News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

By Cailin Cousins

Over 2,300 spectators filled the 'back forty' at Thunder Mountain Speedway on Friday evening, and were treated to a heaping portion of the three main ingredients in auto racing; speed, performance, and endurance. 

Races started on time and the events darted out with a dash for cash race and two trophy dashes. Honorary trophy presenter for the event, Miss Teen Cariboo-Chilcotin-Coast, Evaline McPherson, delivered trophies, cheques and smiles for the crowd-pleasing drivers.  The event sponsor www.welcometowilliamslake.ca, delivered Miss McPherson to the start/finish line in their corporate Dodge pick-up. 

(Photo:  The driver escape uninjured before his car caught fire.  It was quickly extinguished by the track saftey crew.  Photo by Joe Cousins.)

Click on the photo to watch a brief clip of the Crash to Pass event.

Although Dan Tate's '63 Nova brought the crowd to their feet in the Smoke Show Competition it was last year's winner Victor Sizer, in his '83 Chev S-10, who got the most applause after he pulled out all the stops and thrilled fans to the edge of their seats again this year.  "I'd like to thank my sponsors The Fab Shop and Big-O Tires of Williams Lake, as well as my supportive friends and family," said Sizer after the smoke cleared. 

(Photo:  Dan Tate starting his burn out.  Click on the image to watch the video of this smoke show.  Photo/video by Joe Cousins.)

Click HERE to watch the video of Victor Sizer's burnout.

A total of ten entrants in everything from an 70's Porche to a 2009 Dodge 4x4 Crewcab lined up for the annual King of the Hill Competition, a run-what-you-brung, head to head competition open to any licensed vehicle.  Scott  Girvin blew minds with his Eagle Talon, coming out the big winner after several heats. 

Carl Rosk blazed through the field of Crash-to-Pass cars to come out the unofficial winner.  He maneuvered his car around the many crashes and pile-ups, including several car fires.   Jason Howlett of Quesnel took second, third place went to Ron Peebles, the fourth place position belonged to Jason Davis at the end of the night and Dennis Redlick finished at the back of the pack.  (Unofficial results.) 

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The 50/50 draw made one gentleman very happy as he took home over $1,200, and plenty of other prizes were given away throughout the night, as well.  The announcer, John Wren did a fantastic job of entertaining the crowd when there were no cars on the track, and took the time to appreciate all of the sponsors and volunteers that make these evenings of awesome family entertainment possible. 

Racing action continues at Thunder Mountain Speedway on Saturday night as the Katana Sportsman series rumbles into town, as well as the South Okanagan Bakery Street Stocks, and local classes of Bone Stock Mini, Heartland Toyota Pro Mini, Thunder Stock and Street stock.

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