Agassiz Speedway’s 2011 racing season opened last weekend with thrilling action in five classes. Local hornet driver Robert Adams is providing exclusive coverage in the Chilliwack Progress and has a full report.
Before any racing started, an enthusiastic but chilled crowd was treated to some excellent entertainment. Most of the cars lined up on the straightaway with the crowds coming down to view the cars and talk with the drivers.
The children, with autograph papers in hand, were wide eyed and thrilled to be able to sit in a real race car.
In addition, local band Hot Rod Gurl played several songs, covering songs from 1970’s classic rock up to current hits.
Once racing started, Aaron Willison’s No. 41 Nissan 240 swept the night in the Mini-stocks.
Ben Denis and Tyler Thomas battled for the lead through nine laps until Willison charged past, followed by Nick Hastie, Wayne Goodwin and Norm Hillert. Brent Roher was making a strong push until his engine expired on lap 10 and Goodwin fell out on lap 22, leaving Hastie to try to overtake Willison but fell short.
The Midgets race split into two packs with Troy Globe battling Steve Hora and Abbotsford’s Billy Bell (last year’s Hornet champ) trying to hold off a charge from Kris McKenzie.
McKenzie passed Bell on lap 10, and two laps later Hora collided with the outside wall, taking him out for the night.
Globe won the race off the re-start.
Dave Hemrich was victorious in the Sportsman main event. Larry Sproule led early, but Hemrich and Roy Jones made their moves on lap 10.
Bob Kuhn saved his best for last, passing Jones and John Ross, but not Hemrich, to finish second.
The tightest race was the Street Stocks, with John Chatwin taking an early lead and never looking back, holding off Cameron Graham for the checkered flag.
Keith Tourand had a rough race, with an oil-line burst sending him to the pits with huge flames flying from under his hood.
The Hornet class provided the most controversial finish, with 26 laps resulting in several damaged and written-off cars.
Kimberlee Globe hit the wall in turn two and required medical attention.
But she was OK after being stitched and stapled up.
The race ended under a yellow flag, with rookie Cameron Jones getting the unofficial win.
Results of the main race are under review, but more results are online at www.agassizspeedway.com