Speedway to start its engines

Photo: Mike Biden

The Penticton Speedway will be back up and running for the season this coming weekend, and this year is special because it's their 50th anniversary.

"Every race weekend is a special event," said Johnny Aantjes, Penticton Speedway owner.  "We have Flying Destruction and/or Eve of Destruction events every weekend."

The season kicks off Sunday, April 28 with hornets, hit-to-pass and street stocks.

"Typically I tell people to bring layers of clothing, because Sunday afternoons these days sometime get a little cooler quick," Aantjes said

It's a good chance to see some racing before the crowds really ramp up. 

"The shoulder seasons both early and late are always a little bit less," "But we'll have a good crowd especially if the weather's nice, and they will continue to build up."

All the drivers have been chomping at the bit to get back on the track. 

"Every year at this point it's the same thing, we've had all winter to get our cars ready and now people are scrambling in the last few weeks to make the final changes, I've had a flurry of activity at the race track," Aantjes said. "We'll have a good first day for sure."

Other attractions coming a little later this year include a petting farm opening in June, trail rides on the Speedway horses, and go karts – both starting in July. 

For information on tickets and a full season calendar, click here.