Do you remember the Thunder in the Valley Drag Races?
Souped-up cars roaring down Stamp Avenue at top speeds while the crowds went wild?
The last real race happened back in 2018. And while the competition won’t be back this year, Alberni Valley drag racers aren’t giving up.
They’ve got bigger plans than just using Stamp Avenue. They’re fundraising for a facility that could host races year round!
And that’s where your weekend comes into play.
While the races are a no-go for now, Alberni Valley Drag Racing Association (AVDRA) has still planned some fun events to get folks out of the house and excited for where Alberni racing is headed.
AVDRA says the weekend events are about “Keeping the Dream Alive.” They’ve planned a weekend filled with delicious food trucks, funky vendors, and amazing classic cars.
Saturday will start off strong with a car show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alberni Athletic Hall. Registration for the show is $20, and proceeds go back into getting a dedicated drag race facility in the Valley.
That’s followed up by a smooth cruise around town so you can really see the cars shine. The cruise starts at the Athletic Hall at 6:30 p.m. and finishes at Boston Pizza. To pre-register for the cruise, see Deb Haggerty at Speedy Glass (3599 Third Avenue) or email her at avdracruise@gmail.com.
Deb Haggerty is the treasurer for AVDRA. “We’re expecting 150 to 200 cars for the cruise,” she told Alberni Valley News. “Last year’s cruise had almost 200 cars, and that was in the rain!”
Then on Sunday, they’ve scheduled a swap meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Folks interested in being vendors can email avdra.siteprep@hotmail.com or call 250-723-7562.
“We’re not giving up,” said Haggerty. “We’re coming back. Hopefully, in a year or two, we’ll be back racing somewhere permanent.”
It’ll be good to hear those engines roar again. But till then, let’s cruise!
