Guests participate in a track walk during a past edition of the Race of Champions motorcycle event.

Guests participate in a track walk during a past edition of the Race of Champions motorcycle event.

Race of Champions returns to Mission

Annual motorcycle spectacular back in town July 28 to 30

The Westwood Motorcycle Racing Club is once again returning to the Mission Raceway.

Like they have every year since 2001, the Coquitlam-based club is set to take over the raceway from July 28 to 30 for the Race of Champions event and is inviting the public to take in the action.

Opening day on July 28 sees an open track day for the public. Anyone with a class six motorcycle licence can learn what it’s like to practise on a real track. The WMRC’s race school also occurs on that day. Racers then hit the course for a practice run.

The following day is a special one for the club and some lucky youth from the B.C. Children’s Hospital. The Racing for the Kids event sees the club host a group of kids from the BCCH and the Starlight Foundation. Selected youth get to spend the entire day at the track, including participating in a track walk, lunch and then taking in the races for that day.

“This is an annual event and always enjoyed by all,” stated WMRC president Jason Hanson. “All kids and their caregivers are welcome; the more the merrier.”

It’s the seventh annual Track Walk this year, and its hosted by racer Bernie Ryan. The free event is open to all kids, and those attending receive inside track knowledge and the chance to watch a demonstration lap up close.

The racing continues on July 29, with Kawasaki Ninja 250/300s, Yamaha R3s, KTM 390s, Honda CBR 250 and 300s and Suzuki GSXR 250s all hitting the track.

Results from both days will be tabulated, with $3,000 in prize money up for grabs.

For more information on the club, visit wmrc.ca.

Mission City Record