Doug Harding presents Rob Buckley with the QMRCC Castrol Trophy 2023
Hi All,
It is with a heavy heart I report that Doug Harding passed away yesterday at the age of 96.
Doug started racing tether cars in 1953 and was pivotal to the operations of the Queensland Miniature Race Car Club over the seven decades of his involvement, holding every executive position of the club at some stage. He would often use his skills and machinery to assist other members with repairs or modifications to their cars, and was always heavily involved in projects at the track.
Doug was the inaugural winner of the QMRCC’s Castrol Trophy in 1960, an outright speed event run annually and awarded to the fastest speed of the day. He built dozens of cars including a series of near scale 1960s Formula 1 cars, old-timer Dooling and Papina cars and World Class piped cars in all five classes. He also won countless championships and held many national records.
Doug and Mae travelled extensively to Europe and the USA from the 1970s into the 2000s, often attending races during their time away. When Mae moved into an aged care facility in the early 2020s, Doug also moved to the adjacent townhouses, causing a downsizing of his workshop. He continued his involvement in the QMRCC race days though, until quite recently when some health issues kept him away from his favourite past-time.
Doug was awarded Life Membership of the QMRCC in the mid-2010s. He was a great guy and will be missed.
Dear family and club members,
It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Doug Harding, a highly respected member and Honorary Member of your club.
He was known and appreciated around the world and leaves behind a remarkable legacy and many lasting memories.
Our heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be missed and always remembered.
Christian and Daniela Schmutz