Vintage Racing Club of BC

The Spirit of Westwood Lives On!

November 2, 2024

Byron Meston working hard to keep his 1969 Datsun 510 ahead of Ian Wood in his 1969 Volvo 142S through the reconfigured Turn 8 during one of Sunday’s Vintage races. – Brent Martin photo

Posted: November 2, 2024

Unlike the previous race weekend, the weather was ‘less than ideal’ for the SCCBC’s ‘Fall Finale’ / CACC #6 October 26th-27th race weekend at the Speed Fanatics Motorsport Course at Mission Raceway Park. The Vintage races on Sunday were the seventh and last (already!) IWE-REVS points events for 2024 for VRCBC members. Time flies when you’re having fun!

The Vintage results are available on this website (here) under the Race Results menu, and the full weekend results are available on the SCCBC website (here). Brent Martin braved the rain to take his usual great photos of the on-track action. You can see some of them below and the rest on his website (here).

Our REVS Sunday Vintage races are part of the full weekends of road racing organized by the Sports Car Club of BC (SCCBC) and sanctioned by the Confederation of Autosport Car Clubs (CACC). The full 2025 season schedule will be posted on the SCCBC website Schedule page (here) once it is finalized, probably some time in January. Make sure to check it out and in the meantime, get those Vintage racing cars ready!

(more…)

October 10, 2024

Green Flag! Steve van Meel (’75 Chevrolet Camaro) and Brett Payne (’72 Porsche 911 RSR) lead the pack into Turn One. Visible behind them are (left to right) Werner Berger (’90 BMW 325is), Robin Liu ( ’71 Datsun 240Z), Jon Wright (’90 BMW E30) and almost hidden behind the Porsche, Pat Hall (’72 Datsun 240Z). – Brent Martin photo

Posted: October 10, 2024

The weather was perfect for the Vintage racing on the Sunday of the SCCBC’s ‘Wet Leaf Classic’ / CACC #5 October 5-6 race weekend at the Speed Fanatics Motorsport Course at Mission Raceway Park. This was the sixth IWE-REVS points event for 2024 for VRCBC members.

The VRCBC always say: ‘The Cars are the Stars!’ and ‘Vintage means Variety!’ and this weekend proved it! The Vintage entry included in (approximate) alphabetical order, an Austin ‘Big’ Healey, four BMWs ( a 2002, three E30s) a Camaro and a Corvette, six Datsuns (a 1200, two 510s, three 240Zs), a Ford Focus SVT, a Honda Civic, a Mazda Miata, a MGB, a (tube chassis) Pontiac Grand Am, two Porsches (a 911S, a 911RSR), a Triumph (Dolomite) 2000, and a Volvo 142S. This is why Vintage racing is so much fun to take part in and to watch; the cars are so different and everyone has someone to race with.

The Vintage results are available on this website under Race Results (here) and the full weekend results are available on the SCCBC website (here). Brent Martin took his usual great photos of the on-track action. You can see some of them below and the rest on his website (here).

Our REVS Sunday Vintage races are part of the full weekends of road racing organized by the Sports Car Club of BC (SCCBC) and sanctioned by the Confederation of Autosport Car Clubs (CACC). Check out the full season schedule on the SCCBC website Schedule page (here). There is only one weekend left! Time flies when you’re having fun!

Gunther ‘at work’.

Our last Vintage races are on the Sunday of the SCCBC’s ‘Fall Finale’ / CACC #6 race event over the October 26 – 27 weekend. Registration for both drivers and volunteers is open. And remember, if your racing car isn’t ready, be like Gunther Ruppel and volunteer to work on a turn! The links are on the SCCBC web site (here).

(more…)

September 19, 2024

Peter Strachan in his 1972 Datsun 510 leads Alex Zuccaro and his 1985 BMW 325is through Turn 5 during a Vintage race on Sunday, September 15th. – Brent Martin photo

Posted: September 19, 2024

The weather improved just in time for the Sunday racing during the SCCBC’s ‘Back to School’ / CACC #4 September 14-15 race weekend at the Speed Fanatics Motorsport Course at Mission Raceway Park. This was the fifth IWE-REVS points event for 2024 for VRCBC members.

The Vintage results are available on this website under Race Results (here) and the full weekend results are available on the SCCBC website (here). Brent Martin took his usual great photos of the on-track action. You can see some of them below and the rest on his website (here).

Our REVS Sunday Vintage races are part of the full weekends of road racing organized by the Sports Car Club of BC (SCCBC) and sanctioned by the Confederation of Autosport Car Clubs (CACC). Check out the full season schedule on the SCCBC website Schedule page (here). There are only two weekends left!

Our next Vintage races are on the Sunday of the SCCBC’s ‘Wet Leaf Classic’ / CACC #5 race event over the October 5-6 weekend. Registration for both drivers and volunteers is open.

(more…)

August 16, 2024

‘Get ready for the start!’ Gunther Ruppel (1960 Austin Healey ‘Bugeye’ Sprite), Paul Haym (1969 BMW 2002), Rich Newman (1960 Austin Healey Sebring Sprite) and the rest, during a pace lap at the BCHMR. – Brent Martin photo

Posted: August 16, 2024

The VRCBC held it’s big annual event, the British Columbia Historic Motor Races (BCHMR), over the August 10th-11th weekend at Speed Fanatics Motorsports Circuit, Mission Raceway Park. The weather was very good and there was some excellent close racing, plus a two day Field of Dreams car show. It was a lot of fun, which is really what Vintage racing is all about. A big thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters, and of course to the entrants and spectators. Go to the BCHMR’s own website (here) for the race results, plus some photos and stories about the weekend activities. We hope to see you all again next year for the 2025 edition of the BCHMR!

 

Our next Vintage racing will be during the Sunday of the SCCBC’s ‘Back to School‘ race event over the September 14th-15th weekend. Registration is open for both entrants (here) and volunteers (here). If you won’t be racing, please consider volunteering. Many hands make light work. See you at the track!

