This past Sunday was an emotional day at the Sechelt Airport as the Sunshine Coast Drag Racing Association (SCDRA) honoured Merv Charboneau. He was a long-time member and friend who passed away earlier this month.
The heavy rains of Saturday night continued late into the morning, with Gibsons, Sechelt and Halfmoon Bay all receiving precipitation. At the track in Wilson Creek, any moisture stayed in the clouds and preparations for the day began early. The weather was perfect for the 800 attending the races with sun, cloud and a light breeze.
As a tribute to Merv Char-boneau, his 1968 Firebird, driven by brother Jack, made one last pass down the 1/8 mile track with Merv’s nephew Rick following in Jack’s 1968 AMC Rebel. Merv’s daughter Melissah spoke of her dad’s passion for drag racing and being part of the motorsport community on the Sunshine Coast.
During the practice runs, Lorne Mackie was laying down one of his big smoky burnouts in the 1962 Plymouth Fury and something went horribly wrong. Mackie reported there was a big bang, big vibration, big flame and the car stalled. Unfortunately one of the connecting rods snapped and came out of the oil pan.
With Mackie done for the day, the Hot Rod class heated up with two out-of-towners advancing to the final. Vancouver resident Brian Hinada in his 1988 355 powered Ford Mustang dialed in a 7.29 and Powell River’s Bob Baxter driving his 1955 Chevy pickup had a dial in of 7.30. Baxter’s reaction time of 1.218 at the start wasn’t the best and Hinada took first place by a margin of .303. Baxter was thrilled with his second place finish and had an awesome day.
In the final of the Street Rod class, it was Justin Henderson and Rob Gurney, both from Sechelt, at the start line. Henderson was a little too enthusiastic and with a reaction time of .476 got the red light. Gurney crossed the finish line in 8.250 seconds at 79.3 mph for the win. Gurney attributed his win to the efficient work of his pit crew members, Wesley and Mason. Gurney also had the best reaction time in eliminations with a sizzling .501.
Gary Tucker hadn’t made it to the final of Super Street for a number of years. His consistency paid off as he was up against Brendan Bolder of Gibsons. Bolder dialed an 8.8 and Tucker a little slower 9.1, with reaction times of .592 and .570 respectively. It was a great race with the win going to Tucker by .024 seconds.
In the daily driver class, officially known as Street Machine, Curtis Munsen advanced to the final. He was driving his dad’s family car, a stock 2004 Chevy Malibu. The competition was Rebecca Stanley-Clarke from Wilson Creek in her 1979 Camaro. Stanley-Clarke had the better reaction time of .573 but Munsen used his years of experience to win a very close race by .014 seconds.
Some of the other daily driver vehicles in the Street Machine class were: 1988 Chevrolet Caprice, 1989 Volvo 740, 2013 Ford Mustang, 2003 Nissan 350z, 1988 Toyota Supra, 2016 Subaru, 2010 Hyundai Genesis, 2015 Dodge Ram pickup, 2015 Ford F-150 and a 1994 BMW.
The Motorcycle class was won by Marc Ricard from Switzerland.
The tow truck grudge race had Sunshine Coast Towing and Walt’s Towing having a bit of fun. No red lights, just lots of flashing yellow as both trucks crossed the 1/8 mile in just over 15 seconds at 45 mph.
During the awards presentations, the Vic Dubois Memorial Award was presented to a member of the SCDRA who volunteers and demonstrates continued dedication to the club and community. The 2017 award went to Colin Stracker. Colin has been a significant contributor to the club for a number of years. Prior to race events, Colin cuts the grass in the pits, field and tech area, and helps with other preparation. He recently installed a new roof on the tower, provides input on the planning of SCDRA events and was race marshal at the May race.
In the pits:
Best burnout of the day went to Zivaan Samy with his 1989 Volvo 740.
Local Keith Tucker removed the front bumper on his 1978 Malibu and picked up another 1/10 of a second.
Will McLennan of Gibsons lifted the front wheels of the Ford Ranger a good two feet during one of the practice runs.
The next SCDRA event is a member’s test and tune on Sunday, Sept. 10. For more information contact Richard at cnaustin@telus.net or 604-230-5067.
