The Alberni Valley Drag Race Association has lost one of its long time supporters. Brent Harris, a crowd favourite in his bright yellow 1933 Willys Gasser for many years at Thunder in the Valley, passed away on April 26 after a short battle with cancer, according to a family member.
Harris was living in Edmonton, but was married to Sharon Lover of Port Alberni, who comes from a drag racing family. He came to Thunder in the Valley every year, and delighted crowds in his distinctive Gasser (usually on just three wheels) at speeds of more than 200 mph in just 6.8 seconds. Harris loved attending the local race and donated thousands of dollars worth of VHT track compound to the Port Alberni event every year.
Harris was
famous throughout North America for his supercharged AA Gasser. Speedzone online magazine has created tribute decals in remembrance of Harris which will be made available at the annual race in August. Proceeds from the decal sales will go to Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton, where Harris took his car every year for young patients to admire.