Here in the United States, we’re plenty accustomed to racetracks that feature the latest in safety measures and technology, from laser-leveled racing surfaces to solid concrete guardrails, safety nets, and the like. And for our neighbors to the north, many of their tracks – by they of NHRA or IHRA sanction – boast many of these same features. But seeing a facility that lacks modern amenities makes you truly appreciate what you have.
And we just happened across a couple of racetracks located north of the border that lack a few things that other tracks have had for, well, the last fifty years. Both of these tracks – The Alberni Valley Drag Race Association in Port Alberni, BC and the North Island Timing Association in Port McNeill, BC – feature, of all things, wooden logs lined down the racetrack for guardrails.
Both tracks operate under rules and regulations as defined by the NHRA, although neither is officially sanctioned by any major governing organization.
Interestingly, the Port Alberni track features manually-operated burnout shields (as in, they hold them by hand) and a timing tower made from an old semi trailer, along with what appears to be a gravel and/or dirt return road that runs alongside the log guardrails.
Despite the primitive means both tracks operate under however, each appear to have a quite healthy number and variance of competitors, with everything from late model foreign and domestic muscle cars to full-on racing machines.
Just like in the old days, hot rodders in these regions don’t need all the bells and whistles; just a flat and straight strip of pavement that isn’t a public road to get their jollies and satisfy their craving for competition. But hey, the bells and whistles don’t hurt.
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