 

July 27, 2024

The Start! From left to right in the photo: Kees Nierop (white ’72 Datsun 280Z), Wynn Hollingshead (red ’92 Mazda Miata), Ian Wood (white ’69 Volvo 142S), Eric Hardman (white Mazda RX7), Byron Meston (blue ’69 Datsun 510), Jon Wright (red ’90 BMW E30 – almost hidden behind Corvette), Greg(Sr) Cavouras (white ’84 Chevrolet Corvette), Gayle Baird (white ’91 Honda Civic), Roger Flescher (black ’69 Sunbeam Tiger), Ian Mackie (white ’70 Datsun 510), Courtney Shaw (white ’96 Mazda Miata). Vintage means Variety! – Brent Martin photo

Posted: July 27, 2024

The third event of the VRCBC’s 2024 Vintage racing season was held on Sunday, July 21st during the SCCBC’s ‘Dog Days of Racing‘ weekend at the Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit at Mission Raceway Park. This was the third IWE-REVS points event for 2024 for VRCBC members.

The weather stayed great throughout the weekend and we had an excellent grid reperesenting a full cross-section of Vintage-eligible racing cars. The Vintage results are available on this website under Race Results (here) and the full weekend results are available on the SCCBC website (here). Brent Martin took his usual great photos of the on-track action. You can see some of them below and the rest on his website (here).

Our REVS Sunday Vintage races are part of the full weekends of road racing organized by the Sports Car Club of BC (SCCBC) and sanctioned by the Confederation of Autosport Car Clubs (CACC). Check out the full season schedule on the SCCBC website Schedule page (here).

The next Vintage races will be our very own BC Historic Motor Races held over the August 10-11 weekend.  Check out the separate BCHMR website (here) for all of the latest information, see who has already entered, and find the links – if you haven’t already – to register as a racer or volunteer (thanks!).

See you at the track on August 10th and 11th!

(more…)

July 4, 2024

VRCBC member Brett Payne of Cultus Lake, pressing on with his very fast 1972 Porsche 911 RSR at the PNW Historics. – Brent Martin photo

Posted: July 4, 2024

SOVREN, our Vintage racing ‘cousins’ from south of the border held a big race event over the June 29-30 weekend at Pacific Raceways in Seattle. This was their 36th running  of the Pacific Northwest Historics. You can read all about SOVREN (aka Society for Vintage Racing Enthusiasts) and their events on their website (here). A number of VRCBC members and other ‘northerners’ took part and did well. The full results are posted on Race Hero (here).

Our intrepid photographer Brent Martin was there also and provided us with the photos below. Thanks Brent! He has posted many more of his photos of all of the PNW Historics competitors on his website (here).

We look forward to welcoming many of the SOVREN racers and their crews to our BC Historic Motor Races in August.

(more…)

June 26, 2024

Hard on the Binders! Alex Zuccaro (’85 BMW 325is) on the left and Jon Wright (’90 BMW E30) trying hard to outbrake each other (but not themselves!) going into Turn One at the start of a Vintage race on June 23rd. – Brent Martin photo

Posted: June 26, 2024

The second event of the VRCBC’s 2024 Vintage racing season was held on Sunday, June 23rd during the SCCBC’s ‘Summer Classic‘ weekend at the Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit at Mission Raceway Park. This was the second IWE-REVS points event for 2024 for VRCBC members.

 

Thankfully, although the skies were mostly grey, it did stay dry, unlike our very wet first race weekend. The Vintage results are available on this website under Race Results (here) and the full weekend results are available on the SCCBC website (here) . Brent Martin took his usual great photos of the on-track action. You can see some of them below and the rest on his website (here).

 

Our Vintage races are part of full weekends of road racing organized by the Sports Car Club of BC (SCCBC) and sanctioned by the Confederation of Autosport Car Clubs (CACC). Check out the full season schedule on the SCCBC website Schedule page (here).  The next Vintage races will be on the Sunday of the SCCBC ‘Dog Days of Racing’ event during the July 20-21 weekend.  Registration is already open on MotorsportReg.com:

  • Driver Registration for the ‘Dog Days of Racing’ Race Weekend – July 20th & July 21st (here)
  • Volunteer and Crew Registration for the ‘Dog days of Racing’ Race Weekend – July 20th & July 21st (here)

(more…)

May 24, 2024

‘Coming right atcha!’ Veteran racer, VRCBC member (and BC Historic Motor Races Paddock Marshal) Keith Robinson, blasts up Knox Mountain in his 1997 Kodiak Fox JC1 Formula Ford. – Brent Martin photo

Posted: May 24, 2024

The May long weekend saw the 65th (yes the 65th!!) running of the Knox Mountain Hill Climb in Kelowna. Some of our members took on the challenge of the hill. The elapsed times and speeds through the trap for each competitor are available on the Leavitt Machinery Knox Mountain Hill Climb website (here).

Our big supporter and local motorsports’ leading photographer, Brent Martin was there as well and sent us some photos of the action (see below). Thansk Brent! You can find all of Brent’s photos of all forms of motorsport on his website (here).

(more…)

May 20, 2024

The VRCBC display at the 2024 All British Field Meet featured a full race MG Midget, a Cortina Lotus, and – hiding behind the tent – a Sunbeam Tiger. – Gerry Frechette photo

Updated: June 2, 2024

The 37th edition of the All British Field Meet (aka The Greatest Show on British Wheels) was held on Saturday, May 18th at Vancouver’s beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden. The weather started out wet and miserable but gradually improved and was sunny and warm by mid-afternoon; very British actually!

This year, the ABFM’s three featured marques were Triumph – both cars and bikes, Sunbeam Tiger (we had one!) and, something new, a display of modified classics – a rapidly growing area of interest with automotive enthusiasts. The ABFM website (here) will have a complete listing of the various award winners shortly.

The VRCBC was there again in its usual spot near the entrance with three of our members’ British racing cars on display. We enjoyed talking to all of the spectators who dropped by asking about the racing cars, our big BC Historic Motor Races weekend in August, and also about road racing at Mission in general.

