Track days are back at Raceway Park

It’s not just the scent of lavender and cherry blossoms that signify a change of season; it’s also marked by the aroma of hot engines and burnt rubber. Spring marks the start of the B.C. racing season, which kicks off with the Confederation of Autosport Car Clubs (CACC) opening races at Mission Raceway Park. The Raceway—home of the Speed Fanatics, a Fraser Valley and Vancouver-based racing group—has a drag racing strip, autocross field, and the Speed Fanatics Motorsport Circuit: a full 2 km, nine-turn road course.

On the weekend of April 29 and 30, drivers of varying skill in cars of all types raced through the quick straights and technical corners of the circuit. Most overtakes occurred at Turn 1, as Turn 2 (a corner named after B.C. racer Greg Moore who died in 1999 during an IndyCar competition) is a challenging one for drivers. With a short straight heading into the turn, drivers risk losing the racing line and surrendering track position coming exiting the corner if they go in too hot. Drivers then have to contend with the technical Turn 3 hairpin and Cascade Corners chicane, before the G-forces of Turn 9’s wide arc lets them reclaim speed down the home straight.

The races, held the last weekend of April, featured two types of cars: open-wheel and closed-wheel, that competed in multiple races throughout the weekend. Both days held morning qualifying races to determine the starting grids for each category. Saturday’s fastest drivers made it through to Sunday to battle for wins and lap time bragging rights.

The Speed Fanatics were testing out their newer drivers and cars, as well as their Formula 4 cars. Aaron Robins from the Formula Vee Pacific Cup Challenge made an appearance, but a mechanical issue cost him a spot in his final race.

The stand-out driver was Naz Degan in her number 022 Lamborghini, who had the best lap time in the final closedwheel race with a 1:15.232, despite spinning out at Turn 8. Brett Payne in his number 72 silver Porsche Carrera won the vintage car races with a lap time of 1:18.560.

The next major racing event is the B.C. Historic car races and accompanying Field of Dreams car show on May 13 and 14. Additionally, the next CACC races will be held on May 27. Both events will be hosted at Mission Raceway.

Oh, what a night indeed my friends. On Thursday night of April 27, UFV’s Pride Collective hosted Queer Prom, and I attended. The event gave students at UFV (and their non-student plus-ones) a chance to experience a prom as their authentic selves in an inclusive and supportive environment. Having never been to prom myself, I can’t compare this night’s events with any baselines or preconceptions of my own. But after talking to many who attended, I must conclude that the goal of creating an inclusive environment for all who attended was an absolute success—and an unprecedented experience, for most previous prom participants.

The Pride Collective hosted this event with considerations I have never witnessed at any event before. They had a flower crown making station to help break the ice. They had a rainbow sensory station for any who felt overwhelmed by the noise and lights, with scented and textured items for all who needed or wanted to stimulate other senses. They had a phone charging station for any to use; they had pins at the door for those who wished to identify their pronouns; and, the one that hit me on a personal level— when I commented that I was getting a headache, they offered me access to a dark quiet room so that I might recharge. The inclusivity I witnessed this night was on such display that I encourage any student body hosting future events to consider Queer Prom as a model.

The theme of Queer Prom was “Spring Flowers and Rainbow Showers” with a formal dress code; although, I showed up in cargo pants, a band tee, blazer, and battle jacket, and no one batted an eye—let alone turned me away. I have mentioned the flower crown making area, so now let me tell you about the photo booth, backdrop, decorations, and food. There was a hanging frame within a canopy of hundreds of beads, jewelry, and fabric work. To the side stood a table full of props on sticks, and large flowered letters spelling out P-R-O-M for any to adorn their pictures; there was a more formal golden and glittering backdrop for those who wanted it as well.

The decorations, as any could expect, were rainbow; from table runners to banners that gave the message “It’s a magical day,” rainbows were everywhere. As they were setting up I even witnessed a few people organising the drinks in as close to the “ROYGBIV” pattern as they could. Pop, bubly, and water were available free of charge, and there was also a pizzalined station with food-considerate labels for all dietary restrictions.

The overall vibes that flew that night were organic and fluid; as I first entered, I made my way to the flower crown station, just to “up” my look a tad. As I worked hot glue, others around me sat at tables talking with friends and making new acquaintances in a soft purr of laughter and conversation. Soon, it was time to eat the pizza and tables shifted as people sat with groups of friends, old and new. The music was chill and soft. I silently admired all the poofy dresses; giant skirts of tulle of all colours, floating around.

But then, “Holding Out for a Hero” came on as most finished their ‘Za, beckoning the first dancers to the floor. The energy of the room quickened as more joined the festivity. Like any high school movie I’ve seen, this prom had mildly choreographed dancing, welltimed slow numbers, and MC’d breaks for everyone to catch their breaths.

The big highlight of the night was the drag show. Some were making their debut, and with professionals to guide them, had everyone in the room hyped and mesmerised. Hands were clapping, toes were tapping, and cheers, woos, and krrrs were exclaimed!

After talking to almost all the tables, the consensus I got from the room as a whole was that prom or no prom, inclusive social events such as this one are needed. The collegiate experience should not be restrictive, and should be more than just going to classes. It should be for all, it should be fun, and it should be magical; this event was all of those things and more. It was not only a “magical day,” but a magical night as well. Oh, what a night it was.