Daryl Ainsley: Mr 110%, DJ Dazza, Daz, boss at Ainsley Shearing, and three-term Central Speedway Club president, tragically passed away at the age of 52 in May 2018. Daryl was a respected personality, businessman and sports person, who helped grow Central Motor Speedway to its current status as a significant contributor to the Central Otago region.  He also successfully raced, and encouraged young people as the future of the sport.

Daryl started racing in his 5T “Mad Māori Racing’ saloon in 2009. He won the Saloons South Island Championships in 2010/11 at Blenheim and was awarded Rookie of the Year. Daryl then followed up that success with taking the South Island title in 2012/13 at Cromwell and again in 2013/14 at Riverside. Daryl went on to successfully race Super Saloons, gaining huge respect not only for his driving ability but for the way he encouraged and supported his fellow racers. 

The continuing passion around the annual Daryl Ainsley Memorial event shows its deep meaning for race drivers young and old, and for the community. People return each year for the memorial because they knew Daryl, raced with him, and appreciate his ongoing legacy of support for youth. This event brings friends, families and community together.

Daryl introduced the club policy that youth must participate at each and every race meeting. That consistency is vital for young people to gain confidence, improve their skills and most importantly enjoy the sport.

After Daryl’s passing, the club committee unanimously voted to withdraw his 5T racing number. However, there was a proviso. Should a member of the Ainsley whānau ever follow in Daryl’s tracks, they could race as 5T.

In the 2019/20 season Daryl’s youngest daughter Faith, then aged 16, jumped into a Six Shooter, supported by club member Jason Scott. Faith was joined at the track by her 13 year-old cousin Trent Ainsley racing in the youth ministock grade, thanks to his dad Lomas, Daryl’s younger brother, and friend and club youth supporter Whetu Taewa. Trent is now in his final season as a youth driver, and with plenty of racing success under his belt will join Faith in the adult grades for 2023/24.

Thanks to Daryl’s forward-thinking support for youth, the club’s youth grade is steadily growing. Cheer on our young drivers as they hone their racing skills on track at each event. They’re out having fun, learning, and you may just be encouraging the speedway champions of tomorrow.

Article added: Monday 20 March 2023