The hungry growl of engines shakes the ground, each working part itching to hit the track. With the sweet smell of gasoline in the air, we launch into the 27th season of Sunshine Coast drag racing. Our team is back and ready to usher in a new era—one where the thrill of heavy-duty machinery can be enjoyed by everyone.
This season brings exciting updates. We’ve brought on more sponsors and expanded activities for all ages. Expect bouncy castles, coloring contests and a wider variety of food vendors. But perhaps the biggest game-changer this year has been upgrading our timing system. Thankfully, with the help of a dedicated family in Qualicum, we’re now running smoother than ever.
Tracy, along with her husband and sons—Wade, Connor and Kole—came to us from Vancouver Island. Tracy had long dreamed of racing the truck she worked on, and eventually she jumped into the driver’s seat. That passion led to volunteering, something she initially thought would be short-lived. But race organizers quickly saw the family’s potential, especially with their background in software development. Since then, they’ve been assisting and training at every event they attend. As Kole, Tracy’s son, puts it: “Learning the timing system is about learning its language.” And from what we’ve seen, they’re fluent.
Another standout at this weekend’s event was Cody Marshall from Bad BowTie, a race team out of Chilliwack. They brought serious muscle with their blood-red 1969 Nova SS, weighing in at just 2,600 pounds. Built for speed, this beast packs a 509 cubic inch Chevy engine, open headers, a Mark Williams 4.88 differential, and a two-speed Powerglide transmission. It’s 32-inches tall in the back, gripping the pavement like claws, and a custom half-circle roll cage ensures safety. Darcy Lebedynsky, who accompanied Cody, has added a rear wing to increase downforce and, in his words, “reduce getting squirrely.” This classic muscle car, nicknaamed “The Intimidator,” more than lives up to its name.
We now have something for everyone—kids’ activities, adult racers, and growing interest among teens. In our TCR (Teen Class Racing) category, we had four participants under 16. Shelby, who took 1st place, had this to say: “We need more teens out here. Come race, have fun—winning is just a bonus.”
The energy and passion are infectious, whether you’re behind the wheel, volunteering, or simply cheering from the sidelines. With all these improvements and ambitions, none of it matters without a strong and supportive crowd. So come out, support your local racing community, and witness some serious horsepower in action. Don’t miss the next big race: July 6!
