to ensure that this great man will always be remembered as a part of drag racing in Alice Springs.
Dave Harders 1955 - 2012
Sadly we have lost one of our good friends, Dave Harders of Darwin, after a year-long battle to cancer. Dave and his wife Taryn took up Drag Racing and soon after, supported Drag Racing in Alice Springs. Some of the best times for Dave and Taryn was coming to Alice Springs with their Mustang and mixing it with the best.
Many great friendships were built through racing in Alice Springs and Dave and Taryn wanted to give back to those who gave so much happiness to them. Dave was a very successful business man but above all, he was just a “bloke” who loved his Drag Racing. Taryn sold the Mustang to Brian Breed of Darwin and he has named the car “Hard Ass” in memory of Dave.
Taryn, on behalf of her and Dave, and in honour of Dave, made a substantial donation to CADRA which has been used to build the Burn Out Pad. CADRA is grateful for the Harders family donation and has honoured their friendship by building and naming the ASID burnout pad after Dave: “The Hard Ass Burnout Pad”!
