With the smell of gasoline in the air, the 27th season of Sunshine Coast drag racing was launched. The hungry growl of engines shook the ground, each working part itching to hit the track.
Participants from Powell River were among the competitors at a Sunshine Coast Drag Racing Association event in Sechelt last month.
Drag racing enthusiast and self-taught mechanic Garry Clark brought his roaring 1929 Plymouth three-window coupe, powered by a 360-cubic inch engine, from Powell River to the strip in late May, turning heads and clocking solid times.
“I’ve always been a backyard kinda car guy,” said Clark, noting that he first got into the sport after hearing about the local racing scene from friends.
Clark does all the work on his car himself, a point of pride that shines through in every detail of the vintage build. Reflecting on his experience with the drag racing association, he said he has nothing but respect.
“They’re all volunteers, and yeah, we had some problems, but we figured them out,” he added.
At the track with a weathered but beloved 1968 AMC Rambler, Powell River racer Amanda Sholtens carries on a family tradition steeped in horsepower and heart. The pale blue patina Rambler, old and rusty but full of character, made its second appearance on the drag strip this season.
The family’s racing roots run deep. Sholtens’ father owns a 1969 AMC AMX with a 440-cubic inch engine, and it was in 2013 that their story took a poignant turn. Her brother was originally set to race, but after his unexpected passing, their dad stepped in and raced his car at the Sunshine Coast event in his memory, showing the joy they shared in the races.
Most of the mechanical work still falls to her dad, but they share the spirit and create new father/daughter memories through the hard work.
Looking ahead, Sholtens plans to race again in July and August. She said having a racing association so close to home is lucky, and that she is grateful to have a better financial option in Sechelt, given Vancouver Island ferries and races tend to get pricey.
“Everybody was helpful, and we got a lot of runs in,” recalled Amanda, despite being knocked out in the first round.
Organizers said the first go at this year's races ran smooth and fast, with 82 heavy-hitter race cars and 1,000 happy spectators, and that “our trial run gave us the knowledge to move forward with these upcoming races, a great leap into the future of our association.” Perhaps the biggest game-changer this year is an upgraded timing system.
On July 6, fans can expect bouncy castles, colouring contests and a wide variety of food vendors.
“From the Burnout Babes running the track, to the old-timers sharing stories and advice, there is truly something for every generation. So, come get in the heat, on July 6, 2025, at the Sechelt Airport. The people who organize this program are excited and eager to see new faces and share this one-of-a-kind lifestyle with the people of Powell River.”
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