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

Geoff began racing 36 years ago in 1985 and for the past 30 plus years, he has been a member of what was originally known as the Westside Drag Racing Association and is now known as the Western Australian Drag Racing Association Inc (WADRA).

Over the years, Geoff has spent time in various roles as part of WADRA and regularly takes on the role of Chair at its AGM. He is also a Divisional Council Delegate for ANDRA in WA and a Steward and National Rules Committee member.

WADRA says that his unbiased opinions on the National Rules Committee and at the track as a Volunteer Steward are respected both in WA and in other divisions.

Geoff’s experience in the Group 2 category of Super Stock is renowned around the country, and his success in the bracket includes two national championships in his own name; and he has also nurtured his two sons, Jake and Jamie, to their own national Super Stock championships.

A quiet achiever, WADRA says Geoff is always there in the background working tirelessly for the club and the sport in general and his efforts are greatly appreciated.

“It was a surprise to me to win this award as there are lots of great volunteers who would make worthy recipients,” Geoff said.

“I feel very proud and humbled at the same time to be acknowledged by my peers.

“There really are so many great people within our sport that I have worked with over the years at all levels. It is hard to single anyone out, but George Bailey always demonstrated a great level of dedication and commitment that set the bar for the WA DC. I would also like to thank Gallaghers for sponsoring the Award.

“ANDRA is genuinely all about growing and nurturing the sport and looking after its members. Getting to play a part in helping this to happen and working with passionate dedicated volunteers, racers, track and ANDRA staff is very rewarding.

“The great people and friends I have that are involved with our sport keep me coming back year after year. It is great to help and encourage others and also it is inspiring to see many others also so keen to help and encourage the enjoyment of our sport, it really is just a big family.

“If I had to pick one stand out moment from my time as a volunteer, and it is very hard to pick one, I would probably say that serving as Division Director under the old ANDRA structure and taking part in round table National Control Council meetings in Adelaide with the likes of Dennis Syrmis, Gary Miocevich, Jim Reid and Tony Thornton was pretty special.”

When away from the track, Chaisty is kept busy with his two businesses, including C & R Motorsport Developments which in partnership with good friend and Pro Stock racer Jodi Racco, is a long-time sponsor of WADRA’s annual Best Engineered award.

“I have an Auto Electrical business but do very little hands on in that these days,” explained the 60-year-old from Lesmurdie in the Perth Hills of WA.

“Currently most of my time is spent operating the Engine dyno at my business, C & R Motorsport Developments.”

Gallagher is the official insurance broker of the Australian National Drag Racing Association and offers competitive, no obligation quotes on everything from your race trailers, to your business, to your race track. For more than 90 years, Gallagher’s tailored insurance, risk management and consulting solutions have helped businesses, communities and people face their futures with confidence. For more information, visit www.ajg.com.au

To learn more about the West Australian Drag Racing Association, visit www.wadra.com.au

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