A few rain drops did little to dampen the enthusiasm and spirit of racers and spectators at Race Day at the Raceway last Sunday.
The event, the first of two days of drag racing this year sponsored by the Sunshine Coast Drag Racing Association (SCDRA), brought a solid contingent of competitors and fans to the Sechelt Airport.
SCDRA media liaison Jac Cawsey said he was happy with the event, but did admit spectator numbers and driver numbers were down a bit from last year's opening May event.
"I think the unpredictability of the weather played a factor. We had several calls this week from people wondering whether we'd be racing today," said Cawsey. "Despite that, we had a great day of racing action that I think everyone enjoyed."
Racing was set to start just before 9 a.m., but a storm blew in, putting the action on hold.After about an hour rain delay, association volunteers got the track in order and bracket racing began in five categories.
Following another brief rain delay around 1:30 p.m., the final heats started and the "official" day of racing ended around 3:30 with the presentation of the final awards.
The association decided that due to the rain delays, an impromptu session of "grudge match" racing was in store where any driver could challenge another for "bragging rights."
Blake Pearson from Sechelt won the award for junior dragster. Simon Kingsley from Sechelt won the exhibition class, with Roger Manson of Burnaby in second.
Trevor Landret from Powell River won street rod, with Shawn Boyd from Gibsons second.
Ken Jenkins from Powell River won street machine, with Dale Ingram from Gibsons in second.
Sechelt's Wayne Tyson was first in super street with Cody Munson from Sechelt second.
James Dennison from Maple Ridge won hot rod followed by Brian Swanson from Gibsons in second.
The next SCDRA event is in August when they team up with the Coaster's Car Club for the "biggest motorsport weekend" in B.C. Aug. 11 to 13 featuring the Sleepy Hollow Rod Run, Saturday Show 'n' Shine and Sunday drag races.