A big Thank You to the ABFM for again providing us with complimentary space, and to those Club members who donated their cars, display materials and time; very much appreciated.

See you again at the next ABFM on May 17, 2025 !

May 5, 2024

Fan favourite Vintage racers Keith Robinson (1975 Van Diemen RF75 FFord) and Gayle Baird (1964 AD Mk111B Fox FVee) do their best impersonation of hydroplanes going into Turn 5 during Sunday’s Open Wheel races. – Brent Martin photo

Posted: May 5, 2024

The VRCBC’s 2024 Vintage racing season kicked off on Sunday, April 27th during the SCCBC’s ‘Spring Fling‘ weekend at the Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit at Mission Raceway Park. This was the first IWE-REVS points event for 2024 for VRCBC members.

 

Road racers pride themselves on always racing in the rain, unlike some other forms of motorsport. But there was probably some (secret) questioning of that dedication by both racers and turnworkers this weekend; it was cold and it was wet; particularly on Saturday.

 

The results are available on the SCCBC website (here). Brent Martin braved the elements to take his usual great photos of the on-track action. You can see some of them below and the rest on his website (here).

 

Our Vintage races are part of full weekends of road racing organized by the Sports Car Club of BC (SCCBC) and sanctioned by the Confederation of Autosport Car Clubs (CACC). Check out the full season schedule on the SCCBC website Schedule page (here). There will be no Vintage races at the next event, the ICSCC (‘Conference’) weekend on May 25-26, but there will be lots of close racing.

 

The next Vintage races will be on the Sunday of the SCCBC ‘Summer Classic’ event during the June 22-23 weekend. (It HAS to be warmer!) Registration is already open on MotorsportReg.com:

  • Driver Registration for the ‘Summer Classic’ Race Weekend – June 22nd & June 23rd (here)
  • Volunteer and Crew Registration for the ‘Summer Classic’ Race Weekend – June 22nd & June 23rd (here)

 

See you at the track!

(more…)

March 22, 2024

Brent Martin photo

Updated: March 25, 2024

Elevate – Vancouver Auto Show at the Vancouver Convention Centre is now over for another year! There was something to interest every automotive enthusiast. If you couldn’t make it in person, full information will still be available on the show website (here) for a while. The show was record setting. Saturday had the highest single day attendance (39,823) in the history of the show. And the overall show attendance (129,034) was the highest ever. The 2025 Vancouver International Auto Show has already been scheduled to take place, again at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, from March 26 to 30.

 

The VRCBC and the Sports Car Club of BC (SCCBC) shared a booth. We were kept very busy answering questions from the many people who stopped to check out the different road racing cars on display, and pick up information on the clubs and our race weekends at Mission Raceway Park, how to become involved as a racer or turn worker, or as a spectator. Members of Women in Motorsports were there too! They have quickly become a real driving force throughout our whole motorsports community.

 

It was a very successful show. Thank you to everyone who dropped by. If you have any further questions, just check out the other pages on this VRCBC website and / or the SCCBC website (here).

See you at the track!

November 29, 2023

Look at that grin! Annie – Gunther Ruppel’s fiesty little Bugeye Sprite – is all smiles at the news that the date for the 2024 BCHMR has been set as the August 10th-11th weekend! – Brent Martin photo

Posted: November 29, 2023

The VRCBC is very pleased to announce that the 2024 BC Historic Motor Races will be held over the August 10th – 11th weekend. Full details will be posted on the BCHMR’s dedicated website (here) as they become available.

 

The SCCBC has just released their full 2024 race schedule of road racing events at the Speed-Fanatics Motorsports Circuit at Mission Raceway Park. Check it out here.

 

Mark your calendars now, watch for updates on these websites and we will see you at the track this coming season!

October 16, 2023

And they’re off! The grid heads for the green flag led by Brett Payne (’72 Porsche 911 RSR), Kees Nierop (’72 Datsun 280Z), Alex Zuccaro (’84 BMW E30) and Ian Wood (’69 Volvo 142S). There is always lots of variety in a VRCBC grid! – Brent Martin photo

Posted: October 16, 2023

The Thanksgiving weekend saw the final races of the 2023 road race season at the Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit at Mission Raceway. The VRCBC’s IWE/REVS Seies vintage races were held on the Sunday of the CACC-sanctioned, SCCBC Turkey Chase event. The weather was excellent and their was lots of great racing.

 

Thanks again to Brent Martin for his photos (see below) of the action. All of Brent’s photos of this and many other events are available on his website (here). The complete results for the weekend, including those for Vintage, are available on the SCCBC web site (here).

 

It’s hard to believe that we are already looking forward to the 2024 season! Stay tuned for more updates in the meantime and don’t forget to renew your VRCBC membership in November as soon as the link is posted!

(more…)

September 5, 2023

He’s back! It was great to see long time (and fast!) VRCBC racer Ian Thomas back on track. Here he is in his familiar 1970 BMW 2002 leading Jon Wright (1990 BMW E30), Gayle Baird (1991 Honda Civic) and Michael Hawthorne (1987 Porsche 944) at the Speed Fanatics Motorsport Circuit on Sunday, August 20th. – Brent Martin photo

Posted: September 5, 2023

The August 19th-20th weekend saw the ‘Race to Shade’, the SCCBC’s (CACC-sanctioned) fifth race event of the year at Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit at Mission Raceway Park. As usual, the VRCBC’s IWE/REVS Vintage series points races took place on the Sunday.

 

Thanks again to Brent Martin for his photos (see below) of the action. All of Brent’s photos of this and many other events are available on his website (here). The complete results for the weekend, including those for Vintage, are available on the SCCBC web site (here).

 

The VRCBC’s next (and last for the season) Vintage races will be on Sunday, October 20th during the SCCBC’s ‘Turkey Chase‘ weekend. But before that, there will be the ICSCC (‘Conference’) race weekend at the track over the September 16th-17th weekend. There won’t be any Vintage racing but there will lots of great closed and open wheel action! Check the SCCBC Schedule web page (here) for the latest info on this event.

Spectators are always welcome!  See you at the track!

