by Lois Pollard-Grant
Through its 22-year history, mini stocks have been a popular class of racing for drivers of almost every age.
Young teen-age drivers such as 14-year-old Kyle Vantreight, and approaching senior citizens, like Jim Gallaugher, can be seen competing today at Western Speedway.
The four cylinder cars are also popular for car owners because they are generally far less expensive to get onto the track than most other classes.
The idea to create a small car, class of racing, was originated by John Kindew, Pat Monaghan, Peter Martin and Mike Grute in 1980.
The group adopted the rules of the Northwest Mini Stock Association, and by 1982 they had enough cars to field a race at Western Speedways season opener. Monaghan was the club's first champion.
In 1990, businessman Paul Klatt took over the reigns
as President from Kevin Roberts; and in 1991, under Klatt, the mini stocks became a registered sanctioning body - The International Mini Stock Association (IMS 4).
When Klatt retired as President in 1996, Ron Simpson took over. He was followed by George Grant, then Tom Machan who heads up the minis today.
| 2002 Final Point Standings | 2002 Awards |
| 1 | Gilles Parenteau 1374 | Rookie of the Year | Doug Hopwood |
| 2 | Matt Mansell 1263 | Most Improved Driver | Kyle Vantreight |
| 3 | Jim Gallaugher 1263 | Crew Member of the Year | Mike Nyste |
| 4 | Doug Wright 1121 | Top Owner Points | Gilles Parenteau |
| 5 | Doug Hopwood 952 | Member of the Year | Sharon Constantine |
| 6 | Chad Dobranski 914 | Best Appearing Car | Ron Chapman |
| 7 | Sharon Constantine 852 | Constructors Award | Ron Chapman & Brian Woodske |
| 8 | Steve Ford 795 | Hard Luck Award | Sharon Constantine |
| 9 | Brian Ford 770 | Appreciation Awards | Sheila Mansell, Cliff Spencer, Chris Watt |
| 10 | Randy Joyes 749 | Special Appreciation Award | Sharon Constantine |