The Lordco BC Nationals is one of four premier events at Mission Raceway Park this year, and takes place this weekend.
This is the largest National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) event in Canada and fans can expect to see as many as 350 race cars entered from all over the west coast of North America. All three west coast states will have representatives, as well as Montana, Idaho, Arizona and Nevada. Beside the B.C. competitors, you will see drivers from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, all battling for the $85,000 purse and contingency money and the season ending $560,000 Lucas Oil points fund.
Top alcohol dragster (TAD) and funny car are the two feature classes at the event. The cars produce in excess of 3,500 horsepower and can reach speeds in excess of 270 mph. Both classes will qualify on Friday and Saturday, while final eliminations will run starting at noon on Sunday.
Expected to compete in the dragster class is Chilliwack’s Hugh Ridley’s blown alcohol dragster (BAD for short) driven by Alaska’s Spencer (Ray) Martin.
He won in Phoenix earlier this year. Multi-time Mission winner Joey Severance from Oregon will be one of the favourites again this year. His BAD has gone the quarter-mile as quick as 5.28 seconds at 270mph. Don St. Arnaud from Edmonton will be back after a year layoff from Mission.
He drives one of the nitromethane powered TADs and is a multi-time finalist in the class. Other drivers competing include Edmonton’s Greg Sereda, Oregon’s Jeff Ashwell and California’s Garrett Bateman.
The top alcohol funny car title will be hotly contested with no less than three or four previous Mission winners in attendance. Defending champion Steve Gasparelli will be back to defend his title and is looking for a three-peat.
Three-time Mission winner Clint Thompson will try and regain his 2010 and earlier form. Brian Hough, six-time Division 6 class champion is always one to watch, as well as John Evanchuk and Jirka Kaplan will be tough, as well as three or four other drivers entered.
Comp eliminator, top sportsman, top dragster, wheel-standing super stocks and stock, super comp, super gas, super street and motorcycle are the other classes in competition.
This Thursday is a test day and is open to the public ($10). Friday ($15) and Saturday ($25) is when actual qualifying, record and time run take place. Sunday ($25) is elimination day.
You can buy a four-day pass for $60. Kids under 12 are free.
Go to missionraceway.com for more information.