Reader here, and I am a race fan.
Whether it’s watching the world’s fastest athletes tear up the track in the 100-metre sprints, or hearing the thunder of hooves as teams of horses pull chuckwagons around the track, racing provides an adrenaline rush like few other things.
But what really gets me going is auto racing.
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been a fan of IndyCar, in particular. I remember going to my friend Tim Phillips’ house in Conquest, where we watched the 1986 Indianapolis 500. It was the first IndyCar race I remember watching, and I was captivated. We each chose a favourite – Tim went with Michael Andretti, while I was pulling for his legendary father Mario. That day, neither was the winner, as the ’86 500 was won by Bobby Rahal. But regardless, I was hooked.
Over the years, I had my favourite drivers, particularly Al Unser Junior, Canadian stars Paul Tracy, James Hinchcliffe, and the late Greg Moore, and iconic Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna.
My brothers and I have actually gone to a few IndyCar races over the years, including the 2003 Vancouver Molson Indy, and the first and last IndyCar races held in Edmonton, in 2005 and 2012, respectively.
My brothers and I touring the pit area during the 2003 Molson Indy Vancouver, posing for a photo with Max Papis’ IndyCar!
Beyond that, I haven’t been to too many races.
But, a few weeks ago, over Northwest Roundup weekend, I was live on location at the Swan Valley Speedway on July 25, and once my live-on-location wrapped up, me and my pal Colin from our sales department, stuck around to take in the evening of stock car racing, as cars in several different divisions tore up the dirt track, and it was a blast!
When those machines fire up, you can feel the rumble in the ground, and in your chest. There’s a ton of speed and horsepower on display, with the drivers showing off a level of skill (and guts) that few possess.
Speaking with some of the guys at the track, in years gone by, they used to hold media races, and I’ve got to say, I’d love to try my hand at it someday!
For now, though I’m content to watch from the stands or maybe from the flag stand!
The calm before the storm… Checking out the track before the races, from the flag stand.
A big crowd came out to watch the races, and a good time was had by all. When the night’s action wrapped up, a fireworks display even capped off the night!
The fun thing about events like this in Swan River, is that the whole family can enjoy the action, and you can meet the drivers, ask questions about how to get involved, and maybe even learn how you can become a racer yourself!
If you get the chance, make sure you go and check out the action at your local raceway. Whether its with the Swan Valley Stock Car Club, your local club, or higher tier races, if you have a need for speed, this’ll scratch that itch!
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