By Brennan Phillips

Western News Staff

The sun was shining and only a slight chill was in the air for the Penticton Speedway’s final race in their 50th season.

“Going into this event we already had the best season to date,” said Speedway owner Johnny Aantjes. “This one took us right over the top. This was our 50th year anniversary, and we had a done of fun.”

The stands were packed full with plenty of kids in costumes, and they weren’t the only ones, as the Hit-to-Pass drivers decked out their cars for Halloween.

Alongside cars done up as the Ghostbuster’s car, and a mobile graveyard full of tombstones, Rylen Pfob took home the top prize for costuming his truck. His ‘bulldozer’ drove onto the track to the cheers of the crowd and was the instant favourite. Last year, he turned his truck into the house from the Pixar film UP, and he spared no effort in going beyond that this year.

“It was about a week’s worth of work in the evenings, spent in the shop with a buddy or two,” said Pfob. “For next year, we’ve got some ideas, but they’re secret. You’ll just have to come out and see.”

The race marked the end of the season at the track, wrapping up with a full suite of races in the hornet, street stock, and hit-to-pass categories. The grand finale was the Double Destruction, with the ramp and trailer set up for Eve of Destruction, and then the trailers added to the hit-to-pass Flying Destruction through the debris. By the end, only a couple of the cars were still moving, including season points leader Rick Digby. With full stands, it was a good way to end the year.

Corey Krickmeyer took home the top spot for the season in the hornet class, and Aantjes

“Krickmeyer did a great job all season. We were fortunate to win the championship for the street stocks,” said Aantjes. “A good friend of mine, Neil Jamieson, it’s his vehicle. He’s battling for his health a little bit right now. I can’t wait till he gets back so we can celebrate together.”

From their Flying Destructions, Eves of Destruction, drift racing, and bull-riding, the Speedway had a year filled with action, and next year is already looking to be even bigger.

“Family entertainment, Penticton needs more of it, and next year we’re gonna try add some things,” said Aantjes. “Next year we’re going to have go-karts full-time, we’re adding a petting farm, we’re going to try and get trail rides in. We’re going to have monster trucks back, we’re going to have old-time racers, maybe another late model race. Just a good, full season.”

To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.