(more…)

July 29, 2023

Robin Liu (1971 Datsun 240Z ) leads Ian Wood (1969 Volvo 142S), Greg Cavouras Snr (1991 Ford Mustang), Gayle Baird (1991 Honda Civic), Michael Hawthorne (1987 Porsche 944), Paul Haym (1969 BMW 2002) and the rest of the Vintage grid into Turn 1. – Brent Martin photo

Updated: September 5, 2023

The July 22nd-23rd weekend saw ‘July Grand Prix’, the SCCBC’s (CACC-sanctioned) fourth race event of the year at Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit at Mission Raceway Park. As usual, the VRCBC’s IWE/REVS Vintage series points races took place on the Sunday.

Thanks again to Brent Martin for his photos (see below) of the action. All of Brent’s photos of this and many other events are available on his website (here).

 

Update: Our friend Steve Frye has provided us with a link (here) to his photos of the Vintage races. A reminder that all of these photos are copyright and the property of the individual photographer. If you would like copies for your personal use, just contact them directly.

 

The complete results for the weekend, including those for Vintage, are available on the SCCBC web site (here).

The VRCBC’s next Vintage races will be on Sunday, August 20th during the SCCBC’s ‘Race to Shade‘ weekend. Spectators are welcome!  See you at the track!

(more…)

June 29, 2023

Our answer to the famous orange (or papaya) McLaren Can Am ‘Bruce & Denny Show’ of the sixties. This is the VRCBC’s very own ‘Paul (Haym) & Peter (Valkenburg) Show’ demonstrating how it’s done at Speed Fanatics Motorsport Circuit at Mission Raceway Park 0n June 25th! – Brent Martin photo

Posted: June 29, 2023

The June 24th-25th weekend saw ‘Summer Sizzler’, the SCCBC’s (CACC-sanctioned) third race event of the year at Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit at Mission Raceway Park. As usual, the VRCBC’s IWE/REVS Vintage series points races took place on the Sunday.

 

Thanks again to Brent Martin for his photos (see below) of the action. All of Brent’s photos of this and many other events are available on his website (here). The complete results for the weekend, including those for Vintage, are available on the SCCBC web site (here).

 

The VRCBC’s next Vintage races will be on Sunday, July 23rd during the SCCBC’s ‘July Grand Prix‘ weekend. Spectators are welcome!  See you at the track!

(more…)

June 28, 2023

The VRCBC’s Director at Large, Greg (Snr) Cavouras keeps his Mustang ahead of hard charging Byron Meston in his Datsun 510. That’s SCCBC president Wynn Hollingshead in his Datsun 240Z in the background. – Brent Martin photo

Posted: June 28, 2023

The last weekend in May saw ‘May Madness’, the SCCBC’s second race event of the year at Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit at Mission Raceway Park. As usual, the VRCBC’s IWE/REVS series points races took place on the Sunday.

Thanks again to Brent Martin for his photos (see below) of the action. All of Brent’s photos of this and many other events are available on his website (here). The complete results for the weekend, including those for Vintage, are available on the SCCBC web site (here).

(more…)

June 28, 2023

Porsche Thunder!!  Don Benson (’74 RS) leads Brett Payne (’72 911 RSR) heading for Turn 7. – Brent Martin photo

Posted: June 28, 2023

The VRCBC had to hold our BC Historic Motor Races in May this year, much earlier than our usual August date. Nevertheless, the weather (fortunately) cooperated and a good time was had by all. The BCHMR was the second race in our IWE/REVS points series for 2023.

The full story with Brent Martin’s photos, is on our dedicated BCHMR web site (here).

June 28, 2023

Ian Wood, ‘The Face of Rear Ends Only’, leads Peter Strachan and the rest into Turn 2 in his trusty Swedish steed, Sven the Volvo. – Brent Martin photo

Posted: June 28, 2023

The VRCBC’s 2023 Vintage racing season kicked off on Sunday, April 30th during the SCCBC’s ‘Late Spring Fling‘ weekend at the Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit at Mission Raceway Park. This was also the first IWE-REVS points event for 2023.

The Vintage races were just part of a full weekend of road racing organized by the Sports Car Club of BC (SCCBC) and sanctioned by the Confederation of Autosport Car Clubs (CACC). Thanks (as always) to Brent Martin, we have some great photos (see below) of the action. All of Brent’s photos are available on his website (here).

The complete results for the weekend, including those for Vintage, are available on the SCCBC web site (here). Our British Columbia Historic Motor Races are next up over the May 13th – 14th weekend at the Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit.

(more…)

October 19, 2022

Vintage means Variety! Don Benson (’74 Porsche RS), Larry Sandham (’85 Mini Vauxhall), Kees Nierop (’72 Datsun 280Z), Brett Payne (’72 Porsche 911 RSR), Robin Liu (’70 Datsun 240Z), Ian Wood (’69 Volvo 124S), John McCoy (’69 Ford Escort TC), Peter Strachan (’72 Datsun 510), Gayle Baird (’91 Honda Civic), Gunther Ruppel (’60 Austin Healey ‘Bugeye’ Sprite), and Fred Semple ( Mazda Miata) charge around Turn One.- Gerry Frechette photo

Posted: October 19, 2022

That was quick! The race season is already over! The final CACC-sanctioned SCCBC race event of 2022 was held over the October 8th-9th weekend at the  Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit at Mission Raceway Park. The weather was perfect and there was a lot of competitive racing. It was an excellent wrap up for the season.

The full results for the weekend are posted on the SCCBC website (here).

Unfortunately, our long time photo-journalist (and overall great supporter of the VRCBC), Brent Martin (website) was unable to attend this weekend for health reasons. Two other good friends of the Club, Gerry Frechette and Sue Phypers stepped into the breach on very short notice to take photos of the action. (Thanks guys.) A few of these are posted below. You can find all of their photos of the Vintage action, plus those of their many other motoring-related activities on Gerry’s website.

It’s probably OK to take a few days off but then be sure to get right back to preparing your Vintage racing car. The first race of the 2023 season will be here before you know it! See you at the track!

