Penticton

Back in the 1960's, these car club members would have met on a Friday night on a straight stretch of highway to work out their grudges at the drop of a handkerchief.

Not so in 2010.

On Sunday, October 3, the Okanagan Car Club Challenge will take place during the regularly scheduled Wine Country Racing Association (WCRA) drag race at the Richter Pass Motorplex, located at the Osoyoos airport.

“It’s one big old grudge match,” says Doug Blatchford of Oliver’s Coachmasters car club.

“Basically, we’re taking the old street-rodding grudge match and putting it onto the race track where it’s safe and legal,” says Blatchford.

Eight of Oliver’s hottest cars will be going head-to-head with the Kelowna Kustoms Car Club – which is bringing 12 racers so far – and the Okanagan Rodtiques of Penticton.

This race is composed of street-legal hot rods and custom cars, and it’s bragging rights that are on the line.

The idea has been in the making for months and the racers are excited to test their machines, reaction times and their nerves, Blatchford says.

Rand LePage, president of the Kelowna Kustoms club, says the idea developed while he and several other members were spectators at the Osoyoos drag races.

“I just got tired of guys sitting there, talking about their fast cars. I say to them, ‘Put up or shut up!’ Get off your butts and have some fun,” says LePage.

“It’s a chance for all the car enthusiasts to get out there whether they have racing experience or not.”

The WCRA will be hosting this event at the final race of the 2010 season.

Qualifying runs begin around 11:00 a.m. The elimination portion of the main event begins at 1:00 p.m.

Admission is $10, children under 12 are admitted free. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. and there is a concession stand on site at this family-friendly event.

Racing is not limited to members of the car clubs or to WCRA racers.

Anyone interested in entering a vehicle should show up when the gates open.

Link: Wine Country Racing website