by Lois Pollard-Grant
Western Speedway, in its own way, is as much a part of the Vancouver Island landscape as Butchart Gardens, and for 50 years thousands of fans have flocked to the Langford Oval to watch auto racing.
Promoters Matt Sahlstrom and Bill Smith aim to see that Western Speedway remains part of that landscape. So they have put together 34 events for the 2003 season - with a smorgasbord of choices that should satisfy the most discriminating palate.
The LITRA demo cars and trucks, figure eights, and claimers were all set to go for the March 22 season opener but rain forced cancellation of the show.
Demo car champ, Marty Hansen is back to defend his title, as are demo trucker Bill Stidson, figure eight pilot, Roger Beck and the claimer vet, Brian Wakelin.
The season will feature the first time ever appearance of the Internationally acclaimed SuperMoto motorcycles on July 21. Victoria riders vying for top honors are Oliver Jerves and Jeff Everenton.
Also making their debut to Western on August 9, are the USA Super Pro 4's. Drivers to watch are Jim Mckay the two time series champ, and Ken Schuurman, up from the ministock ranks.
The Dynomax Late Model Super Stocks return for their second run of the Canada 200 on July 5. Wade Bland who competes in the tour, will be out with his '99 Monte Carlo.
The season will also features the spectacular Big Rigs on July 19th. Back to defend his title of the Lavender Cup is Langford's Glen Creed. On August 23 it's the 32nd running of the Daffodil Cup race.
The Tornado (Trevor Montgomery) will be chasing after his third Cup victory. Taking the stage on June 14 is the Strawberry Cup Sprint Car Challenge - Canada vs. USA Sprint Car shoot out.
The WILROC Sprint Cars will see Jeff Montgomery back to defend his title, and he rates as a favorite on the series. Newcomers to the series include Jim Mckay, Randy Price, and Cam McLean - the Western Midget rookie of the year.
The classy and ever popular old time racers have eight race dates at Western. New faces to the old timers fold include Brian Lee from IMCA modifieds, Andrew Muir, and Bart Blainey, a true rookie who has never set foot in a race car before.
The sportsman series comes to the Langford track eight times, with the Sportsman Super Series Invitational to be held on September 6. Steve Gamble, the 2003 titlist is taking the year off so his absence leaves the points hunt wide open for the likes of three-time champ, Tim Christy and for former NASCAR driver Lance Wade - and
The stock cars have 11 races slated, and the defending champion, Brent Morris is hoping to make it two in a row. Terry Ross, (publisher of the Goldstream News Gazette) coming from claimers with second place in points last year, is expected to be a strong contender.
Also expected to do well are former champions, Kirk Peacey, Brian Clutchey and the current demo truck champ (from the Quakenbush stables) Bill Stidson.
Other returnees include CH TV's Ron Eberle, Cody Brown, and Jim Steen for his 50th year of active competition. A rookie driver to keep an eye on is go-kart racer, Jesse Dardango, son of Old Time driver, Joe Dardengo.
IMS 4 ministocks have seven races scheduled, and Gilles Parenteau will attempt to win back-to-back championships. Kyle Vantreight who came on strong in the last half of his rookie season last year, promises to be a strong contender this season.
Rounding out the Speedway's 2003 calendar are the dwarf cars, motorcycles, and Pastor Tim Davis' Denomination Derby.
Not to be left out, is Western Speedway's 50th Birthday Bash on July 26 - featuring the Old Timers, Sportsman, Stock Cars and the WILROC Sprint Cars. There will also be a Total Destruction! And Fireworks! Gates open at 5 pm with qualifying at 6 pm and racing action at 7 pm. Kids admission prices 10 & under, remains free to local shows.