Drag-racing clinic offered at Gimli track

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/08/2009 (6236 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With summer comes cruising, car shows and other motorsport activities. Unfortunately it also brings out street racers. While getting out to the shows and events can be some of the most enjoyable days of the season, street racing continues to pose a deadly threat not only to the participants, but to innocent bystanders as well. Laws recently enacted against street racing including Bill C-19 amending the federal Criminal Code and a tougher Manitoba Highway Traffic Act have resulted in several convictions. Continued vigilance by the Winnipeg Police Service it still hasn’t stopped the illegal activity.

Local auto enthusiast Dale Hickey, has long advocated safety and responsible cruising on Winnipeg streets and he’s teamed up with the Drag Racers’ Association of Manitoba (DRAM) and Gimli Dragway for a free Drag Race Clinic. "I feel that it is high time to educate the general public about the presence of controlled and safety regulated racing which is, in my opinion, a major solution to street racing," says Hickey. "Make them aware that there is a safe and legal alternative to street racing."

The clinic will be divided up into two sessions, with a one-day classroom introduction covering all aspects of drag racing, followed by a day at Gimli Dragways for an on-the-track experience. A similar course on road racing was offered earlier this year by the Winnipeg Sports Car Club which was booked solid with participants, indicating there are enthusiasts out there who are interested in learning to compete legally at a safe venue.

In the Winnipeg area automotive racing is a growing sport and all of the racing facilities and racers who use them, have long been very open to newcomers as participants or spectators. All ages and genders can participate as indicated by the number of accomplished female drag racers and the junior dragster program DRAM runs continues to bring youngsters and family together at the track. Racing at a sanctioned facility is not only just a great form of entertainment it also carries the growing side benefit of safer streets

Currently the Drag Racers Association of Manitoba has 36 students enrolled in the two-day free course. The classroom component will be held at Canad Inns, Garden City on Wednesday, Aug. 26 and the on-track instruction will take place on Saturday, September 5th. With Gimli’s track offering traction far superior to any local street and a quarter-mile surface as flat as a billiard table, it’s the perfect place to accurately assess your vehicle and your capabilities as a driver. For further information or to register for the clinic, contact Hickey at 795-1931 or e-mail dalex@shaw.ca