Osoyoos’ Richter Pass Motorplex hosts valley-wide challenge

By Shana Cachola • October 4, 2012 3:45 pm
Lee DeShaw's 1929 Plymouth
Lee DeShaw's 1929 Plymouth is a stellar example of one of the drag racing cars you can see Oct. 7, 2012 at the Wine Country Racing Association's last event. Richter Pass Motorplex is housed at the Osoyoos Airport. Submitted photo
Lee DeShaw's 1929 Plymouth
Lee DeShaw’s 1929 Plymouth is a stellar example of one of the drag racing cars you can see Oct. 7, 2012 at the Wine Country Racing Association’s last event. Richter Pass Motorplex is housed at the Osoyoos Airport. Submitted photo

OSOYOOS – The final drag race of the Wine Country Racing Association’s (WCRA) 2012 season is closing in on us. Sunday, Oct. 7, the day before Thanksgiving in Canada, is the Okanagan Car Club Challenge. An adrenaline rush on Sunday may help digest that turkey on Monday.

Racers from three Okanagan Valley car clubs will convene at Richter Pass Motorplex, along with the regular drag cars, to climb their way up to the coveted number one spot. Currently Jim McKelvey (Old Smoothy) from Summerland, BC is the king of the castle. He drove his 1947 Ford Coupe to victory for the Okanagan Rodtiques car club October 3, 2011.

The September 23 race was flat-out fun for all involved. 52 cars were driven by happy and fun-loving drivers. Energetic and dedicated volunteers kept the show flowing nicely for a crowd that simply could not get enough. Results follow:

Tim Hiebert of Osoyoos (black 1990 Mustang) defeated Riley Martin of Oliver (white 1990 Mustang) in the Sportsman Bracket.

The Sportsman Bracket Fast trophy was won by Tyler LePage of West Kelowna (yellow 1964 Nova), over Lee Osborn of Rock Creek (red 1982 Mustang).

Dick Warren of Tonasket, Washington sped away with the Pro Bracket prize (red 1951 Chevy), defeating Mike Riplinger of Oliver, BC (black 1967 Cougar).

Oliver’s Ken Brown won the Pro Bracket Fast trophy for the DDK Racing team (black 1978 Monte Carlo) by defeating Scott Winterbottom (blue 1963 Chevy II).

Warren Brown of Oliver (green 2002 Kawasaki) reigned victorious in the Bike/Sled class by out-racing Steve Clement from Penticton (red/black 2006 Yamaha snowmobile).

Jordyn Lombardi of Osoyoos won the Jr. Dragster event with her pink and purple dragster.

The fastest reaction time of the day was put forth by Phil Walters of Peachland. Phil caught himself a perfect .500 lighting his black and white 1986 Nissan pickup.

Gates open at 9 a.m. Drivers come early to pass through technical inspection. Racing begins at 11 a.m. with time trials. The elimination round begins around 1 p.m. Gate fee is $10, with children under 12 admitted free with an adult. Concessions are available on site. For more information go to www.winecountryracing.ca or call (250) 498-6443.