Mike Riplinger, of Oliver is one of the locals you will discover taking part in Wine Country Racing Association’s drag race on Sept 22, 2013.
Photo credit: Shannon Robertson
You’ve likely heard or read about the Wine Country Racing Association (WCRA) holding drag races a few times per year at the Osoyoos airport, known as Richter Pass Motorplex. The next event being hosted by this club is coming on Sunday, September 22, 2013. Have you ever wondered, “Who on earth are the people involved with this sport?”
Drag racers come in all shapes, sizes, colours, styles, genders and variations. The man that sells you tires is a drag racer. How about the superintendent at the school? Yes, you guessed correctly. He’s a drag racer. They vary from the guy who repairs the dents in your car to the gentlemen who built your house. Racers are the people who grow your fruit and the officers that keep our roads safe. The folks who sell you hardware goods, make websites and worked as your government agent are all involved with the racing. Firemen can be drag racers just like the lady you passed in the grocery store with a flock of little kids.
There is an entire sub-community that was built around a few common desires. These friendly folks want to have an arena to safely compete with the vehicles they’ve laboured over. Racers want to socialize and have fun.
All are welcome and encouraged to partake in the festivities. You will find it a friendly, family-oriented place to be. Don’t be shy to say hello or ask questions. The fans and racers alike are always more than happy to educate new-comers.
THE DUAL IN THE DESERT
Grudges aren’t always a bad thing. The two fastest rigs at Richter Pass Motorplex are gunning for one another. Warren Brown of Oliver is currently ahead, 2 to 1, over Neal Ericson of Osoyoos. Being perfectly matched, the races between these two are exciting to watch. At 118 mph at the end of the eighth mile track it goes quickly. Ericson is itching to even the score and speed his 1969 Camaro past Brown’s 1200 cc Kawasaki ZX12 motorcycle.
Sunday, September 22, 2013 the gates open at 9 a.m. Gate fee is $10 for people over 12. Children under 12 are admitted at no charge when accompanied by an adult. Racing starts at 11 a.m. with the final elimination round beginning at 1 p.m. Concessions are available on site. Anyone interested in registering their vehicle must come early, so that a safety inspection can be done before racing starts. Go to www.winecountryracing.ca or call 250-498-6443 for more information