It's been a remarkable run for the Sunshine Coast Drag Racing Association (SCDRA), but after 15 years and 27 races president Tony Petula had to make a tough decision last Sunday afternoon.
All morning isolated showers took hold in Howe Sound and some areas of the Lower Coast. Luck ran out around 12:30 p.m. when a rain cell parked right over the Sechelt airport and within minutes the damage was done. Attempts to dry the track proved to be no match for the accumulated puddles and persistent drizzle.
A racers meeting was called and a frustrated Petula announced the event would have to be cancelled. For the 70-plus racers, dozens of volunteers and hundreds of spectators, it was just plain disappointing.
Petula invited the assembled spectators and racers to the test and tune on Sunday, Sept. 15.
The Full Throttle Show-down will continue from 1 to 5 p.m. and with a bit of luck will get started earlier. A wrist band from the Aug. 11 race will be required for admission.
Preparation for the day had gone so well as SCDRA volunteers and District of Sechelt work crews dedicated countless hours to have airport facility in great shape and looking its best.
At the morning drivers' meeting, long-time burnout box volunteer Pete Cavalier was awarded a lifetime membership to the SCDRA.
The first race of the day was all about zero emissions.
Sechelt Mayor John Henderson, balancing a Segway, challenged Bruce Stout's 1912 Detroit Electric. The Detroit Electric ran the 1/8th in 29.045 for the win.
In the exhibition class, both Will McLennan and Simon Kingsley made a run.
McLennan was more familiar with the track and put down a 123 mph run. Kingsley, with his 2,200HP Camaro, skated all the way down the track with his tires smoking, crossed the finish line revving at 9,000 rpm and found the driver's compartment full of smoke.
In preparation for the second run that never happened, Kingsley changed the blower pulley, took off 25 degrees of timing and lowered the boost. The adjustments reduced the horsepower to 1,600.
During the break, The Mama's Boys from Roberts Creek excited the crowd and played a tight set of classic rock tunes.
The timing of the precipitation made for a challenging day. Without the support of all drag racers, fans, volunteers, the business community and local government, there would be no drag racing on the Sunshine Coast. The SCDRA thanks you.
For further information on the Sept. 15 test and tune, contact Richard Austin at 604-230-5067 or email cnaustin@telus.net.
Pit Talk
Glyn Rose detected a possible head gasket issue in his 1968 Mustang on Saturday. Rather than take a chance, he borrowed his dad's 5,200lb 1972 Olds-mobile Toronado with a 455ci motor.
Elphinstone Secondary School has a new drag car, a 1971 Pinto that's spent many years racing locally on the Sunshine Coast.
Kingsley's Camaro reaches 60 mph in about one second. Michael Baker of Roberts Creek had a personal best of 8.4 in his 1963 Chevy Short Box.
Davy Inkster was visiting from the Shetland Islands and found himself a ride in Shawn Boyd's 1967 Fast Cat. Davy reported it was like being in the seat of a jet fighter.
Tim Reick was having fun in the Monte Carlo and is confident he'll be making seven second runs in September.
