Passion illustrative of Cromwell stalwart’s approach to life
DARYL Ainsley was a fastmoving stalwart of the Cromwell community, his passion for speedway exemplifying his approach to life.
He was a mover and shaker who was driven and competitive, achieving highly in all he did.
But he kept his victories to himself and his service to others private as well. He was humble and discreet, and never boastful or seeking any return for his volunteer work or support of others.
Mr Ainsley died in May aged 52, leaving a deep hole in the Central Otago community, those who knew him and his work said.
The loss also extended nationally and internationally, his contribution, influence and achievements in speedway racing reaching throughout the country and overseas, speedway leaders said.
Mr Ainsley was a threetimes South Island champion in speedway saloon racing and the president of Central Motor Speedway, in Cromwell.
One of a strong team leading the speedway, he was passionate about the sport and the Cromwell facility, believing firmly in the family nature of speedway and working tirelessly behind the scenes with a ‘‘roll your sleeves up’’, ‘‘get on with the job’’ attitude.
Also known as ‘‘Dazza’’, ‘‘5T’’ and ‘‘the mad Maori’’, he was a mentor to many and a true professional in his own racing in terms of presentation and performance, speedway colleagues said.
He was an intelligent, ‘‘clean and fast’’, naturally talented driver with a vision for the club, fellow race driver Graham Williamson said.
One of the last things Mr Ainsley did was get an automated irrigation system installed around the Cromwell track, the development his pride and joy and an indescribable time saver. Before that, Mr Ainsley would go to the speedway several times a day, every day, to move the sprinklers around.
A determined advocate for the Cromwell speedway’s future, he also believed firmly in its past, reminding others of the contribution the facility made to Central Otago in its early days and the need to respect that.
The Central Motor Speedway was built in the 1980s to bring more people to the Cromwell district with the support of the then local council, which made land available for the speedway.
Mr Ainsley was determined the speedway would continue to thrive and remain part of the Cromwell community, and was already preparing to lobby for its continuation when the lease on the land it occupied came up.
But his skill behind the wheel was just one example of his sporting ability, Mr Ainsley’s brother, Lomas Ainsley, said.
There was ‘‘nothing he wouldn’t try’’.
Mr Ainsley had embraced cycling, rugby and squash and been prominent in multisport, doing several Coast to Coast and Goldrush events. His talent, determination and competitive nature were obvious in all he did.
Mr Ainsley was also a respected shearing contractor, valued by colleagues and clients alike.
But he was a family man at heart, and remembered for his laughter, ‘‘cheeky grin’’, energy and enthusiasm.
A deeply loved partner, father, brother, son, uncle and friend, Mr Ainsley was known for his generosity to others.
He provided practical, financial and emotional support countless times, always behind the scenes, and never seeking recognition or anything in return, Lomas Ainsley said.
‘‘He would help out in any situation — he could handle anything. He helped a lot of people, not only in Central Otago but all around the country, and he was known internationally as well. But he would never tell a soul about anything he had done. He just got on with the job.’’
At the time of Mr Ainsley’s death, his car was ‘‘in bits’’ after his motor blew up during a race.
He had not raced much this season, although he was first South Island car home in the New Zealand title, fourth in the New Zealand Grand Prix and second in one of the series in Nelson.
After his death, his speedway colleagues rallied together to get his car going for one last lap.
More than 1000 people attended his Cromwell funeral service, many then driving in procession to the Central Motor Speedway, where Mr Ainsley’s casket was taken into the infield, along with his family, as his car did one final lap of honour around the track.
Mr Ainsley is survived by his partner Chelsea, children Maddy, Faith and Harry, brother and sister Camille and Lomas, mother Kaye and extended whanau. — Pam Jones