Once again North Cariboo Mud Racers Association held their 21st annual Billy Barker Day Mud Races this past weekend. Racer’s came from all over the province to this sanctioned event to put on a show that had mud flying and ears plugged.
New and old racers alike were impressed with the track conditions. It took a lot of preparation by volunteers and a lot of water to keep the track muddy during the scorching heat wave that drivers, pit crew and spectators endured.
Quesnel racer, Tyler Lefebvre was the youngest racer this weekend, racing in the A Class. Age 14, he raced ‘Rebel Child’, a modified Land Cruiser with a 460 gas engine that he and his dad and friend Bob built. His first race was a few weeks ago in Merritt. However, just before the Quesnel race, Ty ran into some distributor problems which put him out of racing on Saturday. He came back to race on Sunday only to bend a piston.
Despite mechanical issues, I asked Ty what he thought of our track conditions, “They were great” he said, adding, “I’m going to the next race in Valmont on the August long weekend.”
Lefebvre’s sister Victoria also took in some mud racing in the Powder Puff class taking first place for the women.
Previous racer and president of the NCMRA, Ken MacDonald also raced in the A class with his new mud bogger “Not Quite Rite” taking 4th place over all. Bob Diewold had a successful race taking a second place trophy. He raced ‘All Mucked Up’ a 79 Ford 3/4 ton with a big block Ford gas engine. When asked what his goals for mud racing are, Bob replied, “To beat Mud Springer from Chilliwack and to complete the mud racing circut.”
Street Class brought out 28 racers from Quesnel and Prince George all willing to get dirty. Members Clinton Crossman driving for Fountain Tire Racing took sixth overall, with Gerald Plischke racing ‘Butt Ugly’ following close behind finishing seventh.
It was a great weekend with great weather and fun had by all. NCMRA plans on putting on a fun race at the Quesnel track this fall. For any inquiries, call Ken at 250-992-5664.
–Submitted by Gerri Sheperd
