Do you feel the need for speed? If so, the place to be is the Sechelt Airport next Sunday.
The Sunshine Coast Drag Racing Association (SCDRA) presents its first drag racing weekend of the season with Mayhem in May on May 29.
The day promises to be filled with speed, smoke and hot cars.
Racing starts at 9 a.m. and runs until 4:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for spectators. Kids 12 and under accompanied by an adult are free.
If you want to race, the fee is $40 ($10 admission and $30 to race).
Organizers promise something for all racing enthusiasts.
"One of the most popular classes is the street machine class," said track announcer Jac Cawsey. "These guys are just your everyday driver - your next door neighbour."
"It's basically run what you bring," added SCDRA president Wayne Taylor. "If you pass inspection, you can run it."
The super street class is open to hopped-up street cars or muscle cars, the street rod class is for limited modified cars. Hot rod class, another crowd pleaser, will showcase dedicated race cars. Outlaw is for dedicated race cars, only faster, and the junior dragster is for up-and-coming racers aged eight to 16.
Taylor said they also expect two funny cars to come up to compete in an exhibition class. "These are dragsters, and these drivers are not coming here to win. They just want to put on a show and please the crowd," Taylor said.
Besides all the on-track action, a huge swap meet will also be taking place.
Taylor promises something for every automotive buff, and tons of other stuff too.
The Coasters Car Club is also supporting the event.
"Both clubs are closely aligned," said president Steve Holland. "In fact, we have a lot of dual members and, I might add, lots of excellent members in both clubs that support each other and motor sports here on the Sunshine Coast."
Since 1999, both organizations and their volunteers have poured a lot of blood, sweat and gears into making the airport facility a great venue for drag racing.
In excess of $130,000 has been spent at the airport on improvements to the track, spectator seating and improved washroom facilities.
"These racing weekends are huge," added Taylor. "We attract drivers and spectators from all over the province."
Next weekend's event is just the start of the season for the SCDRA and the Coasters Car Club.
More events are planned throughout the summer both on and off the Coast - all leading up to the annual three-day racing weekend Aug. 5 to 7. The Sleepy Hollow Rod Run kicks things off Aug. 5. The annual Show 'n' Shine in downtown Sechelt is Aug. 6, and Sunday, Aug. 7, is another day of speed at the airport with the drag races.
The August weekend is a joint event for both clubs.
