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

By LeRae Haynes 

Donny Kunka is well on his way to finishing another stellar year in competitive racing. At 15 years old, the Columneetza Secondary School honour role student took home Rookie of the Year,  Most Improved Driver and came in 5th overall in points last year. 

His success has continued this year, including two weeks ago when he won all three of his races at Thunder Mountain Speedway for the Memorial Race. The race is dedicated to people involved with racing who have passed away, and Donny dedicated his races to his uncle, Trevor Fisher.   

Donny races in the Bone Stock Mini class and is looking forward to his final race of the season on Saturday, September 10.

He competes in his class with drivers of all ages and levels of experience. He explained that Bone Stock Mini cars are usually small imports, adding that you can’t modify the engine, but you can change out the tires. He drives a Honda Civic which has been gutted to reduce as much weight as possible. 

“Bone Stock Mini is a beginner class—a fun class and one of the biggest,” he said. “The races can vary from 6-15 cars.” 

He said that, as a young racer, having family support and a great pit crew are equally important. “I have family and friends helping out in the pit, including my best friend Danny Lussier,” he explained. “He doesn’t forget anything and is totally committed to the sport.” 

Donny grew up in a household where racing was as common as breathing---a tradition that began with he grandfather, Don, and continued with his father. 

“My dad Arnie has been racing since 1996: he’s the best driver I’ve ever met,” the young driver said. “He’s racing Street Stock now in the Arca West Series. 

“He’s very smooth, which is important if you want to be fast. Patience is also crucial: in longer races you can wear out your tires if you’re impatient,” Donny stated. “You won’t be able to win if you’re flat out the whole time—it takes strategy.” 

As a child, Donny watched his dad race from the stands, helped him with mechanics and body work in the shop and crewed for him for a year, knowing that it was only a matter of time until he got behind the wheel of a race car for the first time.     

“My first race was so much fun: it was everything I expected and everything I wanted,” he said. 

Donny’s mom, Leanne Kunka, said that the family is going to send Donny to Charlotte, North Carolina for a private, week-long driving school next summer where he will have unique opportunities to develop his sills.   

When he isn’t on the race track, Donny has other adrenalin-filled interests, including hockey, snowboarding and snowmobiling.  

 “Racing is great for kids and families: it’s the funnest thing in the world,” he said. “Kids learn about more than racing—they learn about cars and they meet a lot of other racing families. I’m really lucky. I have a group of friends who come to all my races. 

 “It’s such a great way to make new friends. You compete against each other, but your rival is your friend. Other drivers will help you in the pit—drop what they’re doing to come help fix a flat,” he explained. 

 “Racing is fast-paced and highly competitive, but it’s also social and supportive and a great way to spend time with your family and your peers,” Leanne said. “He grew up traveling around BC and Alberta watching his dad race and now spends a lot of time with his dad in the shop.” 

Donny is now 12 points ahead in his class for the season, and if he does well on September 10 he will take the points final for the year. 

He said that racing would not be possible without his sponsors, which are Bob Lowen, West Fraser Truckers, BJ’s, M&S 150 Mile Tire and Service, Schickworks, Stampede Glass, his family, Don Kunka Logging and James Western Star. “I’m so thankful for all of them,” he said. “They’re a huge help and they’re why I stay behind the wheel.”

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