A timing system, a track, and powerful vehicles will be the constituent parts of an event that is sure to thrill this weekend. Altona Municipal Airport will host charity drag races, and this year, perhaps spectators will witness a record-breaking run.
The event is presented by Legends Car Club, a group that materialized out of an appreciation for cars in Altona in 1999. A quarter of a century later, the club, lively as ever, has as big a reputation for facilitating charity in the community as it has for its beautiful vehicles.
Alex Loewen, the president of Legends Car Club and the co-chair of the charity drag races, says that the drag races at the Altona airport are one of the only three locations in Manitoba to have this type of racing. This translates to an exciting event for spectators, and it’s all for a good cause.
“We use [the races] to fundraise for charities in the area,” says Loewen.
This year, cars coming from as far as Neepawa will be showcased. However, regardless of from where the vehicles are visiting, they all have one thing in common: speed.
“We are now dealing with well over 1000-horsepower and some of these cars . . . are going down that eighth mile in under 6 seconds,” says Loewen.
According to Loewen, the current record-holder for the races is Pete Harder, whose race time has not been broken in two years. For anyone who would like to see the records of the races (perhaps to get a sense of what one needs to do to break one), they will be posted on the Triple E timing trailer on the racing weekend.
60 cars (at most) will participate in each day of the drag races. On Saturday, time trials will run from about 10 a.m. to approximately 4:30 p.m., during which racers will pull up to the starting line and finish as quickly as possible. On Sunday, there will be time trials in the morning and bracket racing in the afternoon, which consists of vehicles separated into classes competing for trophies.
Beyond the racing excitement, the drag races will support three causes: STARS air ambulance, South Central Cancer Resource, and Genesis House. On Saturday, South Central Cancer Resource will be at the races, on Sunday, STARS will have a display there, and Genesis House will have a 50/50 on both days. The charities will split 50% of the revenue from the races, and each winner will choose to which charity their prize money will go.
For Loewen, the charity drag races have many benefits for the community.
“What a great platform to give back to our community. Especially with this event, where in my opinion, everyone wins,” he says. “We have great entertainment going on in the Pembina Valley, charities benefit. People that love cars get to come and race if they . . . want to, and then people that love cars get to come and watch.”
There will be two days of racing: August 17th and 18th. Gates open at 9 a.m. and the races begin at 10 a.m. Tickets are $10 for 13+, $5 for 6-12, and 5 and under are free. With the purchase of a ticket, pit access is free. The Bunker food truck will also be on site.
Loewen says that ear plugs will be available at the races but encourages attendees to bring ear protection for themselves and especially for children — the races get loud.
For more information or to register a car in the races, click here.
~With files Ty Hildebrand and Connie Bailey~
