At 6 p.m. local time on August 24, 2024, Harry Haig was involved in a single-car accident in Australia, where he tragically lost his life. According to initial police reports, the vehicle he was driving crashed into a pole. Andrew Baumgartner, a fellow racer and close friend of Harry, was also killed in the accident. Another racer, AJ John, who was in the car as well, was airlifted to the hospital; his condition is currently unknown. The news has deeply shaken the HOT ROD community and the entire Drag-n-Drive world. We are all mourning, reflecting on the moments we shared with Harry.
A few years ago, I got a call from Harry Haig, a legend in the Drag-N-Drive world known for his adventures in the famed “Aussie Chevelle,” among other things. Haig, who I came to know during the exhilarating times of HOT ROD Drag Week, was dealing with a major crisis—his farm in Australia was engulfed in flames. Despite the gravity of the situation, he remained remarkably calm, even finding humor while battling the blaze. We ended the call with our usual banter, and I had no doubt that Harry would conquer the fire. He was a man who didn’t just handle chaos; he thrived in it.
Harry became a known figure in the gearhead community in 2015 when he and some friends flew over from Australia, bought a dilapidated Chevelle from a farmer in Kansas, and decided to race it in HOT ROD Drag Week. Despite the car being in terrible condition, they managed to get it running and raced it, even if it broke down every few miles. Their spirit and determination endeared them to everyone at the event.
In 2016, the Chevelle, nicknamed “Steve-O,” was transformed into a serious race car with a roll cage, a powerful engine, and twin turbos sticking out of the hood. The car ran impressively all week and became one of the most iconic vehicles in Drag-N-Drive history, even if it had its quirks, like filling the cabin with exhaust fumes.
Harry’s influence extended beyond the United States. At home in Australia, he won several competitions, including the Aussie “Power Skid” contest and the Street Machine Drag Challenge. He also co-founded the Hardass 1000, a Drag-N-Drive event combined with a pub crawl and vacation, designed to welcome newcomers into the sport. The event has been a huge success, capturing the essence of Harry’s personality—embracing chaos and having fun.
Many are paying tribute to Harry on social media, highlighting his larger-than-life personality, his genuine care for friends, and his deep passion for cars and racing. Harry was not just a party animal; he was a man of action. From his daring first trip to the U.S. to his successes in Australia, and the creation of his own event, Harry Haig leaves behind a legacy that commands respect. His memory will always hold a special place in my heart, and I hope it does in yours too.