With two rain-outs in the last past 12 months, including the May 25 Ted Meldrum Memorial Drag Race, the Sunshine Coast Drag Racing Association (SCDRA) welcomed the clear skies this past Sunday, June 22.
Racers began arriving early including some additional enthusiasts from the Lower Mainland. With the temporary closure of Ashcroft and Mission Raceway, the 1/8 mile track at the Sechelt Airport is one of the few drag racing options in southwestern B.C.
Close to 60 cars were registered for the day, allowing for lots of passes in the morning to establish times for the afternoon eliminations.
The final in street machine had Levi Stanley Clarke going head-to-head with Stephen Hoops. The practice runs helped Clarke as he dialed in a 10.4 and ran a 10.545 at 68.30 mph for the win. Hoops put a bit too much power to the pavement and crossed the finish line at 10.129 after dialing in a 10.15.
Super street had SCDRA regulars Shawn Boyd in the Kenmac Comet and Bruce Seabrook in his 1967 Firebird lining up for the final. As would be expected, this was a close race with Boyd taking the win by a margin of .18.
Glyn Rose moved up a class to street rod with his ‘68 Mustang. He found himself in the final with Keith Tucker in the 1978 Malibu. Rose dialed in a 7.8 and ran 7.875 for the win. Tucker dialed a 9.1 and crossed the finish line at 9.282.
Perennial finalist in hot rod, Chris Moretto of Powell River wasn’t so lucky this Sunday and went home early. This left the finals for Russell Anderson in a beautiful ‘69 Camaro powered by an impressive 454 and Brian McLellan of Roberts Creek in his 1970 Camaro. A hot car and the big 454 got the better of McLellan’s nerves and he red-lighted, allowing a victory for Anderson with a time of 7.459.
Janet Meldrum was on hand for the trophy presentations and presented the Ted Meldrum Memorial Award to Elphinstone student Robert Rhodes. This award is given to a Sunshine Coast high school student who demonstrates a mechanical aptitude, dedication to motorsports, volunteers in the community and is supportive of school programs. Robert is a most deserving recipient for 2014.
The next drag racing event is Sunday, Aug. 10. For more information, see http://scdraonline.ca
