IMCA Modifieds
It's the speed, the horsepower and the excitement which best describes the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) and these high flying, open-wheeled modifieds push the limit on both asphalt and dirt tracks up and down Vancouver Island.
The IMCA modifieds are well known for their impressive salute to race fans as they drive down the front straight away four abreast, before the green flag drops to start their main event.
Interest in modified racing began in 1988 when car builder, Russ Lejeune, built two cars which were used for promo demonstrations at Western Speedway.
In 1989, there were six cars which ran in promo heat races and the drivers piloting these classy machines were Bill Price, Ted Cooper, Trevor Montgomery, Cam Stanfield, George Grant and Tracy Cessford.
By 1990, the modifieds were off and running and were regularly fielding as many as 14 cars. Gary Smith was the points champion this year.
While the modifeds ran under IMCA rules this year they would not come under IMCA sanction until 1991. Meanwhile Rockie Collins drove back-to-back championships in 1991 and 1992.
The modified class had its ups and downs and its share of controversy during the 1992 and 1993 seasons when the club broke away from IMCA and it wasn't until 1995 when the modifieds joined Central Island Modifieds Association that three of the island tracks became sanctioned under IMCA. In 1993 Gary Smith came through to pick up his second championship title.
Rob Scott had himself a banner year in 1995. Besides winning the Western Speedway championship for the second year running, he was named the IMCA Rookie of the Year of Canada and became the first BC driver to claim the title of IMCA Modified Champion of Canada.
In 1996 it was Dave Conway's turn to capture the Western Speedway championship. Jim Giles won the Rookie of the Year award but it was Samantha Eburne who proved she had the right stuff to earn herself the Rookie of the Year honors for IMCA Canada.
Under IMCA, the car count grew to 32 registered drivers in 1997.
Rob Scott once again took the modified championship and Dirk Zeinstra, who came so close on more than one occasion, captured the National Championship of Canada this year.
Pam Scott was elected president of Central Island Modifieds, taking over the task last year from Mike Banasky. She is also Regional Director for IMCA Canada.
Seven modified events are slated for Western Speedway this season and include an Open Wheel Extravaganza with Sprint Cars and Old Time Stocks in May. The Gerry Ferrie Memorial race will be run this year. Rain forced cancellation of the race last year.
Central Island Modifieds Awards 1997
(IMCA)
Sportsman Driver: Tim Openshaw Sportsman Non Driver: Sherri Conway Mechanic: Dave Conway Rookie of the Year: Darren Yates Best Appearing Car and Crew: Dan Fisher President Cup: Pam Scott B.C. Series: Dirk Zeinstra President Choice: Tim Openshaw Most Improved Driver: Jim Gyles Most Main Event Wins: Gord Quaite Championship Race: Dirk Zeinstra Western Speedway Champion: Rob Scott Cassidy Speedway Champion: Dirk Zeinstra Saratoga Speedway Champion: Rob Scott Port Hardy Speedway Champion: Don Banasky