(more…)

September 1, 2022

A ‘Big Datsun Train”! 1983 Sebring winner Kees Nierop (’72 Datsun 280Z) leads Pat Hall (’72 Datsun 240Z) and Robin Liu (’70 Datsun 240Z) into Turn 1 during their battle at the August 27th Vintage races.

Posted: September 1, 2022

The fifth races of the 2022 VRCBC’s Vintage racing season took place on Sunday, August 27th at the Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit at Mission Raceway Park. This was also the sixth event of the VRCBC’s IWE-REVS points series for 2022.

Our Vintage races were just one part of a full weekend of road racing organized by the Sports Car Club of BC (SCCBC) and sanctioned by the Confederation of Autosport Car Clubs (CACC).

Thanks (as always) to Brent Martin for his photos (see below) of the action. They are available on Brent’s website (here), along with the many others he has taken over the years. Make sure to check them out and order at least one of yourself (or your favourite ‘hero’ driver if that’s not you) in action!

The complete results for the weekend, including those for Vintage, are available on the SCCBC web site (here). The next Vintage races at the Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit are on the Sunday of the final SCCBC / CACC race weekend of the season – October 8th-9th. Registration is already open (here). We look forward to seeing you there!

There is another big race event at the track before that however; the ICSCC (‘Conference’) weekend on September 17th-18th. There won’t be any (our favourite – but we’re biased!) Vintage races but there will be lots of exciting action. There will be many entrants from south of the border in addition to our local stars, with everybody after Conference championship points as the season draws to a close. You can find the latest entry list here. It promises to be great fun! See you at the track!

(more…)

July 25, 2022

‘Vintage means Variety!’ Peter Strachan (1972 Datsun 510), Ivan Lessner (1958 Austin Healey 100-6), Robin Liu (1970 Datsun 240Z) and Gunther Ruppel ( (1960 Austin Healey ‘Bugeye’ Sprite)

Posted: July 25, 2022

The fourth races of the 2022 VRCBC’s Vintage racing season took place on Sunday, July 17th at the Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit at Mission Raceway Park. This was also the fourth event of the VRCBC’s IWE-REVS points series for 2022.

Our Vintage races were just one part of a full weekend of road racing organized by the Sports Car Club of BC (SCCBC) and sanctioned by the Confederation of Autosport Car Clubs (CACC). 

Thanks (as always) to Brent Martin for his photos (see below) of the action. They are available on Brent’s website (here), along with the many others he has taken over the years. Make sure to check them out and order at least one of yourself (or your favourite ‘hero’ driver if that’s not you) in action!

The complete results for the weekend, including those for Vintage, are available on the SCCBC web site (here). The next Vintage races at the Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit are the Club’s British Columbia Historic Motor Races over the August 6th-7th weekend. Check out who has already entered on the BCHMR website (here) and we look forward to seeing you there!

(more…)

June 14, 2022

Just another of the titanic struggles so typical of Vintage racing as Ryan O’Connor (1985 Camaro) tries to hold off John Elliott (1969 MGB) between Turns 3 and 4 ……. or maybe not. – Brent Martin photo

Posted: June 14, 2022

The third races of the 2022 VRCBC’s Vintage racing season took place on Sunday, June 12th at the Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit at Mission Raceway Park. This was the third event of the VRCBC’s very own IWE-REVS points series for 2022.

The Vintage races were just part of a full weekend of road racing organized by the Sports Car Club of BC (SCCBC) and sanctioned by the Confederation of Autosport Car Clubs (CACC). The weather was a little damp at times but not enough to bother the hardy Vintage racers!

Thanks (as always) to Brent Martin for his photos (see below) of the action. These will soon be available on Brent’s website (here), along with the many others he has taken over the years. Make sure to check them out and order at least one of yourself (or your favourite ‘hero’ driver if that’s not you) in action!

The complete results for the weekend, including those for Vintage, are available on the SCCBC web site (here). The next Vintage races at the Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit are scheduled for the Sunday of the July 16-17 weekend. See you there!

(more…)

May 26, 2022

Two of the VRCBC’s finest competed in the 2022 Leavitt Machinery Knox Mountain Hill Climb. President Mike Zbarsky was a first timer with his rare 1967 Triumph 2000. In contrast, Larry Sandham’s Mini Vauxhall has lost count of how many times they have gone up that hill together! – Jim Moody photos

Posted: May 26, 2022

After missing two years (for well known reasons), the Leavitt Machinery Knox Mountain Hill Climb was back over the May long weekend. Our intrepid roving reporter (and long time supporter) Jim Moody braved ‘the wilds’ of the Okanagon in order to send us this report and photos of some of the highlights. Thanks very much Jim!

 

The recent Victoria Day weekend saw the return of the Knox Mountain Hill Climb after the event, for the two previous years, had been cancelled. This year’s event, the 63rd Okanagan Hill Climb, was held under pleasant sunny skies. The two day event saw 54 drivers challenge the road course and a large turnout of spectators enjoyed the racing action both days. VRCBC was well represented along with other vintage entries. Club president Michael Zbarsky made his first appearance at Knox. Michael’s best time with his 1967 Triumph 2000 was on his final run turning a 2:30. 325.

Larry Sandham with his Mini Vauxhall turned a 2:10.729 this year for his fast time on the hill. Gayle Baird achieved a time of 2:28.382 with her Honda Civic and Erle Archer driving a Lotus S3 recorded a time of 2:14. 148 as his best. Robin Liu with the 1970 Datsun 240Z posted a best time of 2:26.098 on his final run of the weekend. Kees Nierop entered a Datsun 280Z and achieved a quick time of 2:06. 260.

Jasper Thomas, making his first appearance, arrived at Knox Mt. with his 1970 Dodge Challenger. His time of 2:14.528 on his 7th run would be his best. A long time competitor at Knox, Fred Del Pero with his 1969 Alfa Romeo GTV got his time down to 2:02.921 this year. Doug Yip with his son Trevor returned to Knox Mt. with the Tesla Cobra EV. Trevor’s best time this year was 1:54.435.

