Emma Bell was recently celebrated as part of a select group of Gallagher Volunteer of the Year award recipients.

Emma has been an integral member of the Central Australian Drag Racing Association (CADRA) Committee for the last two years and was presented with her award during the Club’s end of year celebrations on November 27.

“It sure was a surprise to receive this award, it was very unexpected but also very much appreciated and I am grateful to have been recognised for my volunteering,” Emma said.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank the CADRA Committee for all of their support – especially the President, Andrew Cole, and the Treasurer, Sarah Davidson, who have helped me a lot this year.

“I would also like to thank my partner Darren Moar for encouraging me to get involved, the burnout crew, and Jackie from ANDRA who has taught me a lot.

“It truly was a great feeling to be presented with the award at the presentation night and I would like to thank Gallagher and ANDRA for supporting this accolade.”

Emma, who away from the track is kept busy with her work as an Educational Leader for the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, was first introduced to Alice Springs Inland Dragway and CADRA by her partner.

“Initially I got involved with CADRA a few years ago as my partner is a burnout competitor and I used to go as a passenger with him and soon after I also took interest in watching the drags,” Emma explained.

“After meeting everyone through the burnouts I heard the Club was in need of volunteers, so I put my hand up to help.

“I started helping out in the bar and then the ticket and merchandise stand. I then went on to join the Committee as Assistant Secretary in 2019 before becoming the Secretary in 2020.”

As Secretary, Emma has a wide variety of responsibilities including organising paperwork, permits and meetings as well as all of CADRA’s COVID-19 procedures and strategies.

A true team player, the 27-year-old also volunteers in many different positions at events (such as sign on, at the bar, manning the ticket stand or helping with the drag racing).

She has also tried her hand at competing herself – competing in many burnout competitions and taking part in drag racing twice.

“I love to organise events and promote motorsport. I am especially passionate about the burnouts at Alice Springs and I love that at CADRA we have such a strong partnership between the burnouts and drag crews,” she said.

“A standout moment for me this year would have to when I organised the stand-alone burnouts and mullet comp for the second year in a row in November, which has now become the NT Titles. It was a very successful event for the Club that the community loved. We had 22 cars compete and it was awesome and also incredibly special for me as this event was an idea that the burnout crew and I came up with and I love seeing people out there having fun.

“I love competing as well, I have even won the female category for burnouts a few times. I find it so thrilling and fun.

“At the end of the day, I love that everyone at CADRA supports each other. We are all passionate and we all have a common goal to see the Club succeed and at events I love the atmosphere and love that we all have a lot of fun.”

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To learn more about the Central Australian Drag Racing Association (CADRA), please visit www.cadra.com.au

For more from ANDRA, please visit www.andra.com.au