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South Okanagan Photos

Racers, start your engines

Camaro22 Wine Country Racing Association season-opener

Photo credit: Frank Clark
Osoyoos’ Neil Ericson lines his 1969 Camaro up against Grand Forks’ Gary Knopp, in his  1981 Buick Regal at Richter Pass Motorplex.

Fans won’t have to wait long now. Mark the calendar for May 1 for the first trip down the drag track.

Volunteers for Wine Country Racing Association (WCRA) have been bustling, getting all the behind-the-scenes work done. New timing equipment should offer an even more exciting show for the crowd. Teams have been building new, tougher cars preparing to rock Richter Pass Motorplex. Many local businesses stand behind the drag racers, showing their support with sponsorship.

One such businessman is Neil Ericson, of Osoyoos. OK Tire is one of the major sponsors of each event.

“This is just a great family event, for racers and spectators. Our young people need to know that there is someplace they can legally run their car as fast as it can go,” said Ericson. Both of the next-generation of Ericson racers have been competing for years at Richter Pass Motorplex. Young Tanner Ericson is reputed to be gunning for Dad’s yellow Camaro.

The good-natured competition doesn’t stop there as Ericson said with a chuckle, “One day, you may see Tammy (Neil’s wife) out there, if she can race in heels.”

This spring is perfect for waking up from the long winter’s nap. Four events are jam-packed into less than two months, including back-to-back weekends. May 1, May 29, June 5, June 19.

WCRA has been given the nod from the town of Osoyoos to host six drag racing events in 2016. September 25 and October 9 are the chances to feel the thunder in the fall.

Photographer Frank Clark heads out on race day, fulfilling his need for speed by capturing the 1/8 mile action. Clark grew up watching his own father race, and has a recommendation, “Everyone should take their car down the track at least once while they own it!”

Gates open at the Osoyoos Airport at 9 a.m. Admission is $10, with those 12 and under free with an adult. Racers come early to register and have your vehicle inspected. Fans can fill the bleachers, bring their own lawn chair or back their trucks up to the fences to catch the action.

Concessions are available on site.

Go to www.winecountryracing.ca for more information. And Tammy, we will be waiting for you.