A Farewell to Fallen Comrades: R.I.P. Harry Haig and Andrew Baumgartner
I’ve been in mourning this week along with the rest of the drag-and-drive community after the deaths of my friends Harry Haig and Andrew Baumgartner. These two fine Australians lost their lives in a single-vehicle accident in rural Victoria just under a week ago. Another of our drag-and-drive brothers, AJ John, thankfully survived the wreck but is in hospital with extensive injuries. The first thing AJ said to me when we made contact in the days after was: “It still doesn’t feel real.” You took the words right out of my mouth, bud.
When I heard the news last Sunday morning I instantly went into a state of shock. A numbness came over me and it’s been with me ever since. I didn’t know how to process the information I’d just received. Of course, the natural response was to cry. I cried until my face was drenched. Other than that, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I decided I should go for a walk. I walked for four hours, and when I came back, I still couldn’t form a single thought other than “what the fuck”?
These men are my mates, so this tragedy has hit me particularly hard. And judging by the messages I’ve received from others in the car community, not to mention the outpouring of sentiment on social media, I’m not the only one struggling to come to terms with the loss. My deepest condolences go out to the families, Andrew’s partner Kate and their children, Harry’s wife Bec and their children, and the rest of their families. I am sorry for your loss. I am sorry for the world’s loss.
Andrew Baumgartner was the kind of person they often refer to as a gentle giant. He went by the nickname ‘Lurch’ (after the tall butler in The Addams Family) because of his somewhat imposing physical stature. And yet his demeanor was the opposite of imposing. Lurch was the quiet type, humble and unassuming, a total sweetheart. In essence he was a simple hard-working bloke who loved his family, loved his mates and loved his cars.
Lurch’s race car, the two-door ’67 Holden HB Torana, was a recent and exciting addition to the drag-and-drive landscape. The silver turbo LS-powered rocket exploded onto the scene at Street Machine Drag Challenge 2023, running low-eights with its wheels up. It was entered to take part in Drag Challenge again this October, and we were all pretty sure it was going to go into the sevens for the first time. He was so close with it. I guess you can throw the fact that he never got to realize that dream onto the shitpile of things that suck about this whole situation.
Where does one even begin in trying to sum up Harry Haig? This was a giant among men. His rambunctious nature, his joyous spirit, his never-say-die attitude, his endearingly unorthodox methods, his infectious laugh, his compassion, his loyalty – it all added up to a magnetism that very few humans possess. His passing has left a whopping great humongous Harry Haig-sized hole in our lives. It’s deep and wide and painful. I suppose that’s why it’s been so difficult for everybody to get their heads around it. When somebody is so much larger than life like Harry was, it’s hard to imagine that they’re not out there somewhere living life large.
Harry was a force of nature in the best possible way. I daresay the only dull moments in his life were when he was asleep, and even then, he liked to sleep with the radio cranked up loud! I was fortunate enough to witness, and in some cases partake, in some of his off-the-wall antics at multiple Drag Challenges and Drag Weeks, as well as the first Hardass 1000, Harry’s own event, which he created with his bosom buddy Ryan Ford. Anytime I’d ask Harry what his goals were heading into an event, he’d always give me the same stock reply: “To have more fun than everybody else.” And at that, the man never failed.
Harry preferred the social aspect of drag-and-drive to the actual racing, but his rather blasé approach to his racing program only partially masked a tigerish competitive streak. The odds were always stacked against him and sometimes it wasn’t even his fault. But he relished overcoming the challenges and his triumphs were no fluke.
In Australia he became known for his seven-second Holden HQ sedan, which won Drag Challenge twice. Over here in the States he became even better known for his eight-second ’69 Chevelle called ‘Stevo’. Pulled from a swamp in 2015, it did multiple Drag Weeks and finished on the podium in the Street Race Big-Block Power Adder class a couple of times.
A few years back, Harry and his best mate and son, Corty, started documenting their adventures on the Haulass Garage YouTube channel. This gave the world a greater insight into just how legitimately wild and hilarious he really was.
Becoming an event promoter was something a little unexpected, and yet Harry thrived as ringleader of the rolling circus that was the inaugural Hardass 1000 earlier this year. In so many ways the event was a reflection of Harry himself – a little rough and ready, but oh so much fun.
I’m thankful I was there for the first Hardass, and for the time I got to spend with Harry, Lurch, AJ and the rest of the cavalcade. It was one of the most soul-affirming weeks of everyone’s lives, and I will always treasure the memories.
One of Harry’s aims for the Hardass was to give anybody with a set wheels and sense of adventure the chance to experience the joys of drag-and-drive. He introduced newbies and youngsters into the sport with a guiding hand. For as much as Harry was always the biggest personality in any given room, he was also looking to prop up and elevate those around him. He supported anybody who needed help, never wantonly left anyone behind, and worked hard to maintain relationships with a multitude of friends from all over the world.
