by Lois Pollard-Grant

The father and son team of Jim and Kerry Steen are yet another of Western Speedways racing families.

They have raced together - worked on their cars together - and have been in business together.

When Jim was a boy, he and his cousin, Billy Foster, who grew up together and hung out at his father, Bill Steen's gas station.

"My dad used to tow Billy and I up to Shearing Speedway in Cobble Hill to race - in the days when they had to push the cars over the Malahat - and we were too young to have a drivers license."

When Western Speedway opened its doors in 1954, Jim, now 16, was ready to go in a '34 jalopy. His history since includes racing B modifieds, superstocks and stockcars, over a career that has spanned 50 years.

Jim, a fourth generation Victorian, was inducted into the Victoria Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1991.

Like his father, Kerry grew up under the influence of racing.

"I remember as a kid, helping my dad and instead of just hanging out, I was learning to torque a head."

"We've always worked on our cars together," Kerry said - "my dad taught me a lot."

Kerry has raced with much success in a variety of classes at Western Speedway. He captured championships in claimers and stockcars; and when he ran the gauntlet in the hit-to-pass demo truck class, he picked up another driver's title.

Two years ago he ran in the U.S. based Mechanix Wear Speed Truck Challenge Series and came out with an impressive 12th in championship standings.

What would it be like to race against your father or your son?

"It's quite an adrenaline rush - racing wheel to wheel with my dad," Kerry replied. "I believe it was in '96, the only main event that Dad ever won, and I finished third - It was the greatest feeling, seeing him win that race."

Jim has never given any leeway to his son on the track but admits, "we did look after each other - and didn't hammer on each other."

For many years Jim and Kerry owned and operated Western Region Rentals in Langford; and their business name can be seen today sponsoring many cars at the Speedway - "It's been mostly tool rentals," Jim said, "but it helps the guys out a bit."

Kerry is now the sole owner of Western Region Rentals while Jim, since he handed over the reigns to his son, gets in extra laps through his Langford Pick-Up and Delivery business.

According to Jim, the nickname "Gentleman Jim", originated in the 60's - "I was fooling around in a May Day Parade and was wearing a top hat - the name has carried on from there."

Will the Steens continue to race?

"Not in the near future," Kerry replied. I am so busy with work commitments and my family. I really don't have the time - I've had my fun in racing."

But Jim, 65 years old this year, said "Oh yes - I will definitely be back, and I'm really looking forward to this year.

"It's just plain old fun - I am more relaxed at the end of the night, after a good race, than I am at the start."