The Gunner brothers, Nick and Steve made an appearance at Knox again. Nick’s time of 2:13.372 beat Steve’s best of 2:13.762. Richard Matte driving Steve’s Porsche 944 post a best time of 2:18.080.

The FTD winner of this year’s event was Mark Uhlmann racing his Stohr WF1 up the Knox course with a very quick time of 1:39.989. Mark’s time was just 2.924 seconds off the record time set in 2007 by John Haftner with his Tui Super Vee.

In all, 12 drivers posted times under 2 minutes and a few more entries very close to that mark. It was a successful weekend of Hillclimb racing I think all would agree. – Jim Moody

 

The full results are available on the event web site (here) and the event Facebook page (here) has more photos and an onboard video of the fastest time of the day by Mark Uhlmann.

Check out more of Jim Moody’s photos below!

(more…)

May 17, 2022

It was definitely ‘Volvo-friendly’ weather on Sunday. Ian Wood (1969 Volvo 124S) and Robin Strachan (1968 Volvo 122S) shown negotiating a soggy Turn 5 in their Swedish Steel Specials. – Brent Martin photos

Posted: May 17, 2022

The second races of the 2022 VRCBC’s Vintage racing season took place on Sunday, May 15th at the Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit. (If you haven’t already heard, that is the brand new name for our long time home, the Road Course at Mission Raceway Park.) This was the second event of the VRCBC’s very own IWE-REVS points series for 2022.

The Vintage races were just part of a full weekend of road racing organized by the Sports Car Club of BC (SCCBC) and sanctioned by the Confederation of Autosport Car Clubs (CACC). The weather was not very cooperative (unless you enjoy ‘liquid sunshine’) but road racing goes ahead ‘rain or shine’!

Thanks (as always) to Brent Martin for some photos (see below) of the action during the morning practice session. All of Brent’s many photos are available on his website (here). Make sure to check them out and order at least one of yourself (or your favourite ‘hero’ driver if that’s not you) in action!

The complete results for the weekend, including those for Vintage, are available on the SCCBC web site (here). The next races at the Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit are scheduled for the June 11-12 weekend. See you there!

(more…)

April 26, 2022

Once again, Brent Martin captures the torrid Vintage action! John Elliott (’69 MGB) closes in on Ryan O’Connor (’85 Camaro) through Mission’s Turn 5, shrewdly setting him up for a pass – or perhaps just some bump-drafting – along the straight between Turns 6 and 7 …. or maybe not!

Posted: April 26, 2022

The 2022 VRCBC’s Vintage racing season got underway on Sunday, April 24th at the Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit. (If you haven’t already heard, that is the brand new name for our long time home, the Road Course at Mission Raceway Park.) This was the first event of the VRCBC’s very own IWE-REVS points series for 2022.

The Vintage races were just part of a full weekend of road racing organized by the Sports Car Club of BC (SCCBC) and sanctioned by the Confederation of Autosport Car Clubs (CACC). The weather was excellent for racing and thanks (as always) to Brent Martin, we have some great photos (see below) of the action. All of Brent’s photos of the full weekend will soon be available on his website (here). Make sure to check them out and order at least one of yourself (or your favourite ‘hero’ driver) in action!

The complete results for the weekend, including those for Vintage, are available on the SCCBC web site (here). The next races at the Speed-Fanatics Motorsport Circuit are scheduled for the May 14-15 weekend. See you there!

March 13, 2022

The pack enters Mission’s Turn 2 at the 2018 BCHMR. – Brent Martin photo

Posted: March 13, 2022

The VRCBC is very pleased to announce that entrant registration for the 2022 BCHMR has just been opened on MotorsportReg.com. Just click here to get your race entry in now!

We are now finalizing the plans for the return of this favourite motorsport event after being forced to cancel for two long years. The BCHMR has its own website (here). The most recent information and contacts will always be updated there. Check back often.

We look forward to seeing you at the track on the August 6th – 7th weekend!

January 21, 2022

Paul Haym is ALWAYS ready to go at the start of every season – are you? – Brent Martin photo

Posted: January 21, 2022

The race schedule for the 2022 season at the Road Course at Mission Raceway Park is now confirmed; at least it is as confirmed as possible in these days of pandemics and shutdowns at short notice. The VRCBC’s finest – plus some of our closest friends – expect to be racing on the Sundays of the SCCBC weekends as always, as well as at our very own BC Historic Motor Races during the August 6-7 weekend.

The current schedules are posted here. Everything is of course subject to change, so be sure to check back often. See you at the track!

October 13, 2021

Some of the action during the last Vintage races of the 2021 season. Note Dennis Repel (#79) attempting to use his Pace Car Driver expertise -waving an open door – to intimidate Ian Wood (white Volvo) and Bart Pickles (#769 Datsun), and the red hot discs on Robin Strachan’s Volvo (#122). – photos courtesy of Brent Martin

Posted: October 13, 2021

This past weekend saw the fifth – and final – CACC-sanctioned race meeting at the Mission Raceway Park Road Course for 2021.

The organizing club, the SCCBC had its usual full schedule of practice, qualifying and racing sessions for Open Wheel and Closed Wheel classes on both Saturday and Sunday. The Vintage racers were out on the Sunday for our REVS series. The full results are available on the SCCBC website (here).

Our thanks to Brent Martin for the photos in the above ‘collage’ and also below. All of his excellent (as always) photos of the full weekend will soon be available on his website (here). Make sure to check them out and order at least one of yourself (or your favourite ‘hero’ driver) in action! You can download a high resolution image for only $10.99!

See you at the track next season!

(more…)

September 20, 2021

And the ground shook! VRCBC racing legend (and current director) Alan Donaldson reliving former glories, leading the thundering pack into the first turn. – Brent Martin photo

Posted: September 21, 2021

Wire wheels and wood rimmed steering wheels were the style over the CACC September 18th – 19th race weekend at the Road Course at Mission Raceway Park. The SCCBC was honouring its most senior member, Paul Lautard who was celebrating his 99th year! Paul used to race an MG TC many years ago, so some local MG enthusiasts brought out their classics to put on display in the Paddock and to also do some parade laps.

