The following letter was sent to the District of Sechelt and copied to Coast Reporter.
Mayor Henderson and Sechelt council:
As a member of the Sunshine Coast Drag Racing Association (SCDRA) it’s disappointing to hear innovation and growth on the Sunshine Coast is at the expense of an established community group like the SCDRA.
As reported in the Friday, May 16, issue of Coast Reporter, the SCDRA is on notice and the District of Sechelt will be giving them the boot once the airport funding is in place.
I support the airport expansion, but has the District of Sechelt put forth a sincere effort to work with this club and help them continue with their vision for drag racing on the Sunshine Coast?
When reading through minutes of the airport development advisory committee (ADAC), comments support the demise of the SCDRA.
At a March 27 meeting of the ADAC, it was suggested the SCDRA may want to hire a consultant to touch on what drag racing means to the Sunshine Coast as well as the economic benefit. The committee member added, “the community needs an informed decision.” Unfortunately, the SCDRA, like most non-profit organizations on the Sunshine Coast, doesn’t have thousands of dollars to pay for a study!
The benefits of drag racing have been documented in letters and presentations to both the District of Sechelt and the ADAC.
I challenge the District of Sechelt to work with the SCDRA and ensure drag racing on the Sunshine Coast isn’t destined to the history books.
Richard Austin, Halfmoon Bay
