Following participation in the noise testing recently at the Campbell River Airport for a proposed new race track, the local Schulte Racing Team (SRT) moved its race operation May 13 to Mission Raceway Park to compete in the season opener with the Canada West Doorslammers.
This eight-race series is held in Mission, but in the future could include Campbell River on its schedule should a track be built here.
Unfortunately, the Saturday Qualifying runs were cancelled due to rain. Sunday’s wet weather forecast caused many Lower Mainland racers to stay home, oddly enough leaving the Doorslammer class dominated by Vancouver Island drag race teams on race day, including Campbell River’s other Doorslammer team and 2016 Champion, Lance Racing. It never rained on Sunday.
Only one Qualifying session was held on Sunday due to a horrific crash involving a fellow Doorslammer racer. Having only the one test run after a long winter made it difficult for all cars, especially having to deal with a less than optimal track surface.
Otto and Leslie Schulte’s 1,200 horsepower ’05 RJ Racecars Cavalier performed flawlessly despite the conditions, and ended up in the winner’s circle. Otto said the second round of eliminations proved to be the most challenging against Salmon Arm’s Ken Christensen.
“Ken beat me once last year, but I was ready for him this year. I had a better reaction time on the starting line which stacked the odds in my favour,” Otto said. “I pushed him out and let him take the stripe causing him to breakout.”