The MG TCs. TDs and TFs are generally credited with leading the rapid growth of sports cars in post war North America. They might look pretty antiquated to modern eyes but they were a lot of fun ‘back in the day’ and they still are! Thanks as always to Brent Martin for the great photos (below).

(more…)

September 20, 2021

Posted: September 21, 2021

This past weekend saw the fourth CACC-sanctioned race meeting at the Mission Raceway Park Road Course for 2021.

The organizing club, the SCCBC had its usual full schedule of practice, qualifying and racing sessions for Open Wheel and Closed Wheel classes on both Saturday and Sunday. The Vintage racers were out on the Sunday for our REVS series. The full results are available on the SCCBC website (here).

Our thanks to Brent Martin for the photos in the above ‘collage’ and below. All of his excellent (as always) photos of the full weekend will soon be available on his website (here). Make sure to check them out and order at least one of yourself (or your favourite ‘hero’ driver) in action!

The Vintage racers will be back on track during the CACC #5 race weekend on October 9th and 10th.

See you at the track for this, the last event of the season!

(more…)

September 5, 2021

Posted: September 7, 2021

This past weekend saw the third CACC-sanctioned race meeting at the Mission Raceway Park Road Course for 2021.

The organizing club, the SCCBC had its usual full schedule of practice, qualifying and racing sessions for Open Wheel and Closed Wheel classes on both Saturday and Sunday. The Vintage racers were out on the Sunday for our REVS series. The full results are available on the SCCBC website (here).

Our thanks to Brent Martin for the photos. All of his excellent (as always) photos of the full weekend will soon be available on his website (here). Make sure to check them out and order at least one of yourself (or your favourite ‘hero’ driver) in action!

The Vintage racers will be back on track during the CACC #4 race weekend on September 18th and 19th.

See you at the track!

July 27, 2021

Vintage racers in action on Sunday, July 25th. Variety of cars is the spice of Vintage racing life! It was hot and not just the action on the track! – Brent Martin photos

Posted: July 27, 2021

This past weekend saw the second CACC-sanctioned race meeting at the Mission Raceway Park Road Course for 2021. It was great to welcome spectators back! The weather was almost perfect – it was a little warm though!

The organizing club, the SCCBC had its usual full schedule of practice, qualifying and racing sessions for Open Wheel and Closed Wheel classes on both Saturday and Sunday. The Vintage racers were out on the Sunday for our REVS series. The full results are available on the SCCBC website (here).

Our thanks to Brent Martin for the photos. All of his excellent (as always) photos of the full weekend will soon be available on his website (here). Make sure to check them out and order at least one of yourself (or your favourite ‘hero’ driver) in action!

The Vintage racers will be back on track during the CACC #3 race weekend on September 18th and 19th. However, there will be more great road racing action at Mission before that. The ICSCC (‘Conference’) will be holding its big annual event at the track over the Labour Day weekend. See the SCCBC website (here) for more information as the date approaches.

See you at the track!

 

July 9, 2021

See you at the 2022 BCHMR! – Brent Martin photo

Posted: July 9, 2021

It is with great sadness and frustration that the VRCBC had to cancel the BCHMR for 2021. The Club thanks all those racers and volunteers who did register with a special thank you to our friends from SOVREN who supported us once again. However, we didn’t get the required absolute minimum 40 Canadian entrants we needed to make a go of it.

The BCHMR committee ultimately felt we would be better off keeping our ‘war chest’ intact to put on a bigger and better show next year, when we can get all our ducks in a row, and adequately advertise our event without worry about conforming to COVID protocols and possible uncertain restrictions.

June 12, 2021

Vintage racers in action on Sunday, June 13th. It was a little damp but there was lots of good racing and good fun. – Brent Martin photos

Updated: June 13, 2021

This weekend saw the first CACC-sanctioned race meeting at the Mission Raceway Park Road Course for 2021. The organizing club, the SCCBC had its usual full schedule of practice, qualifying and racing sessions for Open Wheel and Closed Wheel classes on both Saturday and Sunday. The Vintage racers were out on Sunday. The full results are available on the SCCBC website (here).

Our thanks to Brent Martin for the photos. All of his excellent (as always) photos of the full weekend will soon be available on his website (here). Make sure to check them out and order one of yourself (or your favourite ‘hero’ driver) in action!

Unfortunately, no spectators were permitted this weekend because of the current Covid restrictions. However, we are all hopeful that this situation will improve as the summer proceeds and we will see you at the track!

April 17, 2021

The word is out! VRCBC members are coming from every direction to participate in the new Member Benefits Program for 2021! – Brent Martin photos

Updated: May 21, 2021

The VRCBC has announced an exciting new Member Benefits Program for 2021. Club members will be able to take advantage of discounts and other benefits from many companies who support Vintage racing and motorsport in general.

 

Update: Lordco Auto Parts has just joined the MBP, offering current VRCBC members discounts of up to 30% on various product purchases!

 

Check out the latest information under the ‘The VRCBC‘ menu above or just click here to go directly to the page.

There has never been a better time to join the VRCBC!

December 17, 2020

Frank Micucci of Driver’s Edge Autosport draws the winning name and the winner ‘Rocket Ralphie’ Zbarsky shows off the goodies he chose from Frank’s wide selection of motorsport products.

Updated: December 18, 2020

Last month the Club distributed an online questionnaire to a large number of current and previous members, BCHMR entrants, and other friends and associates. The objective of this survey was to gather data and opinions that would help the incoming 2021 executive make improvements to the Club’s future racing events and organization in general. The overall response was very gratifying. Our survey team then prepared a report (PDF here), which consolidates the results and also summarizes their conclusions from them.

 

As a thank you for those responding to the survey, the Club offered free entry to a draw for a $100 gift certificate at our long time supporter, Driver’s Edge Autosport . Frank Micucci of Driver’s Edge drew the winner’s name  – veteran Vintage racer Ralph (aka Rocket Ralphie) Zbarsky. Ralph recently picked up a bundle of goodies at Driver’s Edge.

