BONNYVILLE - The Bonnyville Gear Grabbers hosted a high octane drag race event over the July 5 weekend. Local drivers got the chance to show off their vehicles and go head-to-head with each other down the runway at the Bonnyville Airport.
“It was a great success; the community obviously enjoys it because they keep on coming out and we have an incredible number of sponsors who have stepped up to the plate to help make sure the event is a success,” Gear Grabbers' president Greg Sawchuk said.
A show and shine on Friday kicked off an action-packed weekend where owners of all types of cars were encouraged by the organization to enter “modern muscle, rat rods, classics, antiques, imports, motorcycles, race cars and more...If you are proud of your ride, we welcome you."
“The weekend went really well. We had just over 90 racers along with the jet car as a feature car. Our dedicated team of volunteers support us each year to help make it a success,” says Director and Race Master Dan Golby.
Despite some downpours, the event staff persisted, drying the runway between rain showers.
The family friendly event drew a dedicated crowd who not only enjoyed the racing and the display of incredible cars, but the vendors, bouncy castles, and food trucks.
“The official results will be posted on our Facebook page, but I will say that the guys from Elk Point cleaned up in the sportsman class,” Golby said.
Sawchuk gives high praise to the 30 plus volunteers, and all the efforts from the MD of Bonnyville. “Logistically it’s quite a job. The MD does an amazing job of making the place almost look like Spruce Meadows.”
Anti street racing advocacy
“This year we had both Blue Line Racing Association as well as Y.I.E.L.D. Association on site. They represent Edmonton City Police and the RCMP respectively. Both organizations have the goal of keeping racing off the streets and at the track. This is one of the drivers for having our event – to give people a safe controlled environment to enjoy their cars without fear of a ticket, or worse,” Golby said.
Youth Initiatives and Education in Lifestyles and Driving (Y.I.E.L.D.) joined the event to promote safer roadways. Their slogan is “If you want to race, the street is not the place.”
Y.I.E.L.D President Gord Buck says the non-profit association is a group of emergency responders that travels around to schools and events to connect with youth in a positive way and not only educate them about the dangers of street racing, but to promote a healthy lifestyle in general.
A 2000 Chevrolet Camaro retired highway patrol car, that has been converted into a drag race car, tags along with the association. The group promotes a responsible interest in cars and racing, just not on public roads.
Buck recalls a young man who was caught street racing and given community service with the association. He enjoyed it so much he ended up staying for years past his completion of community service hours.
Y.I.E.L.D strives to “make a difference by providing guidance wherever possible by interacting with our youth in a positive manner.”
