Get ready to rumble!
Drag racing enthusiasts won’t want to miss the North Island Timing Association’s summer series that promises to provide a million thrills a minute.
On June 20-21 the annual Rumble on the Runway will be taking place at the Port McNeill Airport. The race is one of three scheduled for this summer. The others will be held July 18-19 and Aug. 22-23.
“Each race day we typically see 50 to 75 cars,” said Acting President Chris Sharpe, with about 15 from the North island and the remaining vehicles from Campbell River, Courtenay, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Duncan, Shawnigan Lake, Victoria, Port Alberni, Tofino and Powell River.
There are typically three classes of car at the event: Sportsman (street cars/mini vans): Pro which is a faster car, some street cars, but mostly dedicated race cars; and Super Pro, which is basically the same as Pro class, but uses “electronics” in engine/transmission control.
The Rumble on the Runway began in 2008, Sharpe said, when “a couple guys were looking to promote the sport and bring a new influx of people to the North Island.”
North Island Timing Association is the only drag racing association on Vancouver Island that runs three large 1/8 mile bracket races every race season. Port Alberni also has a 1/4 mile track also at a airport, but it is only raced on one weekend per year.
“We’re excited to have a actual 1/8 mile track that is recognized by the National Hot Rod Association,” said Sharpe.
Spectator admission is $5 per person at the gate and there is a concession on site for breakfast and lunch.