 

Thanks to everyone who participated and to the Club members who initiated and organized this survey.

October 21, 2020

Goodwood Speed Week Home Page – image courtesy Goodwood

Posted: October 21, 2020

Each of the historic events at the legendary Goodwood circuit in England are a ‘must see’ for Vintage racing enthusiasts. The recent SpeedWeek was no exception; there were great cars, great racing and new records set. Click here to go to their home page and choose from the various video highlights.

Enjoy!

October 11, 2020

Geoff Tupholme ( ’73 Mini) shifts some leaves as he blasts past the tense battle between Paul Haym (’69 Datsun 510) and Phil Pidcock (’65 Triumph Spitfire) during the ‘That’s Fall Folks!’ event on September 27th. – Brent Martin photo

Posted: October 11, 2020

The SCCBC held their third and final CACC-sanctioned race weekend (‘That’s Fall Folks!) of this very unusual season at the Mission Raceway Park road course on September 26th – 27th.. There was an excellent Vintage grid on the Sunday and some great battles throughout the field. It was an enjoyable (well, for almost everybody) way to close out this very unusual season. The complete results for the weekend are posted on the SCCBC web site (here). And as always, thanks to Brent Martin for the photos (see below) of the action.

Let’s all hope for a return to something ‘reasonably normal’ for the 2021 season. In the meantime, stay tuned for updates until then.

(more…)

August 27, 2020

Gunther Ruppel’s 1960 Austin Healey ‘Bugeye’ Sprite leads the charge at the ‘August Heats’! – Brent Martin photo

Posted: August 27, 2020

The SCCBC held their second CACC-sanctioned race weekend (‘August Heats’) of this very unusual season at the Mission Raceway Park road course on August 22nd – 23rd. Our regular Vintage racers were joined by several ‘special guests’ on the Sunday. There were some excellent battles and everyone had a lot of fun – which is what Vintage racing is really all about. The complete results for the weekend are posted on the SCCBC web site (here). And as always, thanks to Brent Martin for the photos (see below) of the action.

Registration for the next (and last scheduled) SCCBC / CACC race weekend (‘That’s Fall Folks’) is already open. Check the Schedule page on the SCCBC web site (here) for full information.

(more…)

July 29, 2020

Haym International Racing team owner and lead driver Paul Haym watches ‘thoughtfully’ as his latest recruit Keith (‘Smokie’) Robinson installs one of his (in)famous go-faster coat hanger mods on the team’s trusty Datsun 510. – Brent Martin photo

Posted: July 29, 2020

Finally! The SCCBC held their first CACC-sanctioned race weekend of this very unusual season at the Mission Raceway Park road course on July 25th-26th. The Vintage racers hit the track on the Sunday. Some cars were  ‘attacked’ by the Vintage racing gremlins, but there was also some excellent on-track battles. In spite of the heat, the mosquitoes and the (now familiar to us all) COVID protocol requirements, it was good to get back to the track. Hopefully, the next event scheduled for the August 22nd-23rd weekend will also get the green flag.

The complete results for the weekend are posted on the SCCBC web site (here). And as always, thanks to Brent Martin for the photos (see below) of the action.

(more…)

May 6, 2020

Well known Mission Raceway Park ‘track groupie’ Keith Robinson completes his final check on the Green Flag before the first CACC/SCCBC race weekend of the 2020 season. His report? – It works perfectly! – Brent Martin photo

 

Updated: July 24, 2020

The first race weekend of this very unusual season will be this coming July 25th-26th weekend. Unfortunately, due to the necessary restrictions that we are now all too familiar with, the number of entrants and crew has had to be limited and there will be no spectators allowed.  However, the weather forecast is good and everyone entered is looking forward to getting back into action after all this time.

Remember to keep checking the Schedule page (here) on the SCCBC web site for the current status of the remaining 2020 road racing season at Mission. Take care and we hope to see everybody at the track soon.

October 11, 2018

Larry Sandham bends his Mini Vauxhall around a turn at the Knox Mountain Hill Climb in Kelowna earlier this year; no doubt practicing for Maryhill! – Jim Moody photo

Posted: October 11, 2018

VRCBC member Larry Sandham took his well-known Mini Vauxhall down to the Maryhill Hill Climb in Goldendale Washington over the October 6-7 weekend. The Maryhill Hill Climb is no pushover; this is what our friends in the SOVREN vintage racing club say about it:

“It’s a unique experience for any motorsports enthusiast, as very few hill climb events are still available anywhere in the world. Driving it at speed is a dizzying ascension not for the faint of heart, with long drop-offs just a few feet away all the way to the top.”

This is what Larry had to report:

“Unfortunately, only 19 cars took part in this year’s event, which was down a little on the usual 30 to 40 but a good time was had by all nevertheless. The cooler than normal temperatures kept the times down a bit but I still managed to get a fourth overall despite having the wrong gearing in the car. The event even includes the opportunity to drive your racing car down the public highway to a car show at the Maryhill Museum on the Saturday, which is always a lot of fun. Heck, where else do you get to do that! No helmet, no insurance, no muffler and a ‘liberal’ speed limit make for a fun drive.”

You can watch Larry pretend to be Don Quixote charging the windmills in this short video.

Larry even took some time out from looking for windmills to take a few photos of some of the other interesting cars at the event. Thanks Larry; we look forward to your 2019 report!

September 17, 2018

Not the ideal car for the conditions! Kiwi Bishop muscles his ’89 Chevy Camaro around a soaking Turn 5. – Brent Martin photo

Posted: September 17, 2018

The streaming wet conditions kept many racers away from the REVS races during the SCCBC / CACC September 15th-16th weekend at the Mission Raceway Park Road Course. But, unlike many other forms of motorsport, road racing always goes ahead ‘rain or shine’!

The overall results for the weekend are available on the Results page (here) of the SCCBC web site. The indefatigable Brent Martin was also there braving Mother Nature, and has provided us with the following photos.

(more…)