Sprintcar racer and former owner of Vears Taxis David Vears tragically loses battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

The beloved former owner of a regional SA taxi service, sprintcar racer and all-round gentlemen has been remembered by his family and friends after losing an 11-year battle with cancer.

A beloved motoring enthusiast and owner of a regional city’s iconic taxi company has been remembered as an absolute gentlemen.

David Vears, who took over Vears Taxis from his father before selling the business, passed away on Monday after an 11-year battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Mr Vears was a passionate motorist and known as a fierce sprintcar racer.

When he finally retired from racing he continued to work with Borderline Speedway before becoming a lifetime member.

David Vears pictured with his loving wife Ann. Picture: Supplied

Mr Vears’ daughters Joanne Sealey and Elizabeth Winterfield spoke lovingly of their father’s warm character.

“Dad went out of his way to help people – that was just in his nature,” Mrs Winterfield said. “If he could do something for somebody, he would do it.”

The pair said they cherished the quality family time they spent with him when he introduced them to the speedway community.

Though Mr Vears was born with only one hand, his daughters said it had no effect on his daily life or his passion for racing.

Mrs Sealey said her father was once known as the one-armed bandit and could drive everything from motorcycles to B-double trucks.

David Vears was an avid racer and motorist setting blistering times despite being born with only one hand. Picture: Supplied

His daughters said their father was not one to seek praise and adulation and preferred to quietly help in the background.

“Little old ladies loved him (when he drove them) in the taxis,” Mrs Sealey said. “He’d always have a chat and talk with all.”

Mr Vears was known for his strong work ethic and while raising two children would work during the day at EWS, a precursor to SA Water, before driving a taxi for his dad at nights.

Best mate Bill Barrows said he was sad his friend had passed but glad “he wasn’t suffering”.

“We were just great mates – I’m happy he’s at rest now,” he said.

The two met and formed their 50-year friendship through speedway motoring.

David Vears on the racetrack. Picture: Supplied

Mr Barrows said when travelling to race meets the two would play pranks on one another.

“Harmless stuff – he might get up in the morning and find all his clothes on the ceiling fan,” he said.

“We had lots of fun – we did a lot of miles racing.”

In a touching social media post, a spokesman from the Borderline Speedway paid tribute to Mr Vears.

“The Borderline Speedway is mourning the loss of a speedway icon,” a spokesman said.

“David worked bloody hard over the years with the beloved Dad’s Army of volunteers who day-in and day-out keep our great club in pristine condition before, during and after our race days.”

Mr Vears took over Vears Taxis in 1976 before making the “tough” decision to sell the company to Frank and Debbie Beimans nearly 20 years later.

“David took a chance on us 18 years ago to take over the business,” Mr Beimans said.

“I still remember sitting in his office saying it’s a big risk going from a worker to an owner.

“David said to me ‘if you don’t take risk, you will always work for someone who did’.

“ I still use this saying today – he was a true leader.”

Originally published as Sprintcar racer and former owner of Vears Taxis David Vears tragically loses battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma