by Lois Pollard-Grant

Golden Wheels Fraternity came into being when a group of racers gathered for the last rites of their old friend and competitor, Del Fanning.

Reflecting on the solomn ceremony of that occasion, the idea to form Golden Wheels flowered and became a reality in 1975.

The group of racers, originally from Victoria, were Pike Green, John Dalby, Bud Green, and Digger Caldwell, who all had raced at the old Langford Speedway in the 1930's and at Western Speedway, through the 1950's.

Pike Green was the driving force behind the formation of the organization.

The purpose of Golden Wheels is to encourage the sport of vintage auto racing, and to honor the racers who are no longer here. As well, financial assistance is given to "worthy distressed auto racers, ex-racers, their widows and orphans."

The Fraternity is noted for its charitable works; in particular its support of humanitarian projects such as the "Jan Opperman's Ranch" for troubled youth.

Golden Wheels, while centered in the Northwest, has membership in 18 U.S. States and two provinces in Canada. Efforts to foster vintage auto racing however, is concentrated in British Columbia and the states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

Cars such as Sprint, Big Car, Midget and Roadster run in exhibition races at different tracks and can also be viewed at car shows.

Eric Foster (father of Billy Foster, of Indy 500 fame) and Vic Roy headed the Victoria chapter of Golden Wheels during the late 1970's and 1980's.

There will be a special showing of vintage cars, at Western Speedway's 50th birthday party on July 26. Pike Green, founder of the Fraternity, and 1992 Victoria Auto Racing Hall of Famer will be there.