by Lois Pollard-Grant

Western Speedway saw all new champions crowned in 2002. Here's what they had to say:

Stockcar: Brent Morris
Sportsman: Steve Gamble
IMS 4 ministock: Gilles Parenteau
Demo Car: Marty Hansen
Demo Truck: Bill Stidston
Claimer: Brian Wakelin
Figure 8: Roger Beck
WILROC Sprintcar: Jeff Montgomery

1. What Western Speedway driver stands out in your mind in the last 50 years?
Brent Morris: Tim Christy
Steve Gamble: Roy Smith
Gilles Parenteau: Gary Kershaw
Marty Hansen: Keith Cahill
Bill Stidston: Lou Melin
Brian Wakelin: Roy Haslam
Roger Beck: Keith Cahill
Jeff Montgomery: Roy Haslam

2.Why do you race?
Brent Morris: Because my dad raced when I was young. I started helping him young & got interested.
Steve Gamble: I just love it. The thrill of speed and racing close to people
Gilles Parenteau: I've always wanted to and I finally had the chance to do it. I'm having fun doing it.
Marty Hansen: Besides absolutely loving it, to take out my frustration of driving everyday back and forth to Victoria.
Bill Stidston: something I've wanted to do since I was young
Brian Wakelin: I really enjoy it. I like the challenge.
Roger Beck: Good release for frustration.
Jeff Montgomery: For the enjoyment of it

3. What are your plans & goals in 2003?
Brent Morris: To run stockcars and to try to defend my title. Also to run in a few sportsman races.
Steve Gamble: Taking the year off and spending time with my family.
Gilles Parenteau: I'd like to try to win back to back championships.
Marty Hansen: If I race, this will be my last year. I'm getting far to old for it. I'm getting worn out. I will continue to help out other drivers.
Bill Stidston: to run in the stockcar class and to defend my title in demo trucks
Brian Wakelin: to run in claimers and hope to get back to back championships
Roger Beck: run in figure eights and rollovers (in a 1989 Dodge Caravan) Definitely getting into the train race again.
Jeff Montgomery: To run in the WILROC sprintcars and to defend our championship

4.What is your favorite part about racing?
Brent Morris: The competition
Steve Gamble: getting together with the competitors after a race
Gilles Parenteau: enjoy working on the car in my spare time and helping other people.
Marty Hansen: The adrenaline rush
Bill Stidston: the adrenaline rush
Brian Wakelin: Winning
Roger Beck: the door to door contact
Jeff Montgomery: The competitiveness and the good people involved

5. If you weren't in racing what is it that you would be doing?
Brent Morris: Playing baseball
Steve Gamble: Being on a boat with my kids and water skiing
Gilles Parenteau: never thought of that one. I'd probably be doing other sports like hockey.
Marty Hansen: restoring my old cars
Bill Stidston: playing hockey
Brian Wakelin: working on project cars at home
Roger Beck: serving time (20 years to life)
Jeff Montgomery: I don't know - I've never thought of that before!

6. If there is anything you could change about the world, what would it be?
Brent Morris: Not to have angry neighbors
Steve Gamble: I'll have to get back to you on that one.
Gilles Parenteau: resolve conflicts between countries
Marty Hansen: lower fuel prices
Bill Stidston: To have less politics
Brian Wakelin: eliminate crime and wars. To have more people back to work
Roger Beck: Bigger curbs and no speed limits
Jeff Montgomery: Make it a more peaceful world

7.What advice would you pass on to drivers just starting out in racing?
Brent Morris: Start racing in a lower class and move your way up.
Steve Gamble: Don't try to win a race on the first lap.
Gilles Parenteau: don't try to win the race on the first lap. If you finish then your consistent.
Marty Hansen: keep your head up and eyes open
Bill Stidston: Take your time and get lots of practice behind the wheel
Brian Wakelin: Go out, take your time, learn the track and don't get into trouble
Roger Beck: Patience - you don't have to prove yourself on the first lap of the race.
Jeff Montgomery: Set your goals high and go after them.