Harry would not want us to be sad over his passing, but I must say the lovable bastard didn’t leave us much choice. I’ve shed many tears while writing this, because I feel sorry for myself and so many others, because we will never be in the orbit of that wonderful supernova again.
I would now like to turn the floor over to some others from the drag-and-drive community who have paid tribute to our fallen comrades.
Dennis Taylor
Seems the ones that enjoy life the most are the ones to go early. All my Drag Week friends know Harry well. He was larger than life! He was a guy that genuinely enjoyed every moment of his time on earth. I’ve never known anyone more full of crap and life than Harry. Harry came to the States from his home Down Under many times for Drag Week and was just a mess! He always knew whatever we had was his and he depended on us to save his butt if he needed help. I wouldn’t have it any other way! His son Corty was his best friend and it breaks my heart that he lost his dad and best mate. Drag Week will never be the same not seeing that old orange Chevelle on the road. God bless, my friend!
Jason Kenney
R.I.P. Big Dawg and Lurch. Hope you keep making clouds and launching to the moon. You guys are going to leave a big hole in the car/drag racing community. My sincere condolences go out to both your friends and families. Enjoy kicking back having a beer in them cloud you created.
Michelle Porobic
Our family and the global drag racing community are united in their outpouring of love, remembering Harry Haig and Andrew Baumgartner. They touched so many lives and left a lasting impact on all those they met. It’s an incredible shock and loss to the Australian car scene. My news feed is full of beautiful tributes honoring Harry and Lurch. Sending out heartfelt love and strength to Corty Haig, Harry's family, Andrew's family and extended friends who are family, and best wishes for AJ to make a full recovery.
Tony Angelo
Harry Haig was as real as they come, a loose cannon, so much fun and a great dude. Harry and his crew flew halfway around the world to drag that ’69 Chevelle out of a yard, cram in a twin-turbo big-block and take it ripping across the USA. They became Drag Week legends, and this year will be a little less fun without these boys. My thoughts are with his family and especially his son Corty.
Tristan Ockers
R.I.P. Harry Haig. You were one of those one-of-a-kind, larger-than-life characters that I was blessed to call a mate. You are going to be missed by so many people. Rest easy, big fella, and we’ll have that race on the other side. Condolences to your family.
Dicko
I honestly don’t even know how to articulate what you mean to me and my little family, mate. The adventures you took me on were all ones I’ll never forget: Drag Week, Drag Challenge, Chopped. You were never one to give up and you simply just got shit done and made shit happen, and boy could you light up a room. Race in peace, my good friend, you’ve left a huge hole in all our hearts. Love ya, mate. And to the big gentle giant, Lurch, I’ll miss that cheeky grin of yours. And to quote one of your last posts: “when you’re having a bad day then remember your car has a bigass turbo.” Love ya, big fella.
Dennis Klangebo
Got the horrible news that Harry Haig passed away in a car accident. Way too soon, jr! Thanks for all the good times and memories! You are a true legend, always the life of the party and there was not a dull moment around you! Love you, brother!
David Newbern
Man, this doesn’t seem real. Got word that my friend Harry passed away in a car accident. This guy was all about living life and not giving a shit about anything. He always had a smile no matter what was happening.
Brian Lohnes
I am not sure anyone I’ve ever met out-drank or out-laughed Harry Haig, and I say that with a large dose of snickering respect. Harry was about the most full-throttle guy I ever met. As much of a personality and party animal as he was, defined the idea of being a man of action. It’s a crummy thing to have to speak of him in the past tense. He'll be forever held in my high esteem. I should hope in yours as well. Godspeed, Harry Haig.
Power Logic Racing
It’s with a heavy heart we are writing about a very dear and wonderful friend/brother Andrew Baumgartner, who we have lost. Words can’t express how we are all feeling at this time, and we pray for his family and friends. Everyone who knew him knows how much his family and friends meant to him. We ask everyone to remember all the good times with him and have a laugh, as he would. We will finish what he started and we will achieve his goal with family and friends. Lost, broken, dazed, angry, frustrated, hopeless, tearful. Those words don't come close to how I feel.
David Freiburger
The guy who brought the party to Hot Rod Drag Week is gone. It’s easy to see that DW won’t be the same without him.
Brian Havlik
R.I.P. mate! Going to miss your wild ass!
Rick Steinke
I’m not sure anybody embodied Drag Week the way Harry did. I’m also not sure heaven is ready to party at the level he is about to bring them. I know everyone who has ever met Harry misses that MF’er right now.
Glenn McPherson
Struggling to accept the fact Harry Haig is gone! Larger than life, the biggest personality in any room, talked to the kings and the paupers exactly the same way. He would NEVER give up, would make anything work, because he knew it could be done. A mate who I will miss hugely, as will the drag racing world. Rest in peace, Big Dawg.
