Central Alberta Raceway continues its march towards racing prominence with a rousing Pro Mod drag race….

The multi-purpose racing facility which first opened for drag racing operations back in 2013 — and which is located pretty much half way between Edmonton and Calgary — hosted it’s largest drag race feature (so far) last weekend — when the West Coast Pro Mod  circuit paid a visit.

That group of dedicated class competitors held their 3rd of 5 scheduled season races for 2020 and it was their first ever appearance at this drag strip.

13 Canadian machines made runs during three rounds of scheduled qualifying for the 1/8th mile event.  They were paced by the speedy Corvette driven by Gary Urlacher (Spruce Grove AB) who qualified #1 with a 4.02 secs driving the popular nitrous injected “Dad’s Gone Racing” ’63.

Gary Urlacher’s fan favourite Corvette was the top qualifier.

But in the end it was Dean Bettenson’s late model Chevy Camaro which stood tall in victory lane.

Bettenson, who’s home is from right nearby (Red Deer AB), and who is the owner of Belair Power (the WCPM series presenting sponsor) defeated Regina’s Saskatchewan’s Dan Vogt in the final round.

Dean Bettenson was then quickest car on the premises during the Central Alberta Raceway’s WCPM Pro Mod Shootout.

Bettenson’s state-of-the-art RH Race Cars built Camaro, which features Pro-Line Racing engine tech, was also the quickest car over the weekend resetting the track ET record to a 3.985 secs.  He had defeated Steve Horne and Paul Glandon in earlier round competition.

Regina’s Dan Vogt scored a runner-up finish in the Pro Mod feature.

Dale Pedersen (near lane) ran fast in the former Paul Glandon Chevy Camaro – he was credited with top speed at 195.12 mph.

Next up for the WCPM series will be completion of a previously rained out event — at Castrol Raceway (Aug 8-9) — before moving on to it’s final two events of 2020 – both at Mission Raceway — Aug. 28-30 and Sep. 17-20.

For more information on the WCPM click logo below:

About Central Alberta Raceway: 

Central Alberta Raceway started off from an original highway race called the Lockhart Invitationals — which was located on a rural road and then along a Main Street within Rimbey .  This area of Alberta has always had strong and deep roots within the Hot Rod environment and community.  Because of that tradition plans were eventually drawn up to built an actual race track – due to the efforts of people like Ward Makofka, Larry Jaffray, Dale Barr, Terry Barr and a few other locals.  Ground breaking and some construction on a drag strip actually began back in 2004 but the first actual racing on the strip started in 2012. 

Funding for Central Alberta Raceways is all through donations — including local businesses, private corporations and individuals.  Over the years a great deal of assistance and support has come from the Town of Rimbey itself, the County of Ponoka and also the Rimbey Kinsmen club.

Today the track is all run by all volunteers and is a 100% non profit organization.  The track relies on donations and gate receipts to fund operations and expansions.

For more information on Central Alberta Raceway click:  HERE

Posted with files by Bruce Biegler & Don Meleshko

All Photos by Don Meleshko