Video: Canadian Drag Racing With A Primitive Flare

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.

httpv://youtu.be/UadRir0e6IE

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.

httpv://youtu.be/rfPR58fz5A8

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.

httpv://youtu.be/36OOS9KsH2Y

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.